In a rare television moment, Eric McCormack mentors his 23-year-old son Finnigan through his acting debut as they portray the same serial killer character across different timelines in NBC’s ‘The Hunting Party’ season premiere.
Eric McCormack is experiencing a career milestone unlike any other—sharing the screen with his 23-year-old son Finnigan McCormack in the season 2 premiere of NBC’s crime drama The Hunting Party. The father-son duo takes on the challenging task of portraying younger and older versions of fictional serial killer Ron Simms, marking Finnigan’s television acting debut.
The unique casting arrangement required careful coordination between the two actors, who spent days in hotel rooms discussing character development to ensure consistency across their performances. “We’re playing the same person, so we had to think about the character the same way and how A is going to land to B,” Finnigan explained during their joint interview.
A Long-Awaited Collaboration
For Eric McCormack, best known for his iconic role as Will Truman on Will & Grace, this collaboration represents the fulfillment of a long-held parental vision. “I loved him when he was 4 or 5 and 6, but I’ve always had this sort of hope that one day we could be grownups together,” the 62-year-old actor revealed.
Eric, who shares Finnigan with ex-wife Janet Holden, emphasized that while he hadn’t specifically imagined them playing serial killers together, he always envisioned a future where they could connect as adults. “I foresaw that one day I just wanted to hang with this guy. And I do,” he added, highlighting the special bond they developed through the project.
Bruce Glikas/WireImage Finnigan McCormack and Eric McCormack at opening night of ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ on March 31, 2025
The Character Challenge: Playing Serial Killer Ron Simms
The role required both actors to embody Ron Simms, an Austin, Texas-based serial killer known for breaking into women’s homes, hiding under their beds, and drugging them. Eric handles the present-day version of the character, while Finnigan portrays Simms in jarring flashback sequences, including the episode’s opening scene.
“This is an entirely new experience for both of us,” Finnigan acknowledged. Despite not sharing scenes directly, the McCormacks had to coordinate their approach to the character meticulously. Finnigan described the process as “really special to be able to bond on crafting the character,” showcasing the unique mentoring dynamic that developed between father and son.
From Childhood Guidance to Professional Coaching
Finnigan’s acting background includes high school and college theater productions, where Eric would often help him prepare. “He would help me with all my lines and getting the part down to a science,” Finnigan recalled. However, the Hunting Party experience provided new professional insights.
Finnigan particularly noted his father’s ability to switch between takes effortlessly: “It’s really cool seeing you lock in to going from take and out of take, you’re charming, you’re fun, you’re having a good time, and then you can just snap right into place for where they need you.”
Eric approached the coaching role with careful consideration of his son’s independence. “Finn always wanted to be his own guy, and I think he wasn’t someone that just wanted to sit around and say, ‘Oh, you must be Eric’s son,'” the veteran actor explained. The project allowed Finnigan to establish himself as “an actor in your own right” rather than simply being known as Eric McCormack’s son.
A New Generation Steps Into the Spotlight
Finnigan’s television debut comes after years of observing his father’s career from the sidelines. Those set visits gave him “the confidence to try it out for the first time,” he shared. The younger McCormack described his father’s coaching style as “descriptive, deliberate” and “very assuring of my work,” highlighting the supportive environment Eric created.
Stephen Shugerman/Getty Finnigan and Eric McCormack attend an InStyle party on May 17, 2007
The episode represents more than just a television debut—it symbolizes a full-circle moment for the McCormack family. Eric’s hope to connect with his son as an adult has manifested in this professional collaboration, blending family bonds with artistic partnership.
What This Means for Hollywood Family Dynamics
The McCormacks’ collaboration joins a growing trend of Hollywood families working together, but their approach stands out for its emphasis on mutual respect and artistic equality. Rather than simply giving his son a role, Eric created an environment where Finnigan could develop his own craft while benefiting from experienced guidance.
This father-son project demonstrates how family connections in Hollywood are evolving beyond mere nepotism into genuine artistic partnerships. The careful balance Eric maintained—offering guidance while respecting Finnigan’s independence—sets a template for how established actors can mentor the next generation without overshadowing their individual talents.
The season 2 premiere of The Hunting Party featuring Eric and Finnigan McCormack airs January 8 at 10 p.m. ET on NBC. This groundbreaking episode not only advances the show’s narrative but also showcases a rare and meaningful family collaboration in television history.
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