Justin Hartley has signed a new multi-year first-look deal with 20th Television through his company, ChangeUp Productions. The agreement marks an evolution from ChangeUp’s original pod deal with the studio, which began in 2019, the same year he launched the prodco. Under the new deal, Hartley will continue to develop and produce original content across broadcast, cable and streaming via ChangeUp, where Julianna LaRosa serves as Head of Development.
“Julianna and I are delighted to extend our collaboration with 20th. Over the past six years, the studio has championed our projects, resulting in the unparalleled success of Tracker, the #1 show on television,” shared Hartley. “ChangeUp is ramping up to deliver an impressive slate of upcoming projects, and we are truly fortunate to have such exceptional partners in Eric Schrier, Karey Burke, Carolyn Cassidy, Jane Francis and their outstanding teams,” he added.
The deal follows the record-breaking success of Tracker on CBS, which Hartley both stars in and executive produces. Since its Super Bowl debut in 2024, the action-drama has reached over 100 million viewers to date and became the first new series to rank as the #1 series on TV since 2000. Both seasons ranked as the most-watched broadcast series of the year. Tracker stars Hartley as Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist driven by his past troubles who uses his instincts to find the missing and collect rewards. Supported by lawyer Reenie, his business handler Velma Bruin (Abby McEnany) and tech expert Bobby Exley (Eric Graise), Colter will stop at nothing to get the job done. The series was created by Ben H. Winters and is based on the bestselling novel The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver. Season 3 begins production this summer.
Before his work on Tracker, he was part of the ensemble cast of NBC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series This Is Us opposite Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz and Jon Ortiz. Hartley played Kevin Pearson, for which he received multiple Critics’ Choice Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2019, 2020, 2021). Additionally, Hartley and his cast members won back-to-back SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2018 and 2019. On the film side, Hartley starred opposite Rebel Wilson in the summer action-comedy, Bride Hard. He is repped by CAA and Jackoway Austen Tyerman, and LaRosa is repped by CAA.
ChangeUp Productions continues to build out a slate of original, character-driven projects across TV and film. They recently sold a script commitment to ABC for a drama series entitled No Good Deed, featuring writer Jeannine Renshaw (Manifest, Grey’s Anatomy) and director Nzingha Stewart (From Scratch). Renshaw, Stewart and Hartley will all executive produce the series.
You know him as Kevin Pearson from This Is Us, but Justin Hartley is no longer just a leading man on screen — he’s making major moves behind the scenes too. In a game-changing moment for television, Hartley’s production company, ChangeUp Productions, has inked a brand-new deal with 20th Television. This isn’t just about development — it’s about reshaping what kind of stories we’ll be seeing on our screens. Let’s break down what this really means, why it’s such a big deal, and how it might just shake up the future of TV drama.
What Is ChangeUp Productions?
A Quick Look at Hartley’s Creative House
ChangeUp Productions is Justin Hartley’s personal creative banner, launched to develop original scripted content across platforms. It reflects his commitment to telling impactful, character-driven stories with heart — the kind of content that leaves a lasting impression.
What Sets It Apart?
Unlike many actor-led companies, ChangeUp isn’t just a vanity brand. It’s focused on high-quality storytelling, deep emotional arcs, and complex characters — think This Is Us, but multiplied.
The Deal With 20th Television — What’s Included?
A First-Look Partnership
The deal is a multi-year first-look agreement. That means 20th Television gets the first opportunity to develop and produce any scripted projects that come out of ChangeUp Productions.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just a handshake and a promise. A first-look deal is serious business — it signals trust, investment, and confidence in Hartley’s creative vision.
What Kind of Content Can We Expect?
Drama, With Depth
If you loved This Is Us, you’ll probably fall head over heels for what Hartley has in store. Expect emotionally rich dramas, stories that explore identity, relationships, and personal growth — basically, tearjerkers with purpose.
Some Genre Variety Too
Though drama will take the lead, ChangeUp isn’t pigeonholing itself. There’s talk of dipping into thrillers, character-led procedurals, and possibly even light sci-fi — all with that signature emotional punch.
Justin Hartley — From Actor to Executive Producer
His Journey from Soap Operas to Streaming King
Starting in soaps like Passions and The Young and the Restless, Hartley climbed the ranks to become one of TV’s most recognizable faces. But now, he’s shifting gears — and he’s bringing years of acting insight into his producer role.
A Seat at the Power Table
With this deal, Hartley joins a growing list of actors-turned-power-players, including Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, and Donald Glover.
Why 20th Television?
The Legacy Studio With Streaming Muscle
Owned by Disney, 20th Television is responsible for some of TV’s most iconic shows. Partnering with them gives Hartley’s projects an edge — from distribution power to marketing muscle.
Perfect Fit for Prestige Content
20th specializes in prestige content with emotional resonance — exactly what ChangeUp aims to deliver.
Where Will These Shows Air?
Hulu, FX, ABC & Beyond
Because 20th Television is part of Disney, the content could end up on Hulu, FX, ABC, or even Disney+ (if it’s family-friendly enough). This flexibility gives Hartley a wide canvas to paint on.
The Business Side of Things
Strategic Timing
The deal comes at a moment when streaming platforms are craving new, original content. Hartley is capitalizing on that demand — and he’s bringing A-list talent with him.
Big Investment, Big Expectations
Though financial terms weren’t disclosed, multi-year deals like this typically come with millions in development money and significant creative freedom.
What This Means for Hartley’s Career
Beyond the Pretty Face
Let’s face it — Justin Hartley is more than just charm and cheekbones. This move proves he’s a force in Hollywood, capable of influencing content at a high level.
Actor, Producer, Visionary
He’s now wearing multiple hats — and wearing them well. From starring in dramas to producing them, Hartley is all-in on shaping the stories we watch.
What Projects Are Already in the Pipeline?
“Tracker” Success
Hartley’s current CBS series Tracker — which he executive produces and stars in — has already shown his ability to balance storytelling and star power. Don’t be surprised if ChangeUp builds on this formula.
Rumored New Projects
Industry insiders are already buzzing about several scripts in early development. Think family sagas, legal dramas, and thrillers with social commentary.
Hartley’s Creative Vision
Character Over Concept
Justin has been vocal about wanting stories that connect — not just content that trends. That means deep dives into human emotion, identity, and resilience.
Staying Grounded While Innovating
His goal? Push boundaries, but never lose the heart of the story.
Reactions from Hollywood
Critics Are Watching
Industry critics and analysts see this as a bold move, one that positions Hartley as a serious creative force — not just a name on the marquee.
Support from Fellow Creatives
Actors, directors, and showrunners who’ve worked with Hartley are singing his praises — citing his professionalism, empathy, and eye for compelling stories.
What’s Next for ChangeUp Productions?
Building a Production Empire
This deal could be the first domino. If ChangeUp’s projects find success, expect more partnerships, spin-offs, and maybe even film ventures.
Hiring Top Talent
Writers, directors, and producers are already taking meetings with ChangeUp — a sign that the industry is paying attention.
Final Thoughts — Why This Deal Really Matters
Justin Hartley’s new partnership with 20th Television isn’t just good news for his fans — it’s a power move for the TV industry at large. By creating a space for emotionally-driven, thought-provoking content, ChangeUp Productions has the potential to redefine modern storytelling.
For viewers? It means more shows that make you feel something — and stay with you long after the credits roll.
