There is very little in the
world of television that compares to the wave of nostalgia that washes over fans when the cast of a beloved, long-running show stages an unexpected reunion years after the final curtain call. Whether it is the iconic main cast of Friends stepping back onto a familiar soundstage to reminisce about their days in New York City, or the stars of the early-2000s cheerleading classic Bring It On proving that their chemistry remains entirely intact decades later, these sentimental trips down memory lane reliably capture the public imagination. They generate widespread conversation, drive social media engagement, and remind audiences of the profound emotional connections forged through serialized storytelling.
Now, television enthusiasts may have another major cast reunion to look forward to in the near future. This time around, the potential crossover involves two prominent alums from NBC’s critically acclaimed, tear-jerking family drama This Is Us: Milo Ventimiglia and Justin Hartley.
Although the deeply emotional family saga officially concluded its six-season run in the spring of 2022, leaving behind millions of devoted viewers and a legacy as one of the definitive network dramas of its era, it appears that the extended Pearson family could soon share another on-screen moment together. During a recent interview with Us Weekly, Ventimiglia was directly asked whether he would ever consider making a guest appearance on Hartley’s hit CBS action drama series, Tracker. His response was not only an enthusiastic affirmation, but it also offered a clear glimpse into the enduring professional respect and genuine personal friendship that the two actors share away from the cameras.
When posed with the question about potentially crossing paths with his former on-screen family member once again, Ventimiglia answered with a very clear and positive yes, noting only one minor, logistical condition for it to actually happen. "I would," he told the publication, emphasizing that it would simply "[depend on it being the] right time."
Beyond his openness to joining the CBS procedural, the actor took the opportunity to lavish high praise upon his former co-star, leaving no doubt that their off-screen bond remains just as strong today as it was during the peak years of producing their emotional NBC drama. Offering a glowing assessment of Hartley’s character and work ethic, Ventimiglia remarked, "Justin, he’s just the best dude on the planet. We had a great time on This Is Us and if there’s ever an opportunity—of course I would. I’d love to."
For television viewers who followed the journey of the Pearson family from its inception, the prospect of a reunion between the patriarch and one of his adult children serves as a welcome reminder of the show’s massive cultural footprint. This Is Us, created by Dan Fogelman, originally premiered on NBC in September 2016 and quickly established itself as a ratings powerhouse and a critical darling. Airing over the course of six seasons until May 2022, the series chronicled the intricate, decades-spanning lives of the Pearson family across multiple timelines, exploring themes of grief, love, family dynamics, and personal redemption.
At the emotional center of the series was Milo Ventimiglia, who delivered a career-defining performance as family patriarch Jack Pearson, a devoted husband and father whose presence echoed through every single phase of his children’s lives. Meanwhile, Justin Hartley portrayed Kevin Pearson, one of the famous Pearson triplets, an ambitious and complex actor navigating the highs and lows of fame, relationships, and personal demons. The monumental ensemble cast also featured a stellar lineup of talent, including Mandy Moore as family matriarch Rebecca Pearson, Sterling K. Brown as Randall Pearson, and Chrissy Metz as Kate Pearson, cementing the show’s place in modern television history.
Since the emotional series finale of This Is Us closed the book on the Pearson family’s television tenure, the core cast members have transitioned into various new projects across television, film, and streaming platforms. Justin Hartley has maintained a prominent presence on network television as the lead star of Tracker, a popular CBS action drama series that premiered to strong ratings and quickly established itself as a reliable anchor for the network. Based on Jeffery Deaver’s 2019 bestselling novel The Never Game, Tracker stars Hartley as Colter Shaw, a skilled survivalist and reward seeker who travels across the United States in his vintage Airstream trailer. Operating independently, Shaw uses his expert tracking skills to help law enforcement agencies and private citizens locate missing persons and solve complex mysteries, all in exchange for high-stakes reward money.
Given the gritty, procedural nature of Tracker and the rugged, wandering lifestyle of Colter Shaw, the introduction of a guest star of Ventimiglia’s caliber opens up a myriad of intriguing storytelling possibilities for the writers and producers of the CBS series. Naturally, the immediate question circulating among fans and entertainment commentators alike centers on what exact kind of role Ventimiglia might step into if he were to make a guest appearance on the show. Could he play a fellow tracker with a mysterious past tied to Colter’s complicated family history? Might he portray a desperate client, a dangerous adversary, or a figures from Shaw’s past life before he took to the open road?
While scheduling logistics and the demands of separate production calendars will ultimately dictate whether the reunion can move from an actor’s enthusiastic interview quote into a concrete reality, the mutual desire is clearly there. For an audience that spent six years watching Ventimiglia and Hartley share intensely emotional dramatic moments on network television, seeing them trade the living rooms and flashbacks of This Is Us for the open highways and high-stakes investigations of Tracker would undoubtedly be a television event worth tuning in for. For now, fans of both actors will simply have to wait and see if the scheduling stars align to bring a piece of the Pearson family legacy into the world of Colter Shaw.
