Justin Hartley Cast in New TV Show Following Unexpected Tracker Adjustments
Justin Hartley is currently developing a new television series while simultaneously leading his popular show Tracker, which has been undergoing its own transformations.
According to Deadline, ABC is working on a television adaptation of Isabella Maldonado‘s novel A Forgotten Kill. At 49, Hartley will serve as executive producer through his overall deal with 20th Television, alongside Diana Son, who will write and executive produce the project along with executive producers Ken Olin and Maldonado.
A Forgotten Kill, which debuted in 2024, features ex–Army Ranger Dani Vega. The official synopsis describes her as “a Nuyorican from the Lower East Side and a fearless FBI agent skilled in breaking codes and spotting patterns.”
The synopsis elaborates: “As part of a task force, Dani pairs with NYPD Detective Mark Flint. Their contrasting styles provide an advantage in solving crimes, revealing an undeniable chemistry between them. However, Dani is burdened by a secret: a family tragedy from her past that threatens her career and life.”
A Forgotten Kill is the second installment in Maldonado’s FBI Special Agent Daniela Vega series, following A Killer’s Game and preceding A Killer’s Code.
Hartley will juggle the production of A Forgotten Kill alongside CBS’s successful series Tracker. Based on Jeffery Deaver’s novel The Never Game, Tracker trails Hartley’s character Colter across the nation as he seeks to locate missing persons and solve enigmatic cases. After three seasons of filming in Vancouver, it was announced in May that Tracker received $48 million from $129 million in qualified expenditures, leading to its relocation.
Tracker stands out as 20th Television’s largest series making its return to California, thanks to a tax incentive. Prior to this, Prime Video’s Fallout transitioned from New York to Los Angeles, while Dan Fogelman’s upcoming NFL drama, The Land, received a tax credit of $42.8 million.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we created in Vancouver. I’m also genuinely excited to bring Tracker to L.A.,” Hartley shared in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to share these stories alongside the new, vibrant locations we’ll be exploring next. Most importantly, I want to thank our fans for their unwavering support. We couldn’t do this without you.”
TV shows can also receive an extra 5 percent tax credit bonus — on top of the 35 percent base credit — for qualified expenses incurred outside the 30-mile zone encompassing the Greater Los Angeles area and its neighboring communities, according to Deadline.
These relocation tax credits are awarded to productions for their anticipated significant economic impact, including job creation for local Los Angeles crews and the revitalization of nearby businesses through returning productions.
“Location is crucial to the storytelling in Tracker,” said showrunner Elwood Reid in an interview with Deadline. “We are immensely grateful to the crew and people of Vancouver who helped make the first three seasons of this hit drama possible and are equally excited to kick off the fourth season of Tracker by filming in Los Angeles, thanks to the tax incentive program supporting productions returning to California.”
Hartley recently addressed the show’s changes.
“In terms of tone and character, I don’t see it impacting the series at all,” Hartley told The Wrap on Monday, May 25. “Our show is essentially a road trip. Our character travels from town to town across the United States, encountering people from all walks of life, helping them along the way. These strangers become a sort of family for him.”
The actor conveyed his enthusiasm about the transition to Los Angeles.
“Shooting in different locations provides us with diverse landscapes, allowing us to explore places — New York, D.C., the desert, Texas, the beach,” Hartley explained. “It significantly expands our world, which is integral to our show.”
Despite the transition, Hartley expressed appreciation for their time spent in Canada.
“We’ve built a fantastic show, and we achieved that in Vancouver for the initial three years. However, as is the case with all shows, evolution is essential,” he remarked. “We’re not pursuing change for its own sake. I aim to push boundaries and create something distinctive, so we’re excited about the future. It’s going to greatly benefit the show and the audience.”
