Justin Hartley is using his power as ‘Tracker’ star and executive producer to orchestrate a ‘This Is Us’ family reunion on screen, but scheduling and story demands mean fans will have to wait a bit longer for the biggest stars to make their appearances.
The enduring bond of the Pearson family is set to extend beyond the emotional finale of This Is Us, and the catalyst is none other than Justin Hartley. Hartley’s hit CBS series Tracker has quickly become the preferred venue for reuniting with his former on-screen family, but as the show’s stars revealed in a new interview, not everyone has received their formal invitation—yet.
In an exclusive discussion about their upcoming live podcast event, Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, and Chris Sullivan opened up to Us Weekly about the possibility of guest starring on Hartley’s new procedural hit. Their responses ranged from eager willingness to humorous hesitation, painting a picture of a cast that remains as close off-screen as they were on.
The Cast’s Open Invitations
The potential for a Tracker cameo is a recurring topic among the cast. Brown, who portrayed Randall Pearson, confirmed Hartley is actively recruiting but cited a very specific logistical hurdle. “Justin is always trying to get me to go to Vancouver,” Brown stated. “I’ll go in the summer — not during the winter [months].” His comment highlights the practical challenges of coordinating schedules for A-list actors with packed slates, including his own work on series like Washington Black and Paradise.
Moore, who played the family matriarch Rebecca Pearson, expressed unreserved enthusiasm, noting she would “do anything” for Hartley but is still “waiting to be offered a role.” Her sentiment underscores the deep loyalty that persists among the ensemble cast years after their show wrapped.
Sullivan, who brought Toby Damon to life, offered the most comedic response, joking that he had “been asked” but “said no” before immediately clarifying his true position. “You can’t get me off the set. I’m not even working on the show,” he quipped. “There I am lurking at craft services.” His humorous take suggests a willingness that is only limited by the formal offer itself.
The ‘Tracker’ Reunion Strategy
Hartley’s role as both star and executive producer on Tracker gives him significant influence over guest casting, a power he has already wielded to bring former costars into the fold. Jon Huertas and Jennifer Morrison have already made appearances, setting a precedent for more This Is Us alumni to join the show.
However, Tracker executive producer Elwood Reid emphasized that these reunions are not mere fan service. In a separate interview, Reid explained the careful consideration behind each casting decision. “[We discuss cameos] all the time. If I’m going to go with those kind of big names, I got to make sure I have a story,” Reid told Yahoo Entertainment. “The show works because we’re with Colter so much and he’s just such an interesting actor that he’s able to carry that big narrative load.”
Reid confirmed that conversations are actively happening for the biggest stars from the Pearson family tree. “We’ve definitely talked about Sterling K. Brown, we’ve talked about Mandy Moore and we have talked about Milo Ventimiglia,” he shared. The primary obstacle, as with most high-level television, is aligning the complex calendars of in-demand actors. “But until it’s really, really right — and matching the windows up in these people’s calendars is impossible.”
He concluded with the show’s guiding principle: “If I have the right story line, I will do it. But I’m always opposed to just do a cameo. We have to get a good emotional story out of it or a fun story line.” This ensures that any This Is Us crossover will serve the narrative of Tracker first and foremost.
A Live Podcast Event and Future Plans
While a screen reunion is in the works, Brown, Moore, and Sullivan are channeling their energy into an immediate project for fans: a live recording of their popular rewatch podcast, “That Was Us.” The event is scheduled for January 17 at The Wiltern in Los Angeles.
The live show represents a significant evolution for the podcast, which has released over 400 episodes delving into every facet of the beloved series. Moore teased that this won’t be a standard episode recap. “We’re not focusing on one particular episode with this recording. We’re talking about music generally throughout the show and how it’s woven into the fabric of what the show is,” she explained. The event will feature special guests and live performances exclusive to the audience.
This live experiment could chart the future course for the podcast. “This could open the floodgates for us doing more of these — maybe in other cities across the country,” Moore shared. “We are waiting to see what the response is.”
Brown, who has been secretly honing his skills, added an element of surprise. “I’ve actually started taking voice lessons in anticipation of this live,” he teased, downplaying his own abilities. Moore was quick to counter, praising his talent: “He likes to play it off like he can’t sing. He is an incredible singer.”
Reflecting on the enduring legacy of their show, Brown offered a poignant perspective now that time has passed. “Now with a few years removed from it, I experience the show purely as a fan. And I find myself incredibly moved by the show,” he reflected. “It’s a show that connects people in this gorgeous way.” He attributed the show’s authentic resonance to the genuine relationships among the cast. “The relationships that you see play out on camera are based on relationships that people have in real life that are founded in love.”
As the podcast nears the end of its This Is Us rewatch, the trio is already brainstorming how to keep their connection alive for audiences. Sullivan hinted at future possibilities, saying they are “brainstorming… how we might be able to keep this connection going,” including the potential to rewatch episodes of other shows. Brown joked about the meta potential: “We’re going to watch the podcast and then do a podcast about the podcast. It will be very inside baseball.”
Tickets for the That Was Us Live event on January 17 are available now.
The journey from This Is Us to new projects like Tracker and the podcast demonstrates a rare Hollywood success story: a cast that transitioned from a critically adored family drama into sustainable careers while maintaining the personal and professional bonds that made their original show so special. For fans, the promise of future collaborations, both on screen and through the podcast, ensures the Pearson family legacy is far from over.
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