> At a Glance
> – Eric McCormack and son Finnigan, 23, play the same killer at different ages in NBC’s The Hunting Party season 2 opener
> – Finnigan makes his professional TV debut opposite his father
> – The duo spent days in hotel rooms mapping a unified take on murderer Ron Simms
> – Why it matters: Viewers see a first-time family acting experiment that required matching mannerisms across decades
Eric McCormack’s dream of “hanging with this guy” as grown-ups arrives in the oddest form imaginable-portraying younger and older versions of the same Austin serial killer on network television.
Matching a Murderer Across Decades
The Will & Grace alum, 62, and his real-life son step into the shoes of Ron Simms, who stalks victims by hiding under beds and drugging them. Eric embodies the seasoned criminal, while Finnigan appears in flashbacks that open the episode.
Because they never share a scene, the pair relied on off-camera prep:
- Swapped notes in hotel rooms on posture, speech, and mindset
- Synced emotional beats so the transition between eras feels seamless
- Workshopped how each version rationalizes the killings
Finnigan calls the process “special” because “we’re coming at it from a believable perspective” despite filming separately.
From Dad’s Line Coach to Colleague
Finnigan’s stage experience was limited to high-school and college plays where Eric ran lines and tightened performances. Watching his father flip between charm and menace on set gave him the confidence to test professional acting.
Eric says his son always resisted riding the family name, so sharing one character leveled the playing field. “You’re not just Eric’s son, you’re sharing a character and you’re an actor in your own right.”
Key on-set lesson Finnigan soaked up:
- Snap in and out of character between takes
- Stay relaxed until the camera rolls
- Trust preparation then let instincts take over
Viewing Details
| Show | Episode | Air Date & Time | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hunting Party | Season 2 premiere (Ron Simms case) | Jan. 8, 10 p.m. ET | NBC |
Key Takeaways
- Finnigan McCormack makes his broadcast TV debut in a high-stakes role
- Father and son had to create one cohesive performance without acting opposite each other
- Eric’s mentorship shifted from living-room rehearsals to professional collaboration
- Their shared scenes never overlap, yet the continuity must feel flawless to viewers
The unusual casting experiment spotlights both a family milestone and a creative gamble when the episode drops Monday night.
