Disney's 2-Year Directing lands 'Tracker' and 'Scrubs', shakes Hollywood

# Disney Shocks With Directing Program, Adds “Tracker” and “Scrubs” Recently, the Disney Entertainment Television (DET) organization released a surprise that rippled through Hollywood’s green‑lit corridors.

The company announced the full roster for its 2026–2028 Directing Program, a two‑year initiative that promises hands‑on directing experience, mentorship, and executive access. The headline‑grabber?

The addition of high‑profile series such as *Tracker*, *Scrubs*, and a host of new shows that will shape the next wave of television storytelling. The DET Directing Program is no new concept.

Since its launch in 2001, the program has been a springboard for directors who later helmed blockbusters and critically acclaimed dramas.

This year, the studio not only named its first‑time participants but also redefined the program’s structure, extending the creative apprenticeship from a single season to a full two‑year cycle.

By doing so, Disney aims to give emerging talent deeper immersion in the world of a show, stronger ties to on‑set teams, and more robust professional development. For the industry, the move signals a commitment to nurturing fresh voices while maintaining Disney’s reputation for quality.

The roster of series—spanning procedural dramas, sci‑fi thrillers, and reboots—provides an eclectic playground for directors to experiment with genre, tone, and storytelling techniques.

As the studio expands its reach into both Disney‑owned and ABC‑syndicated properties, the program’s influence could ripple beyond the company’s own network lines, setting a new standard for television talent pipelines. ## Background & Context At its core, the DET Directing Program is a partnership between talent development and production reality.

Participants receive guaranteed directorial assignments on a Disney series, complemented by mentorship from seasoned executives and on‑set shadowing. The curriculum, which kicked off last year, already included rigorous workshops on narrative structure, visual storytelling, and crew dynamics.

By the time the new cohort steps onto the set of *Tracker* or *Scrubs*, they’ll have spent a year honing these skills alongside industry veterans. Disney’s decision to make the program two years rather than one reflects an understanding of the learning curve inherent in television direction.

“The DET Directing Program has always been about giving rising directors the hands‑on experience, relationships and creative opportunities they need to build real momentum in their careers,” Hayma Washington, vice president of Creative Talent Development and Inclusion, explained during the announcement.

She added that the extended format would allow participants to “hone their craft, build their networks and step confidently into the creative vision of the shows they’re helping bring to life.” Washington’s words echo the studio’s broader push for inclusive, diverse storytelling—a trend that has become increasingly visible on screen in recent seasons.

The newly added scripted shows—*Tracker* from 20th Television, *Scrubs*, *High Potential*, *The Rookie: North*, *Shifting Gears*, *Will Trent*, and *9‑1‑1*—provide a spectrum of genres. Each director will be paired with a specific series, allowing them to immerse themselves in a unique narrative universe.

In addition, the inclusion of high‑profile shows like *Will Trent* (a supernatural procedural) and *The Rookie* (police drama) gives participants exposure to both procedural and serialized storytelling. ## What People Are Saying Industry insiders have reacted with cautious enthusiasm.

Karey Burke, president of 20th Television, highlighted the program’s long‑standing impact: “For more than 25 years, these programs have been a launchpad for some of the most exciting directing careers in television,” he said.

Burke’s statement underscores the program’s legacy while signaling confidence in the new cohort’s potential. His anticipation is mirrored by a wave of excitement on professional networks, where comments range from congratulatory to analytical, dissecting the implications of a two‑year format on career trajectories.

Within the cohort itself, directors are already buzzing about the opportunity to work on shows that have resonated with audiences worldwide.

Kristen Buckels Cantrell, assigned to *Shifting Gears*, described the creative freedom as “unprecedented” for a newcomer, while Tessa Light‑Rake, who will helm an episode of *Scrubs*, praised the mentorship structure.

These anecdotes paint a picture of a program that balances guidance with autonomy—a combination that has drawn comparisons to the Academy’s own “New Directors” workshops. The broader television community sees the program as a sign that major studios are willing to invest more deeply in emerging talent.

In a landscape where talent pipelines are often criticized for favoring established names, Disney’s expanded offering suggests a shift toward more inclusive, hands‑on learning. ## What Happens Next As the new cohort steps into their first year, the program will focus on professional development and mentorship.

Participants will attend a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from shot composition to working with actors. Simultaneously, they will shadow senior directors on set, gaining firsthand experience of the logistical and creative challenges that come with helming an episode.

By the end of the first year, the goal is for each director to have a solid understanding of their assigned show’s voice, culture, and production processes. In the second year, the program’s climax unfolds: each director will be entrusted with directing an episode of their chosen series.

This transition from learning to leading is a pivotal moment. Alongside the episode, directors will continue to engage in tailored learning sessions and networking opportunities, ensuring that the momentum built in the first year does not stall.

Afterward, alumni will have a portfolio of directed episodes and established industry contacts—an invaluable combination as they seek full‑time directing roles or independent projects. Past alumni such as Ryan Coogler and Regina King are examples of the program’s long‑standing influence.

The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, combined with its expansive slate of series, could help shape the future of television talent pipelines.

In the coming months, the industry will watch how these directors perform on set, how audiences respond to their episodes, and whether the program’s two‑year format truly translates into more seasoned, versatile storytellers.

For now, Disney’s bold move has already sparked conversation, promising a fresh infusion of creative energy into the studio’s next generation of shows.