CBS has officially put forth a series order for The Never Game, a new drama series starring This Is Us star Justin Hartley. CBS has ordered the series to be broadcast in the 2023-2024 season, with 20th Century producing the series, which was written by Ben Winters and Ken Olin.
Based on a novel of the same name by Jeffery Deaver, The Never Game on CBS will star Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, described as a “lone-wolf survivalist” who roams the U.S. as a freelance “reward seeker”, using his tracking skills to citizens and law enforcement alike solve mysteries “while contending with his own fractured family”. TV Line also reports that Major Crimes star Mary McDonnell will star as Mary Dove Shaw, Colter’s mother, with Robin Weigert (Jessica Jones) as Teddi Brun, one of Colter’s “behind-the-scenes” people, and comedian Abby McEnany as Teddi’s wife and business partner. Eric Graise (Step Up: High Water) will star as Bob Exley, a computer genius and Colter’s regular sparring partner, and Fiona Rene (The Lincoln Lawyer) as Reenie Green, a lawyer representing Colter against her better judgment.
‘The Never Game’ is a New Start for Justin Hartley
Regarding the series order for The Never Game, CBS executive Amy Reisenbach gave Variety the following statement:
“I am overjoyed to give the first new show order for next season to this thrilling new series led by the incredibly talented Justin Hartley. ’The Never Game’ is an excellent addition to our already successful drama lineup, and since our viewers love shows with action, intrigue, mystery and complex characters, they will love ‘The Never Game’ – it delivers on all fronts.”
Justin Hartley previously starred in a main role as Kevin Pearson in the NBC drama series This Is Us, which premiered in 2016 and recently ended in May 2022. Variety reports that The Never Game will be Hartley’s first leading television role since This Is Us concluded, but some of his other roles include Jake in the 2022 reboot of Quantum Leap as well as a guest appearance as himself in the CW series Jane the Virgin, which also stars Gina Rodriguez and Jenna Ortega (Wednesday).
Along with acting in the lead role for the series, Hartley will also reportedly serve as an executive producer for The Never Game on CBS, along with co-executive producer and pilot writer Ben Winters and Ken Olin, who will direct the series.
A release date for The Never Game on CBS isn’t currently available, but more information will probably become available as the series enters development and production.