While his current series undergoes significant behind-the-scenes transitions, Justin Hartley is actively expanding his portfolio. The actor, who currently stars in the hit CBS primetime drama Tracker, is moving into a new creative venture by developing a television adaptation of the 2024 novel A Forgotten Kill by Isabella Maldonado for ABC.
Hartley is set to serve as an executive producer on the project through his overall deal with 20th Television. He will be collaborating with writer and executive producer Diana Son, as well as director and executive producer Ken Olin and author Isabella Maldonado.
The narrative of the upcoming series centers on Dani Vega, an ex-Army Ranger and FBI agent with a unique talent for pattern detection and code-breaking. Vega is paired with NYPD Detective Mark Flint, whose contrasting professional style creates a dynamic tension that proves effective in solving complex crimes. The story also delves into Vega's personal history, specifically a family tragedy that resurfaces to threaten her career.
This development comes at a busy time for Hartley, as Tracker continues to hold its position as one of the most-watched entertainment series on network television. The show, which has been renewed for a fourth season, is currently navigating a major logistical shift. After filming its first three seasons in Vancouver, the production is relocating to Los Angeles. This move was facilitated by a $48 million tax credit awarded on $129 million in qualified expenditures, with filming for the new season scheduled to commence in late June.
Regarding the transition to California, Hartley expressed optimism about the show's future. "I’m proud of what we built in Vancouver. I’m also very excited we’re bringing Tracker to L.A.," he noted. "I’m looking forward to continuing to tell these stories alongside the new, fresh places we’ll be heading to next. Most importantly, I want to thank the fans for showing up for us every step of the way. We couldn’t do this without you."
Tracker, which is based on the novel The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver, follows Hartley's character, Colter, as he travels across the country assisting in missing persons cases. The series stands as a significant example of a major production returning to California, joining other high-profile projects that have utilized state tax incentives to bolster local production and job creation.