After months filled with eager anticipation, The Hunting Party has finally premiered on NBC, captivating audiences with its thrilling pilot episode. The show features Melissa Roxburgh as FBI Special Agent Rebecca “Bex” Henderson, who is set to lead viewers through a complex web of crime and investigation. Fans are in for an exciting ride as they follow the series, which is anticipated to conclude its first season in April with Episode 10. For those curious about the creative process behind this gripping procedural, co-showrunners JJ Bailey and Jake Coburn provided a fascinating behind-the-scenes look during an engaging conversation with Collider?s Samantha Coley and fellow journalists on location.
Have you ever pondered the inspiration behind the innovative concept of The Hunting Party? According to Bailey, their fascination with serial killers played a pivotal role in shaping the storyline. He shared insights into their creative journey, stating:
?We’re both fascinated with serial killers. I really feel like I watch a lot of true crime, probably more than is healthy, but wanting to do something in that space and trying to explore, ‘OK, well if there was this big explosion…’ and I think we even started with a missile silo, what could have been down there and just married those two things together initially.?
In addition to their intrigue with serial killers, Bailey and Coburn aimed to construct a narrative that would stand out in the crowded crime genre. Their unique premise involves the idea of these murderers emerging from a ?secret location that has been either attacked or faced an unexpected disaster.? Their goal was to create a storyline that initially appears straightforward but gradually reveals layers of complexity that will unfold as the series progresses, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
How ‘The Hunting Party’ Originated from an Inspiring 2-Hour Zoom Meeting
The series creator delved deeper into the inception of The Hunting Party, revealing that the collaboration between him and Coburn began with a simple ?phone call or a Zoom? that lasted approximately two hours. This pivotal moment was orchestrated by a mutual acquaintance who recognized their potential synergy after reading one of the scripts. During their discussion, they explored how to craft a procedural that stood out as innovative and compelling, which they successfully achieved with the dramatic explosion featured in the pilot. Bailey reflected:
?We were sort of talking about just the image of a big explosion and just how fun that would be, to kick off an episode that way, and what could we do with that, and I think we were both looking for an interesting way to do a procedural, and wanting to find something in that space that felt bigger and elevated.?
Mark your calendars! The Hunting Party airs every Monday on NBC at 10 PM ET, offering viewers an unmissable experience filled with suspense and thrilling twists.
The Hunting Party
- Release Date
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February 3, 2025
- Network
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NBC
- Directors
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Thor Freudenthal
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Melissa Roxburgh
Rebecca ‘Bex’ Henderson
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Patrick Sabongui
Ryan Hassani
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Sara Alicia Garcia
Jennifer Morales
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Josh McKenzie
Shane Florence
