A Bold Career Shift After a Beloved Drama
After earning widespread acclaim and a devoted fanbase as Kevin Pearson in This Is Us, Justin Hartley could have easily coasted on the momentum of that success. The emotional, award-winning NBC drama not only showcased his range as an actor but also deeply connected him with viewers around the world. However, when the show concluded, Hartley made a daring pivot—not toward more dramatic roles, but into the rugged, suspense-filled world of Tracker.
The move raised eyebrows. Could the man known for heartfelt monologues and emotional vulnerability become a convincing survivalist tracking criminals across the country? The answer, as Tracker has proven, is a resounding yes.
Colter Shaw: A New Kind of Leading Man
As Colter Shaw, Hartley embodies a character who is equally cerebral and physical. Shaw isn’t just chasing bounties—he’s dealing with a traumatic past, ethical dilemmas, and dangerous adversaries. The show allows Hartley to showcase his physicality, confidence, and sharp instincts, qualities that were less central to his character in This Is Us.
The contrast is striking: Kevin Pearson struggled with addiction, family dynamics, and identity. Colter Shaw lives off the grid, solves mysteries, and hunts criminals. Yet Hartley finds ways to humanize both, giving Colter emotional depth amid the action.
Building a New TV Legacy
Tracker hasn’t just marked a shift in tone; it represents a new chapter in Hartley’s television legacy. Instead of being typecast as the good-looking, emotionally lost character, he’s now front and center in a network drama that leans into action, suspense, and serialized storytelling.
What’s more, Tracker allows Hartley to flex his behind-the-scenes muscles. He serves as an executive producer on the show, helping shape its creative direction and tone. This expanded role speaks to his evolution not just as an actor, but as a storyteller.
Navigating Cast Departures and Creative Shifts
Recently, Tracker underwent a significant reconfiguration, with multiple original cast members departing between seasons. Hartley, in a rare interview, acknowledged the shift without revealing too much: “This show has always been built around Colter Shaw, and as we grow and evolve, so will the people he meets along the way.”
Rather than frame the changes as setbacks, Hartley views them as opportunities to deepen Colter’s journey. New characters, new landscapes, and new emotional challenges lie ahead, all of which will give Hartley more room to explore.
What’s Next for Hartley?
Though Tracker is still early in its run, its success on CBS and streaming platforms has reignited Hartley’s career in exciting ways. He’s reportedly developing additional projects through his production company and remains open to both film and limited series work. With his credibility in both drama and action now firmly established, the possibilities seem endless.
Justin Hartley is no longer just “that guy from This Is Us.” He’s become something more—an adaptable, compelling, and consistently surprising leading man.
