NBC’s New Series Explores Dark Realities of Serial Killers and Government Secrets

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — NBC’s upcoming series “The Hunting Party” blends multiple television genres into a singular, suspenseful experience. The drama, which features intelligence officers pursuing serial killers who have escaped from a covert government facility, walks the line between traditional procedural storytelling and serialized mystery. This unique approach unfolds across its 10-episode inaugural season.

“We really connected when we first met over wanting to do a procedural that felt a bit different,” said creator and co-showrunner JJ Bailey. He partnered with fellow showrunner Jake Coburn, whom he met on a ‘creative blind date’ set up by Universal Television. “We love big serialized mysteries, but we also wanted to do significant week-to-week cases.”

Starring prominently as an FBI special agent with a personal history tied to many of the criminals she pursues, the lead character encounters a new killer in each episode. Actress Danielle Roxburgh noted the psychological impact of the role, revealing that some storylines even unnerved her. “I grew up watching a lot of the same serial killer shows,” Roxburgh explained. “By the time I got to college, I thought it would be super cool to become a criminal profiler, but I realized you actually have to talk to the bad guys—so I chose the made-up version instead.”

The writing team draws inspiration from actual cases; one episode mirrors the story of convicted killer Scott Peterson. However, Coburn emphasized that the series serves more as an imaginative re-telling. “Certainly, there are a few killers in the first season who we felt like were our version of this person,” he stated during a recent panel discussion. “But the most fun we have are with episodes where we don’t know it comes from.”

“Our collective fascination with murderers fuels hours of scripted and unscripted content every year,” Bailey remarked. The creators intend to explore the psychological aspects of criminality. “There is something innately confusing about the pathology of someone who would be a serial killer,” he said. “So, it’s about exploring what people would think is the scariest.”

Roxburgh shared her excitement about the series’ unique premise, noting that she feels the material resonates with audiences familiar with the genre. “We’re trying to engage viewers on a deeper level, and I think that’s where the show really shines,” she asserted.

The panel also highlighted the chilling moments to expect from “The Hunting Party.” The show, which includes a talented ensemble cast featuring Patrick Sabongui, Sara Garcia, Josh McKenzie, and Nick Wechsler, premieres on NBC with episodes subsequently available on Peacock.

For those interested in darker narratives, “The Hunting Party” provides a new lens through which to view the complexities of evildoing while encapsulating the thrill of the chase.