The Objective behind Bloodhound was to create a gripping, high-stakes thriller that reimagines the superhero narrative through a personal, psychological, and socially relevant lens. Todd Ellis Kessler and Thomas Page McBeeraft set to craft a story that explores masculinity, trauma, and extremism while centering a trans protagonist in a way rarely seen in mainstream audio storytelling.
Bloodhound follows Jay Pulver, a trans college student who gains superhuman abilities and is recruited by the FBI to help prevent violent attacks. His powers—sensing and reflecting extreme emotions—serve as a metaphor for the real-world struggle to navigate masculinity in an era of radicalization and political unrest. Through Jay’s journey, the series aimed to examine the ways in which young men, particularly those marginalized or searching for identity, can be drawn into dangerous ideologies—and how empathy and connection can serve as a counterforce.
From a creative standpoint, Bloodhound set out to deliver a blend of psychological suspense and sharp social commentary. With its character-driven storytelling and high-intensity action, the show sought to engage audiences who enjoy sci-fi, coming-of-age dramas, and socially relevant thrillers. The casting of a majority queer and trans voice cast, along with its rock-driven sound design, further reinforced its mission of telling a story that feels both immersive and authentic, pushing the boundaries of what audio fiction can achieve.
To bring Bloodhound to life, Fresh Produce Media and Audible partnered with an experienced team of writers, directors, and sound designers to craft a richly layered listening experience. Todd Ellis Kessler and Thomas Page McBee brought their expertise in television and literature, ensuring the series balanced cinematic elements with thought-provoking storytelling. The collaboration between Kessler, known for his work on Nashville and The Good Wife, and McBee, a trans writer deeply engaged in discussions of masculinity (Tales of the City, Umbrella Academy), was key to shaping Bloodhound’s major themes.
Casting was another crucial part of the project’s success. Elliot Fletcher, a trans actor known for Shameless and The Sex Lives of College Girls, led the cast, providing an authentic and emotionally nuanced performance as Jay. A predominantly queer and trans supporting cast also helped to round out the ensemble and ensured that the story was told with authenticity.
Directing duties were handled by Lauren Shippen (The Bright Sessions), a seasoned audio creator skilled in crafting immersive, character-driven narratives. The show’s punk-rock-infused sound design, composed by Carmen Elle (Sort Of), further heightened the intensity, giving Bloodhound an energetic edge that set it apart from traditional audio dramas.
With a blend of family drama and social commentary, Bloodhound was intentionally built to resonate with a broad audience, from fans of suspense thrillers to those invested in LGBTQ+ storytelling and political discourse.
On the press front, Bloodhound premiered exclusively on Deadline, which provided the podcast a wide reach to readers interested in scripted audio fiction stories.
