Justin Hartley Developing New ABC Series A Forgotten Kill While Leading Tracker

Justin Hartley is expanding his production footprint while maintaining his lead role on CBS’s Tracker, which recently secured a $48 million tax credit to relocate production from Vancouver to Los Angeles. Hartley will executive produce an adaptation of Isabella Maldonado’s A Forgotten Kill for ABC through 20th Television.

The Financial Mechanics of the Tracker Relocation

The decision to move Tracker to California is a direct result of the state’s aggressive film and television tax incentive program. According to Deadline, the series was awarded $48 million on $129 million in qualified expenditures. This shift highlights a broader industry trend where high-performing IP is leveraged to capture state-level subsidies, effectively lowering the cost-per-episode for studios.

Industry analysts note that these relocations are rarely just about geography; they are about long-term fiscal sustainability. As networks face tightening margins in the SVOD era, the ability to secure a 35 percent base credit—plus an additional 5 percent bonus for filming outside the 30-mile zone—provides a significant boost to a show’s backend gross. For productions navigating these complex fiscal landscapes, specialized financial consulting firms are increasingly essential to ensure compliance with state-specific regulatory requirements.

Expanding the Portfolio: The A Forgotten Kill Adaptation

While Tracker transitions to its fourth season, Hartley is diversifying his creative output. Under his overall deal with 20th Television, he is developing A Forgotten Kill, based on the 2024 novel by Isabella Maldonado. The project features a Nuyorican FBI agent named Dani Vega, marking a move for Hartley into the role of architect for new, female-led intellectual property.

The production will feature writer and executive producer Diana Son alongside Ken Olin and Maldonado. This team structure suggests a high-priority development path, as studios aim to replicate the procedural success of Tracker with new, character-driven narratives. When high-stakes IP is being adapted, production companies often engage specialized IP attorneys to manage rights acquisitions and shield the studio from potential copyright infringement claims during the development lifecycle.

Production Dynamics and the Future of the Road Show

Hartley maintains that the change in filming location will not alter the tone of Tracker. In a statement to The Wrap, he emphasized that the show’s identity as a “road show” allows for geographic flexibility. By utilizing California’s diverse terrain, the production aims to simulate various U.S. regions, from the Texas desert to the East Coast, without the logistical burden of international travel.

Showrunner Elwood Reid noted that the move is intended to benefit the audience by evolving the show’s visual scope. However, shifting a production of this scale requires precise coordination. Whether it is managing union labor requirements or sourcing regional vendors, the logistical footprint is immense. For productions of this magnitude, expert event and production management firms are frequently brought in to handle the transition of crew, equipment, and location-based operations to ensure the production schedule remains uninterrupted.

Comparative Analysis: California’s Competitive Edge

The move by Tracker follows a pattern established by other major productions seeking to capitalize on California’s revitalized incentive program. The following table illustrates the growing trend of high-budget series relocating to the state:

This trend underscores the competitive nature of modern television production. As states vie for the economic impact of these shows—which include job creation for local crews and increased revenue for local businesses—the studios hold significant leverage. The success of Tracker as a ratings leader provides the necessary brand equity to demand these concessions from state film commissions.

As Justin Hartley continues to balance his responsibilities as a lead actor and a producer, the industry will be watching to see if his transition to A Forgotten Kill mirrors the procedural success of his current hit. The ability to manage multiple high-profile projects simultaneously requires not just creative vision, but a robust support system of agents, publicists, and legal advisors. For professionals in the entertainment sector looking to align with the firms that facilitate these complex career moves, our Global Directory provides access to vetted partners in talent management, crisis communications, and legal services.

Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.