“The Runner,” with its “Fugitive” -like plot, follows a single contestant who crosses the country while trying to avoid being identified by viewers. ABC has given the series a 13-episode commitment and has slated the show for later this season.

“We couldn’t be happier about bringing this terrific original concept to network television,” said Andrea Wong, ABC’s vice president of alternative series and specials. “Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have given us a series that combines the best elements of reality programming and some of the tried and true basics of fictional drama.”

This will be the first television venture for Damon and Affleck, who are co-executive producing along with their LivePlanet, Inc. partners Sean Bailey and Chris Moore. Damon and Affleck each received an Oscar for their screenplay of “Good Will Hunting.”

“Matt and I have spent six months developing this idea with the rest of our group at LivePlanet and we couldn’t be happier to find ourselves partnering with ABC. They’ve shown real excitement at the idea and made real contributions to the creative aspect of the program,” said Damon and Affleck in a statement.

Damon recently starred in the films “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and “Dogma,” which co-starred Affleck. Affleck’s most recent films include “Forces of Nature” and “Armageddon.”