Justin Hartley isn’t just the star of CBS’s hit series Tracker—he’s also one of the driving forces behind its success. As both lead actor and executive producer, Hartley has been deeply involved in shaping the direction of the show, especially as it heads into its much-anticipated third season. So how exactly has he prepared for what’s next?
Digging Into the Shaw Family’s Dark Secrets
One of Hartley’s biggest focuses for Season 3 is exploring the emotional complexity of Colter Shaw’s family. Season 2 ended with the shocking revelation that Colter’s mother, Mary, may have played a role in his father’s death. Hartley says Season 3 will dive headfirst into the “nitty-gritty” of that storyline.
“Was she protecting her kids? Was there an affair? Was the government involved? We’re going to dig into all of it,” Hartley teased.
For him, the family drama is what takes Tracker beyond being just a procedural—it’s about unraveling mysteries that are as personal as they are dangerous.
Pushing Colter Into Tougher Situations
As executive producer, Hartley has also been brainstorming bold new directions for the story. One idea he’s especially intrigued by? Forcing Colter into a position where he becomes the hunted.
Instead of being the tracker solving cases, Hartley imagines a storyline where Colter is framed, on the run, and using his survival skills to outsmart the law. This darker twist would push the character into uncharted territory and raise the emotional stakes even higher.
Embracing Complexity and Ambiguity
Hartley has made it clear that he doesn’t want Colter to be a simple hero. He wants him layered, conflicted, and constantly evolving.
“One of the things I love about our show is it seems like every time we answer a question, there are five more questions,” he explained. “My character keeps getting deeper and deeper.”
For fans, that means Season 3 won’t just deliver cases of the week—it will also peel back more of Colter’s inner struggles.
Motivating the Team and Thanking the Fans
Behind the scenes, Hartley has also taken time to celebrate the crew and thank fans for their support. When CBS officially renewed the series for a third season, Hartley recorded a heartfelt message:
“Because of the #trackerbackers we get to make more of these … Here we go!”
He also addressed his cast and crew directly, crediting their hard work in Season 2 as the reason the show earned another season. His leadership both on and off screen has helped maintain a positive, energized atmosphere on set.
Back on Set With Fresh Energy
In a recent behind-the-scenes video, Hartley appeared excited and refreshed as production began for Season 3. “We’re back in production. More Tracker is coming your way,” he promised, hinting at the team’s enthusiasm to build on the momentum of the first two seasons.
Justin Hartley has prepared for Tracker Season 3 not just by stepping back into Colter Shaw’s shoes, but by shaping the very stories that will define the show’s future. With deeper family drama, darker twists, and a commitment to making Colter more complex than ever, Hartley is ensuring that Season 3 won’t just meet fan expectations—it will surpass them.
For viewers, that means one thing: when Tracker returns this October, the hunt will be more personal, more dangerous, and more gripping than ever before.
