A Bold Move by CBS
In an age of streaming giants and true crime podcasts, one might assume traditional network dramas have lost their luster. But CBS’s Tracker — fronted by the magnetic Justin Hartley — is proving otherwise. The show has not only topped Nielsen ratings but also reignited interest in the “case-of-the-week” genre with a modern twist. At the heart of this revival is Hartley, whose transformation from emotional family man in This Is Us to rugged solo survivalist in Tracker has caught the industry’s attention.
The Role of a Lifetime: Meet Colter Shaw
Justin Hartley plays Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist who travels across the United States using his unique skills to help solve missing persons cases. But he doesn’t work for free — Shaw only takes cases with reward money attached, creating tension between altruism and self-interest.
Shaw is no ordinary tracker. He’s a man with a tormented past, shaped by a mysterious family tragedy that continues to haunt him throughout his adventures. This deeper emotional layer sets Tracker apart from standard procedural shows. As the episodes unfold, Shaw’s personal journey — particularly the unraveling mystery of his father’s death — becomes just as compelling as the cases he tackles.
Why Justin Hartley Was the Perfect Choice
For many, Justin Hartley is still synonymous with Kevin Pearson, the charming actor struggling with identity and addiction in NBC’s This Is Us. But in Tracker, Hartley sheds that persona and steps into the rugged boots of a man who lives off the grid, trusts no one, and answers only to his own code.
This casting decision was a stroke of genius by CBS. Hartley’s natural charisma softens the edges of Colter Shaw’s tough exterior, making him a character audiences can root for — even when his motivations aren’t entirely pure. His ability to blend vulnerability with stoic determination gives Tracker a depth not often found in procedural dramas.
And he’s not just the star — he’s also an executive producer. Hartley has been heavily involved in shaping the show’s direction, tone, and character arcs. According to behind-the-scenes interviews, he pushed for the emotional subplots involving Shaw’s family to remain central to the narrative, believing they give the show its “beating heart.”
Record-Breaking Numbers and Critical Acclaim
Since its February 2024 premiere after the Super Bowl, Tracker has broken viewership records for CBS. It quickly became the network’s most-watched new drama, with an average of over 17.5 million viewers per week across platforms by the end of Season 2.
Critics praised the series for its sharp writing, suspenseful plots, and Hartley’s commanding performance. Variety called it “a welcome return to high-stakes, character-driven television,” while TVLine referred to Hartley’s portrayal as “his most complex work to date.”
The success has already earned the show a greenlight for Season 3 — with whispers that CBS is planning a fourth and possibly even a fifth season. For a series that started with moderate expectations, Tracker is now a flagship for the network.
Colter Shaw’s World Expands
Season 2 saw a significant evolution in storytelling. Beyond the episodic “tracking” missions, the writers wove in a continuous arc that followed Shaw’s pursuit of the truth about his family — particularly his father’s suspicious death, and the long-term psychological impact it left on him and his estranged siblings.
The second season finale shocked fans with a major twist that left Colter questioning everything he thought he knew about his upbringing. This emotional cliffhanger has already set high expectations for Season 3, which is rumored to take Colter deeper into his own past — potentially bringing him face-to-face with people from his father’s secret life.
Fiona Rene, who plays Reenie Greene — a recurring character aiding Shaw in his investigations — has also gained fan praise. Her chemistry with Hartley is subtle yet impactful, providing a much-needed emotional tether for Shaw’s otherwise nomadic existence.
Reviving the “Lone Hero” Trope
Tracker is clearly a love letter to classic TV heroes: characters like The Fugitive’s Richard Kimble or MacGyver’s titular tinkerer — men who wandered from town to town righting wrongs. But it updates this formula for a modern audience by giving Colter Shaw emotional baggage, moral gray areas, and deep-seated trauma.
What sets Tracker apart is how it refuses to let Colter be a mere action figure. He struggles. He doubts. He fails. And yet he continues — often at personal cost. In one of the show’s most haunting episodes, Shaw hesitates during a rescue, flashing back to his brother’s disappearance as a teen. That moment of vulnerability cements his relatability.
Hartley’s Impact on TV’s Future
Justin Hartley’s success with Tracker marks an important shift in network drama. For years, critics declared the format “dead” in the face of prestige cable and streaming. But Tracker proves that when a show is well-acted, emotionally rich, and visually stunning, audiences will show up — and stay.
In many ways, Hartley is leading a quiet revolution. As both lead actor and producer, he has shown how artists can take control of their careers, shape their own narratives, and redefine genres. He’s following in the footsteps of other actor-producers like Reese Witherspoon and Kevin Costner — and thriving.
What’s Next for Colter Shaw?
While details of Season 3 remain under wraps, Hartley has hinted in interviews that we’ll see Colter finally confront the man he believes responsible for his father’s death — and possibly uncover a deeper conspiracy that could shake everything he thought he knew.
In addition, producers have suggested expanding the show’s format to include “two-part missions” and multi-episode arcs — allowing for more complex storytelling and character development. There’s even speculation about a potential Tracker spin-off or prequel series focused on Shaw’s father.
Final Thoughts
Tracker is more than just a hit TV show — it’s a masterclass in genre reinvention. And at the center of it all is Justin Hartley, whose dedication, talent, and vision have made the series must-see television. Whether you’re a long-time Hartley fan or new to his work, Tracker is the kind of show that proves network TV still has surprises — and stars — worth watching.
