A Gritty Role in a Groundbreaking Series
Colter Shaw, the character Hartley plays in Tracker, is not your typical action hero. He’s mysterious, emotionally complex, physically capable, and morally torn. For Hartley, it’s the most demanding role of his career—and also the most rewarding.
“I’ve never played a character like this,” he said. “It’s raw, it’s rugged, and it requires everything—body, heart, and mind.”
The CBS series has quickly gained a loyal following thanks to its blend of suspense, action, and character depth. And much of that success hinges on Hartley’s committed performance—both in front of the camera and behind the scenes as executive producer.
Training Like a Real Tracker
To prepare for the role, Hartley trained in outdoor survival, navigation, firearm safety, and tactical movement. He worked with former law enforcement officers and survivalists to understand how a real-life tracker operates in high-stress, high-stakes environments.
“This isn’t just stunt work—it’s a mindset,” he said. “Colter is always reading the room, reading the land, reading people. That’s what makes him interesting.”
Hartley performs the majority of his own stunts, including chase scenes, climbing sequences, and fight choreography. Injuries happen—bruises, sprains—but he insists on authenticity.
Building a Complex Character
Hartley helped shape Colter’s backstory, trauma, and motivations. As co-producer, he had a hand in the writing process and character arc development. He wanted Colter to be more than a “lone wolf”—he wanted him to be vulnerable, haunted, and morally conflicted.
Fans have responded to this complexity. Colter isn’t always likable, but he’s always human. And that’s what keeps audiences invested.
Leadership on Set
As executive producer, Hartley sets the tone for the cast and crew. He’s known for being respectful, punctual, collaborative, and emotionally intelligent—a rarity in a high-pressure environment.
“I’ve been on sets where leadership was absent,” he admitted. “I promised myself that if I ever got the chance, I’d build something better.”
The Future of Tracker
With multiple seasons already planned, Tracker is quickly becoming one of CBS’s most valuable franchises—and Hartley its indispensable core. He’s even exploring the possibility of directing select episodes in future seasons.
For Hartley, Tracker isn’t just a job—it’s a legacy in the making.
