When two of CBS’s most talked-about stars start teasing a possible crossover, fans can’t help but imagine the chaos — and brilliance — that could unfold. Jason Ritter, who stars as Julian in Matlock, recently revealed that he’d love to see his character team up with Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw from Tracker. The idea of two investigative powerhouses joining forces has sparked major excitement online — and for good reason.
Let’s dive into what Ritter said, why this crossover makes perfect sense, and what it could mean for both CBS hits.
A Dream Crossover Fans Didn’t Know They Needed
Jason Ritter dropped the idea casually in a recent interview, but it instantly caught fire among fans. When asked which CBS character he’d want Julian to partner with, Ritter didn’t hesitate — Colter Shaw from Tracker.
It’s not hard to see why. Both men are problem-solvers driven by instinct, emotion, and moral conviction. Ritter’s Julian, a sharp, empathetic legal mind, would perfectly complement Colter’s rugged field skills and relentless pursuit of truth. Together, they’d make an unstoppable duo.
Why Julian and Colter Would Make a Perfect Team
Think about it — Colter Shaw tracks missing people across the country, guided by logic, intuition, and survival instincts. Julian, on the other hand, thrives in the courtroom, analyzing motives, dissecting lies, and defending justice.
Imagine Colter finding clues in the wild while Julian deciphers the legal implications behind every move. It’s the perfect blend of brains and brawn, intellect and instinct. Their combined methods could redefine how TV crossovers work.
CBS’s Expanding Universe: A Strategic Move?
CBS has been known for connecting its top franchises — think FBI, NCIS, and Hawaii Five-0. So, the idea of Matlock and Tracker sharing a storyline isn’t just fan service — it’s smart business.
Bringing Julian and Colter together could attract crossover audiences, deepen character arcs, and elevate both shows’ visibility. Plus, it gives CBS an easy way to test a “shared universe” strategy, which streaming platforms have mastered.
Ritter’s Respect for Hartley Runs Deep
Jason Ritter didn’t just pick Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw randomly — he genuinely admires Hartley’s performance and presence. In his interview, Ritter praised Hartley’s “effortless charisma” and his ability to “ground action in emotion.”
He went on to say that working alongside Hartley would be “a dream collaboration,” calling him “one of TV’s most authentic leading men.”
That mutual respect could translate beautifully on-screen — two passionate characters, two powerhouse actors, one shared mission.
What Fans Are Saying About the Potential Crossover
Since Ritter’s comments went public, social media has exploded. Fans are already imagining how the crossover would play out.
On Tracker fan pages, users are pitching episode ideas like “The Case of the Missing Witness” — where Colter tracks down a key figure in one of Julian’s court cases. Meanwhile, Matlock fans envision Julian defending Colter after a case goes wrong.
It’s the kind of creative buzz CBS execs can’t ignore.
Behind the Scenes: Would CBS Actually Do It?
While no official plans have been announced, the network has a history of testing the waters with smaller guest appearances before greenlighting full-scale crossovers.
Given Tracker’s rising popularity and Matlock’s fresh revival buzz, the timing couldn’t be better. A joint storyline could not only boost ratings but also showcase how CBS’s procedural storytelling continues to evolve.
How the Crossover Could Work Storywise
Let’s speculate for a moment.
Imagine Colter working a high-stakes missing person case that overlaps with a legal scandal Julian is investigating. When Colter’s discovery puts him at odds with the justice system, Julian steps in to help navigate the fallout.
The tension between fieldwork and legal constraints could fuel some gripping drama — and give both characters new dimensions.
Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw: The Lone Wolf Meets His Match
Colter Shaw has always been a solitary figure — a man who thrives alone, guided by instinct and haunted by loss. Introducing someone like Julian could challenge that dynamic in powerful ways.
Julian’s empathetic and analytical approach could push Colter to rethink his methods, trust others more, and open up emotionally — something fans have wanted since Season 1.
The Emotional Core of a Crossover
What makes this crossover idea so appealing isn’t just the action — it’s the emotional potential.
Both Matlock and Tracker explore justice, morality, and the gray areas in between. Colter seeks justice through survival and intuition, while Julian seeks it through law and intellect. Together, they’d embody two sides of the same moral coin.
Could This Be CBS’s Next Big Franchise Move?
With CBS reviving Matlock and expanding Tracker, this could be the start of a bigger trend — creating a connected world of justice-driven shows.
Imagine future crossovers with NCIS or FBI. Colter helping federal agents? Julian defending a special ops witness? The possibilities are endless.
This move could signal CBS’s evolution from traditional procedural TV to a dynamic, interconnected storytelling model.
Jason Ritter’s Creative Curiosity
Ritter has always been known for embracing complex, layered roles. His interest in a crossover isn’t just fan chatter — it reflects his creative instincts.
In interviews, he often talks about “finding new ways to explore characters” and “connecting stories that reflect the real world’s interconnected nature.” A crossover with Tracker fits that artistic philosophy perfectly.
Fan Campaigns Already Brewing
Within hours of the interview, hashtags like #MatlockTrackerCrossover and #JulianMeetsColter began trending. Fans are tagging CBS, Hartley, and Ritter, urging them to make it happen.
Some have even started fan art and crossover trailers — proof that this idea already has the momentum it needs to catch CBS’s attention.
Why This Crossover Would Be a Win for Both Shows
For Matlock, it would inject new energy and draw in Tracker’s loyal viewership. For Tracker, it would deepen its world and give Colter a new kind of ally — someone who sees the law from a different lens.
And for CBS? It’s a golden marketing opportunity. Two beloved leads, one shared story, endless audience engagement.
Could It Actually Happen? Industry Insiders Weigh In
While official confirmation hasn’t surfaced, insiders suggest CBS is open to crossover experiments. Recent success stories like NCIS: Hawai’i and FBI: International prove there’s an appetite for connected storytelling.
If fan demand keeps growing — and both actors remain interested — it’s not a question of if, but when.
Conclusion
Jason Ritter’s dream of seeing Matlock’s Julian team up with Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw from Tracker isn’t just a fun what-if — it’s an idea that makes perfect sense. With two sharp minds, contrasting methods, and shared passion for justice, a crossover between these shows could be one of CBS’s most talked-about television moments yet.
And let’s be real — who wouldn’t want to see Colter Shaw tracking down evidence while Julian Matlock fights to make it count in court? It’s the partnership TV didn’t know it needed.
FAQs
1. Who suggested the “Matlock” and “Tracker” crossover idea?
Jason Ritter, who plays Julian in Matlock, mentioned he’d love to see his character work with Justin Hartley’s Colter from Tracker.
2. Has CBS confirmed the crossover?
Not yet — but the idea has gained traction with fans and could be considered if interest continues to grow.
3. What makes the crossover appealing to fans?
Both shows share themes of justice, mystery, and moral gray areas. Fans love the idea of two intelligent, driven characters joining forces.
4. How would Julian and Colter work together?
Julian could handle the legal side of cases while Colter tracks down evidence and solves mysteries in the field.
5. Could this crossover lead to a CBS shared universe?
Yes — it could mark the beginning of a larger interconnected TV world that brings together multiple CBS dramas.
