A Relentless Hero with a Wounded Heart
At the center of CBS’s Tracker is Colter Shaw, played with rugged charisma by Justin Hartley. Unlike your typical procedural lead, Shaw isn’t a cop or a detective—he’s a lone survivalist bounty hunter who helps find missing people. What makes him different? He’s haunted. Not just emotionally, but also by a family mystery that drives every decision he makes. The blend of action and emotional turmoil is exactly why Tracker doesn’t just hook viewers—it keeps them up at night.
A Procedural That Breaks the Rules
CBS has long been the home of tried-and-true crime dramas (NCIS, FBI, Blue Bloods), but Tracker breaks the mold. Instead of solving a murder every episode, the show focuses on disappearances—runaways, kidnappings, people who just vanish. Each week brings a fresh, gripping mystery, but what’s revolutionary is how the personal lives of the characters tie into each case. It’s not about closing a file—it’s about healing something deeper.
Justin Hartley’s Career Evolution Shines
Known for his emotionally layered role on This Is Us, Hartley brings that same emotional intensity to Colter Shaw—but adds grit, survival skills, and raw physicality. Watching him navigate wilderness terrains, track digital footprints, and battle his own inner demons is something fans can’t get enough of. Tracker proves Hartley isn’t just a drama star—he’s a leading man for an entire genre shift.
A Cinematic Feel That Rivals Streaming Giants
Forget what you think you know about network television. Tracker feels like a movie every week. Filmed across visually stunning landscapes—from remote forests to desert hideouts—the series has a big-budget look, even though it’s on CBS. Add in a haunting original score and immersive sound design, and you’ve got a series that rivals anything you’ll find on Netflix or Prime.
A Fan-Fueled Hit in the Making
While still in its early seasons, Tracker is already developing a devoted fanbase. Social media buzz has been steadily growing, with fans dissecting clues, theorizing about Shaw’s family past, and sharing their love for the show’s unique tone. Some are even comparing it to a mix of The Fugitive and True Detective—but with a heart.
What’s Next for Colter Shaw?
CBS has officially renewed Tracker for a second season, and showrunners have hinted that Colter’s family backstory is about to take center stage. Who really killed his father? What secrets are buried in the mountains he keeps returning to? And what happens when Colter finally confronts the brother who vanished from his life?
Why You Should Tune In Now
Tracker isn’t just another crime show. It’s a layered, suspenseful, emotionally gripping journey with a character you’ll root for and fear for in equal measure. If you haven’t watched yet, now’s the time to start. By the time the season finale rolls around, you’ll be counting the days until the next chapter of Colter Shaw’s journey.
