Full Breakdown
ABC Develops “A Forgotten Kill” – FBI Thriller Enters Production
6/9/2026, 5:18:50 AM
Core Development
ABC announced it is developing a drama series titled “A Forgotten Kill,” adapting Isabella Maldonado’s 2024 novel. Justin Hartley’s Change Up Productions will executive produce the project under his overall deal with 20th Television. Diana Son is attached as writer and executive producer, while Ken Olin will direct and also serve as executive producer. Maldonado herself will act as executive producer.
Source Material and Author
“A Forgotten Kill” is the second novel in Maldonado’s FBI Special Agent Daniela Vega series, positioned between “A Killer’s Game” (2023) and “A Killer’s Code” (2025). The books have been published in 26 languages and sold in 53 countries. Maldonado, a retired police captain and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico and was the first Latina captain in her department, with experience in hostage negotiation, precinct command, and forensic investigations.
Creative Team
- Justin Hartley – Actor-producer known for starring in and executive producing CBS’s “Tracker,” currently in its third season; his Change Up Productions produces both “Tracker” and the new adaptation.
- Diana Son – Award-winning playwright and television writer; credits include NBC’s “Line of Fire,” Prime Video’s “Butterfly,” Netflix’s “Thirteen Reasons Why,” and Emmy-nominated work on ABC’s “American Crime.”
- Ken Olin – Veteran producer-director whose résumé includes “This Is Us,” “Brothers & Sisters,” and “Thirtysomething.”
- Isabella Maldonado – Author-executive producer whose law-enforcement background informs the series’ investigative realism.
Development Status and Uncertainties
The series remains in development; ABC has not issued a series order and no premiere date is set. Casting details have not been released, and sources differ on whether Hartley will appear on-screen or serve solely as executive producer. The next milestones include finalizing casting, securing a series order, and establishing a production schedule.
Official Perspective
Industry reports note that ABC is leveraging Hartley’s overall deal with 20th Television to expand its crime-drama lineup. The collaboration of seasoned creators Son and Olin with Maldonado’s policing expertise is presented as a means to enhance the adaptation’s authenticity and audience appeal. If greenlit, the series would join ABC’s slate of procedural dramas that have historically drawn strong viewership.
Verbatim Quote
> “Well, I think he just has such an interesting life. I really love this character, and I think there’s so much more to do with him. I get the luxury of being him on camera and dealing with this character every day… He is ever evolving, and it’s such a cool thing to watch.” — Justin Hartley, discussing his role on “Tracker”
