Justin Hartley has built a career out of versatility — effortlessly moving between soap operas, superhero adventures, heartfelt family dramas, and high-stakes action thrillers. Whether you first met him as Kevin Pearson in This Is Us or as Oliver Queen in Smallville, his screen presence is undeniable. If you’ve been missing Hartley on your screen, here are 10 shows worth watching, complete with context on his roles, why they matter, and how they shaped his career.
1. This Is Us (2016–2022)
Perhaps Hartley’s most career-defining role, This Is Us tells the story of the Pearson family across multiple timelines. Hartley plays Kevin Pearson, a former sitcom actor struggling with purpose, fame, and personal demons. His performance is layered, capturing Kevin’s charm, vulnerability, and growth over six seasons. This role earned him critical acclaim, multiple award nominations, and a place in TV history.
2. Tracker (2024–present)
Hartley’s newest venture, Tracker, is a CBS action drama where he stars as Colter Shaw, a skilled survivalist and reward seeker who travels the country helping law enforcement and private citizens solve cases. The role demands both physical prowess and emotional intelligence, and Hartley delivers on both fronts, proving his ability to lead a primetime network series.
3. Smallville (2006–2011)
Before superheroes dominated the box office, Hartley was already wearing the cape — or, in this case, the hood. On Smallville, he portrayed Oliver Queen / Green Arrow, a billionaire vigilante and one of Clark Kent’s closest allies. Hartley brought a mix of wit, confidence, and moral complexity to the role, making his Green Arrow a fan favorite.
4. Revenge (2013–2014)
In ABC’s soapy drama Revenge, Hartley played Patrick Osbourne, the mysterious long-lost son of Victoria Grayson. His storyline was full of secrets, betrayals, and high-society intrigue. Though his arc was short-lived, Hartley made a memorable impact, showing his knack for portraying enigmatic, morally ambiguous characters.
5. The Young and the Restless (2014–2016)
Returning to his soap opera roots, Hartley stepped into the role of Adam Newman, one of the most complex characters in The Young and the Restless. His portrayal earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination and proved his ability to handle emotionally charged, high-drama storytelling — skills that would later serve him well in primetime.
6. Mistresses (2014)
In this ABC drama, Hartley played Scott Trosman, a charming plastic surgeon and love interest for Jes Macallan’s character, Josslyn Carver. Though lighter in tone than some of his other work, Mistresses allowed Hartley to flex his romantic leading-man skills.
7. Emily Owens, M.D. (2012–2013)
Before becoming a household name, Hartley starred as Will Collins, a doctor navigating professional challenges and personal entanglements at a Denver hospital. The CW’s medical dramedy was short-lived, but Hartley’s performance added warmth and charisma to the ensemble.
8. Passions (2002–2006)
This was where it all began for Hartley — as Fox Crane in the NBC daytime soap Passions. The role was filled with love triangles, family feuds, and over-the-top drama. It gave Hartley his first big break and showcased his natural charm.
9. Jane the Virgin (2015)
Hartley appeared in a guest role on this critically acclaimed CW comedy-drama, playing a telenovela star. Though it was a small part, it was a fun, self-aware nod to his own soap opera roots.
10. CSI: NY / CSI (Guest Appearances)
Hartley has popped up in procedural dramas like CSI: NY and CSI, where he took on guest roles that were often darker, allowing him to step away from his “leading man” image and explore grittier territory.
Why This List Matters
Watching these shows back-to-back is like watching the evolution of Justin Hartley’s career. From fresh-faced soap newcomer to seasoned primetime leading man, each role offers something unique — whether it’s the emotional depth of This Is Us, the adrenaline rush of Tracker, or the charm of Smallville’s Green Arrow.
Hartley’s ability to move seamlessly between genres and networks is part of what makes him such a compelling actor to follow. And if history is any indication, his filmography is only going to get more interesting in the years to come.
