The Evolution of a Modern Leading Man
Justin Hartley may be best known for his performances in front of the camera—from the charming Green Arrow in Smallville to the emotionally complex Kevin Pearson in This Is Us, and most recently, the rugged survivalist Colter Shaw in CBS’s hit drama Tracker. But in recent years, Hartley has been proving there’s much more to his talent than just acting. He’s emerging as a powerful force behind the scenes—a producer, content curator, and tastemaker who’s determined to elevate television in thoughtful, character-driven directions.
With Tracker becoming one of the breakout hits of 2024 and now entering its second season, Hartley’s dual role as star and executive producer has attracted increasing attention. He isn’t just lending his name to a project—he’s deeply involved in its development, tone, casting, and creative identity. And this shift is no accident. Justin Hartley has been steadily crafting a vision of what modern TV can be: emotional, intelligent, cinematic—and always deeply human.
The Birth of ChangeUp Productions
In 2019, while still starring in This Is Us, Hartley quietly co-founded ChangeUp Productions, a company focused on developing original TV and film content. The name reflects his vision—to shake up formulaic entertainment with bold new stories, inclusive casting, and emotionally complex protagonists.
The idea, according to Hartley, came from frustration. “I’d read scripts where I loved the character but hated everything else—or great stories with flat characters,” he said in a 2023 interview. “I wanted to help shape the whole picture, not just play my part in it.”
Initially, ChangeUp Productions started developing small-scale passion projects, but as Hartley’s star rose, so did the opportunities. In time, the company landed development deals with networks and streaming platforms, positioning it as a legitimate player in the growing intersection between creative content and celebrity-driven production.
Tracker: The Blueprint of a Balanced Role
When Tracker premiered in early 2024, viewers tuned in for the action-thriller premise—a lone survivalist uses his tracking skills to solve crimes and find missing people. But they stayed for the emotionally grounded storytelling and Hartley’s commanding yet vulnerable performance as Colter Shaw.
What many didn’t realize at first was that Tracker was also a milestone for Hartley behind the scenes. As a co-executive producer, he played a pivotal role in shaping the series—helping develop Shaw’s character arc, selecting directors, and ensuring that the tone balanced action with introspection.
“Colter could’ve been written as just another action hero,” Hartley explained during a press tour. “But we wanted more than that—we wanted his past to haunt him, his choices to matter, and his relationships to be complicated.”
Hartley also pushed for diverse casting and location shoots that reflected real American landscapes, not just studio backlots. These creative choices paid off. Tracker became CBS’s top-rated new show of the season and generated buzz across both traditional broadcast and streaming audiences.
Why Producing Matters to Hartley
In today’s entertainment landscape, more actors are stepping into production roles—but not all do it with clear creative intent. For Hartley, producing is about authorship. It’s about contributing to the DNA of a show—not just showing up to perform.
“I’ve worked on enough sets to know what clicks and what doesn’t,” he says. “I’m interested in building worlds, not just visiting them.”
This approach is evident in how Tracker structures its episodes. While each story is self-contained—typical of a procedural—there’s also a strong character-throughline. Hartley’s input ensures the emotional stakes remain high, and that Shaw’s personal evolution is just as gripping as the cases he investigates.
And audiences have noticed. Fans and critics alike have praised Tracker for blending the adrenaline of shows like The Fugitive with the emotional weight of True Detective—a rare combination for a network series.
Elevating Character-Driven Television
Hartley’s focus on character complexity isn’t just a personal preference—it’s part of his broader vision for the television industry. As a producer, he’s passionate about greenlighting shows that feature flawed but compelling protagonists, especially in genres where depth is often sacrificed for spectacle.
This means giving new writers a platform, developing female-led thrillers, and embracing more serialized storytelling, even within procedural frameworks.
“Television is evolving,” Hartley told Variety. “Audiences are smarter. They want more. You can’t just throw explosions at them and call it a plot. If a character’s journey doesn’t feel real, you lose them.”
This philosophy is guiding ChangeUp Productions as it expands. Rumors suggest the company is developing a limited series about PTSD in first responders, as well as a female-led courtroom thriller that combines legal drama with psychological suspense.
Mentoring New Voices in Hollywood
Hartley isn’t content just building his own brand. He’s also working to uplift emerging talent. On the set of Tracker, he’s known for being accessible, collaborative, and always willing to mentor younger actors or first-time directors.
“Justin creates an atmosphere where everyone feels heard,” said one Tracker writer in a behind-the-scenes interview. “He’s a leader, not a boss.”
He’s also spoken at screenwriting workshops, participated in actor mentorship programs, and donated to scholarship funds aimed at diversifying the entertainment industry. It’s clear that Hartley views success not just as a personal journey, but as a communal one.
The Future: Streaming, Film, and Directing?
So where does Hartley go from here?
With Tracker renewed for a second season and ChangeUp Productions gaining momentum, there’s talk that Hartley may take a stab at directing. He’s hinted at it in interviews, especially when asked about the future of ChangeUp: “Directing is definitely on the table. I’ve shadowed directors, studied pacing, editing—it’s something I’m excited about.”
There’s also speculation about his production company signing a first-look deal with a major streamer. Netflix and Amazon Prime are reportedly interested in collaborating, especially given Hartley’s proven crossover appeal—able to draw both network loyalists and streaming bingers.
And while Hartley remains tight-lipped about upcoming roles, fans are hoping to see him return to film. A few indie scripts have reportedly crossed his desk, including a father-daughter road trip drama and a low-budget thriller set in the Pacific Northwest.
Final Thoughts: From Actor to Architect
Justin Hartley is no longer just the face of your favorite prime-time drama. He’s becoming something more: a creative architect in an era where control, vision, and integrity matter more than ever. Whether starring in a hit series, producing ambitious content, or mentoring future storytellers, Hartley is charting a course that reflects both his talent and his values.
In an industry often obsessed with reinvention, Hartley’s greatest strength might be his consistency—his unwavering belief in quality, emotion, and the human story. As the TV world continues to shift, one thing’s certain: Justin Hartley will be shaping the conversation, both on screen and off.
