EXCLUSIVE:CBS has issued a pilot orderThe Never Game a drama series adaptation of Jeffery Deaver’s novel, starring and executive produced by Justin Hartley. Ken Olin, director of 20th Television, has committed a pilot production to the project.
Hartley’s dedication to the final season This Is Us. The Never Gamehad been intended for the off-season. Deadline reported that the project underwent a quiet writer change in spring. Ben Winters replaced Michael Cooney who was attached when the pitch went to market last fall. Winters’ script was delivered to CBS last week and was very well received by the network brass, putting the project on a fast track for a pilot pickup.
Written by Winters, based on Deaver’s novel, and to be directed bu Olin, The Never GameHartley stars as Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist who roams the country in search of food. “reward seeker,”His expert tracking skills allow him to assist law enforcement and private citizens in solving all sorts of mysteries, while also dealing with his fractured family.
This Is UsWinters is co-executive produced by Olin and Hartley, both alums. Roxy Olin and Julianna LaRosa serve as co-executive producer. 20th Television is the studio.
Hartley joined the order This Is UsMilo Ventimiglia, Chris Sullivan and Chris Sullivan co-star in Off-cycle 2022 broadcast pilots. The Company You KeepAnd The Son In LawBoth at ABC. Hartley starred on six seasons of the NBC drama series as Kevin Pearson.
“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 stated this during the announcement of the project. “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.”