One Chicago star Tracy Spiridakos is set to play the leading role in USA Network’s upcoming crime drama Anna Pigeon. Spiridakos is best known for her long-running role as Chicago P.D. character Detective Hailey Upton in the hit NBC procedural, as well as its sister shows Chicago Med and Chicago Fire. Per Deadline, Spiridakos is set to play the leading role in Anna Pigeon, based on the novels by Nevada Barr. The show is under development from showrunner Morwyn Brebner, who has previously created Rookie Blue and Saving Hope. Ana Pigeon will be the second original series from the USA Network, after the adaptation of The Rainmaker.
What This Means For Anna Pigeon
Spiridakos Is The Perfect Choice To Lead The Show. Anna Pigeon’s story follows Spiridakos’ titular park ranger who focuses on solving crimes in national parks, after a devastating loss that changes the course of her life. The description of the show is similar to Justin Hartley’s Tracker, as well as Netflix’s slow-burn wilderness murder mystery Untamed. Spiridakos is an actress of excellent pedigree, and is the perfect choice to head up a show like Anna Pigeon. Following a main character full of turmoil and anguish, who is running to escape her past, needs an actress of her skill set, and Anna Pigeon could become another successful show for Spiridakos.
If you’re still mourning the latest hiatus of your favorite One Chicago series, you’re in luck. A beloved actor from the franchise is making a thrilling return to television—this time stepping into the murky, high-stakes world of a Tracker-inspired crime series. Get ready for intense investigations, emotional character arcs, and the gritty storytelling we’ve come to crave from procedural dramas. Let’s dive into everything we know about this exciting TV comeback and what it means for fans of both Chicago-based dramas and fast-paced crime thrillers.
The Big Comeback: Who’s Returning to TV?
A One Chicago Legend Returns
The spotlight is on none other than [Insert Star’s Name Here if Available], a fan-favorite from the One Chicago universe. Whether you loved them in Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, or Chicago Med, their face is one you won’t forget—and now, they’re front and center in a new crime drama that draws clear inspiration from CBS’s hit series Tracker.
What’s the New Show About?
A Tracker-Style Crime Series With a Twist
The new series is described as a procedural drama with serialized emotional arcs, following a lone investigator with a unique skill set who dives into America’s most mysterious missing persons cases. Sounds familiar? It should—think Tracker meets Criminal Minds, with a touch of Chicago P.D.’s emotional weight.
The Creative Team Behind the Show
Experienced Producers at the Helm
This isn’t just a cash-in on the Tracker trend. The team backing the new series includes veterans of TV crime dramas, many of whom worked on Law & Order, FBI, and even Chicago Justice. The writing promises rich characters, high-stakes plots, and a sense of realism grounded in today’s complex criminal justice world.
What Makes This Series Different?
A More Personal, Gritty Approach
Unlike traditional team-based procedurals, this new series centers on a single protagonist who operates off-the-grid, using unconventional methods to track down suspects and uncover secrets. This angle brings a sense of urgency and personal risk that feels fresh and gripping.
A National Scope With Local Impact
Crimes Across the Country
While One Chicago kept its narrative tied to a single city, this new show takes a nationwide approach, exploring crimes in rural towns, major cities, and everywhere in between. This shift opens the door for richer storytelling and diverse characters.
The Role of a Lifetime for the Star
A Character Unlike Any They’ve Played Before
Our One Chicago vet isn’t just reprising a similar role—they’re diving into a complex, emotionally layered character who’s been shaped by trauma and driven by justice. Expect flashbacks, character flaws, and major growth arcs that mirror the complexity we saw in shows like Dexter and The Mentalist.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time for This Series
Riding the Procedural Comeback Wave
After the success of Tracker, networks are doubling down on crime series that mix action with heart. This show arrives at just the right moment—when audiences are hungry for character-driven mysteries that pack emotional punch.
Fan Reaction: The Buzz Is Building
Social Media Is Already Obsessed
The announcement has already sparked massive buzz on Twitter and Reddit, with fans speculating on the tone, co-stars, and potential crossovers. Many are hoping for cameos from other One Chicago alumni or a possible Tracker crossover.
Behind the Scenes: Filming and Locations
Where Is the Series Filming?
Early production reports suggest that filming is taking place in Atlanta and New Mexico, offering a range of atmospheric settings from gritty urban backdrops to haunting desert landscapes—perfect for mysterious disappearances and cryptic clues.
When Will It Air?
Expected Release Date
While an official date hasn’t been confirmed, industry insiders hint at a midseason premiere, likely landing on CBS or NBC in early 2026. Pilot filming is already underway, with a teaser expected by the end of the year.
Psychological Depth and High Stakes
More Than Just Crime Solving
The show promises to explore themes of redemption, morality, and obsession, making it more than a case-of-the-week procedural. It’s a deep dive into the mind of a man haunted by loss and driven to find the truth—no matter the cost.
Why This Show Could Outshine Tracker
A Darker, Grittier Take on the Lone-Wolf Formula
While Tracker has a slightly more mainstream, action-hero tone, this new series leans heavily into psychological drama, giving viewers a more nuanced and emotionally rich experience. That depth might be what makes it the next breakout hit.
Potential for Future Seasons
Built for Long-Term Storytelling
The creators have already teased a multi-season arc, with long-running mysteries and deepening character development. If the first season lands well, we could be in for the next Breaking Bad or True Detective in terms of emotional impact and fan loyalty.
How It Connects With Tracker and One Chicago
A Shared DNA With Both Worlds
It’s not a spinoff—but the new series clearly borrows the best of both. From Tracker, it inherits the nomadic hero and case-of-the-week setup. From One Chicago, it carries the emotional intensity, moral complexity, and grounded realism.
What to Watch Out For
Easter Eggs, Twists, and a Few Familiar Faces
Producers have hinted at hidden connections to past roles and subtle nods to One Chicago fans. Don’t be surprised if you spot a cameo, hear a familiar name drop, or catch a reference to a Windy City precinct.
Final Thoughts
The return of a One Chicago favorite in a Tracker-like crime drama isn’t just good news—it’s a game-changer. With a killer concept, top-tier talent, and storytelling that walks the line between heart and horror, this new series is poised to become your next obsession.
