‘Tracker’ Renewed for Season 2 at CBS, Ranks as Most-Watched New Series Since ‘Young Sheldon’ and New Drama Since ‘Empire’
‘Tracker’ Renewed for Season 2 at CBS, Ranks as Most-Watched New Series Since ‘Young Sheldon’ and New Drama Since ‘Empire’
‘Tracker’: Jon Huertas on Reuniting With Justin Hartley for Thrilling Episode
It’s a This Is Us reunion!
Jon Huertas, who starred on the NBC drama with Justin Hartley, directed the April 21 episode of Tracker, which is already a hit for CBS (and is coming back for a second season).
“It was a great episode. It really came together really well. We worked really hard on it, so I’m proud of it,” Huertas tells TV Insider. “It’s always great to work with Justin.”
After receiving a pilot production commitment in September 2021, the Justin Hartley-fronted drama The Never Game has finally been given a pilot order at CBS.
According to Deadline, the pilot had been targeted for the off-season due to Hartley’s commitment to the final season of This Is Us. The project, which is based on Jeffery Deaver’s novel, was sold last fall with Michael Cooney attached as writer. However, as Deadline reported, Cooney was recently replaced by author Ben Winters, who delivered his script to CBS last week and saw the project put on a fast track for a pilot pickup.
The Never Game revolves around Hartley’s Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist who travels the country as a “reward seeker,” using his expert tracking skills to help citizens and law enforcement to solve all manner of mysteries and crimes. At the same time, Shaw has to deal with his own fractured family.
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This Is Us alum Ken Olin is on board as director, while Hartley will executive produce alongside Winters. Julianna LaRosa and Roxy Olin also serve as co-executive producers. 20th Television is the studio.
“I couldn’t be happier that The Never Game is coming to CBS and that Colter Shaw will be brought to life on screen soon,” Hartley said previously. “When I read the book, I was immediately drawn to the character and the story; developing this project with Ken has been a true labor of love. Colter is going to kick some serious ass, and I can’t wait for audiences to meet him.”
Hartley starred as Kevin Pearson on all six seasons of the hit NBC drama This Is Us. He’s also known for his roles as Fox Crane on the NBC soap opera Passions, Oliver Queen/Green Arrow on The CW’s Smallville, and Adam Newman on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless.
After receiving a pilot production commitment in September 2021, the much-anticipated Justin Hartley-fronted drama “The Never Game” has finally been given the green light for a pilot order at CBS. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the project, which has been eagerly awaited by fans of both Hartley and the novel on which the series is based.
According to Deadline, the pilot was initially slated for off-season production due to Hartley’s commitment to the final season of the critically acclaimed series “This Is Us.” The adaptation of Jeffery Deaver’s novel had been sold in the previous fall, with Michael Cooney attached as the original writer. However, the project recently saw a change in its creative team, with author Ben Winters taking over the scriptwriting duties. Winters delivered his script to CBS last week, propelling the project onto the fast track for a pilot pickup.
“The Never Game” centers around Colter Shaw, portrayed by Hartley, a rugged survivalist who travels across the United States as a “reward seeker.” Shaw utilizes his expert tracking skills to assist citizens and law enforcement in solving a variety of mysteries and crimes. Amidst his adventures, Shaw also grapples with the complexities of his own fractured family, adding depth and personal stakes to his character’s journey.
Hartley, who is also stepping into the role of executive producer, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “I couldn’t be happier that ‘The Never Game’ is coming to CBS and that Colter Shaw will be brought to life on screen soon. When I read the book, I was immediately drawn to the character and the story; developing this project with Ken has been a true labor of love. Colter is going to kick some serious ass, and I can’t wait for audiences to meet him.”
Ken Olin, a “This Is Us” alum, is set to direct the pilot. Olin will also serve as an executive producer alongside Hartley and Winters. Additional co-executive producers include Julianna LaRosa and Roxy Olin. The production is being handled by 20th Television, ensuring a high-quality standard given the studio’s reputation for delivering successful television dramas.
Justin Hartley’s involvement in “The Never Game” follows his standout performance as Kevin Pearson on all six seasons of NBC’s hit drama “This Is Us.” Hartley has also made a name for himself with notable roles such as Fox Crane on NBC’s soap opera “Passions,” Oliver Queen/Green Arrow on The CW’s “Smallville,” and Adam Newman on CBS’s “The Young and the Restless.”
The excitement surrounding “The Never Game” is palpable, as it brings together a compelling narrative, a beloved leading actor, and a seasoned production team. Fans of the novel and Hartley’s previous work are eagerly awaiting the pilot’s debut, anticipating a thrilling and emotionally engaging series.
With its blend of action, mystery, and personal drama, “The Never Game” promises to be a captivating addition to CBS’s lineup. The series not only highlights Hartley’s versatility as an actor but also underscores his growing influence in the television industry as a producer. As production gears up, audiences can look forward to an adrenaline-pumping ride that delves into the intriguing world of Colter Shaw and his quest for justice and self-discovery.
