CBS’s Tracker didn’t just arrive — it stormed into prime time and instantly grabbed viewers by the collar. With its lone-wolf hero, gritty investigations, and emotional undercurrent, the show scratched an itch many of us didn’t even know we had.
So now what?
If you’ve caught up and you’re craving more shows with the same DNA, you’re in the right place.
This guide breaks down 15 of the best TV shows like Tracker — packed with mystery, crime, survival instincts, and unforgettable characters. Let’s dive in.
Why Tracker Became a CBS Hit So Fast
Before we jump into recommendations, let’s talk about why Tracker works so well.
A Lone Wolf With a Moral Compass
Colter Shaw isn’t your typical detective. He’s a survivalist, a drifter, and a truth-seeker — which instantly makes him compelling.
Case-of-the-Week With Emotional Weight
Each episode tells a self-contained story, but emotional threads keep pulling you back.
Grounded, Gritty Storytelling
No flashy gimmicks. Just solid writing, real danger, and human stakes.
That’s the magic formula we’ll use to guide this list.
1. FBI (CBS)
Why It Feels Like Tracker
If Tracker is about the lone hunter, FBI is about the elite team — but both thrive on high-pressure investigations and moral dilemmas.
What Makes It Click
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Realistic federal cases
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High emotional stakes
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Fast-paced storytelling
2. NCIS (CBS)
A CBS Classic That Still Delivers
You can’t talk CBS crime dramas without NCIS. It balances heart, humor, and mystery — just like Tracker.
Best For Viewers Who Love
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Character-driven crime
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Long-term storytelling
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Emotional payoffs
3. NCIS: Hawaiʻi (CBS)
Same Crime, Higher Stakes
This spin-off adds a rugged, outdoor edge that fans of Tracker will appreciate.
Why It Works
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High-risk missions
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Strong leadership themes
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Stunning environments
4. Blue Bloods (CBS)
Crime With a Moral Backbone
Blue Bloods thrives on ethical debates, personal choices, and family loyalty — themes Tracker nails beautifully.
Standout Element
Every episode feels like a conversation about right and wrong.
5. Criminal Minds (CBS / Paramount+)
Inside the Minds of Hunters and Hunted
If you love the psychological tension of Tracker, Criminal Minds delivers it in spades.
Why Fans Love It
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Deep character psychology
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Chilling cases
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Emotional intensity
6. The Equalizer (CBS)
Justice Outside the System
This show mirrors Tracker’s independent-operator energy.
Key Similarities
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Lone protector archetype
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Helping those with nowhere else to turn
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Strong emotional storytelling
7. SWAT (CBS)
Action-Driven, Character-Focused
SWAT mixes adrenaline with emotional storytelling — much like Tracker during its most intense episodes.
8. Seal Team (CBS / Paramount+)
Survival, Brotherhood, and Sacrifice
If you loved Tracker’s survivalist edge, Seal Team takes it to the extreme.
Why It Hits Hard
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Raw realism
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Tight-knit team dynamics
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Emotional toll of duty
9. Person of Interest (CBS)
A Hidden Gem That Feels Ahead of Its Time
This show blends mystery, surveillance, and moral questions — a perfect match for Tracker fans.
10. Elementary (CBS)
A Modern Take on the Lone Genius
Sherlock Holmes as a deeply flawed, emotionally complex investigator? Yes, please.
Why It Works
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Smart writing
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Character evolution
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Strong case structure
*11. Tracker-Style Show Alert: CSI: Vegas
Back to Basics Crime Solving
The reboot strips things down and focuses on solid detective work — just like Tracker.
12. MacGyver (CBS)
Survival Skills Meet Heart
If Colter Shaw’s resourcefulness hooked you, MacGyver will feel like comfort food.
13. Hawaii Five-0 (CBS)
High Stakes in High Heat
Fast action, emotional storytelling, and personal loyalty drive this show forward.
14. Without a Trace (CBS)
Missing Persons, Maximum Emotion
This one feels especially close to Tracker’s core premise.
Why It Resonates
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Emotional investigations
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Human-centered storytelling
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Long-lasting impact
15. Cold Case (CBS)
The Past Never Stays Buried
Few shows blend emotion and mystery as effectively as Cold Case.
What Makes a Show Feel Like Tracker?
Shared DNA Across These Series
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Independent or morally driven leads
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Real emotional stakes
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Grounded realism
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Case-based storytelling with heart
Think of Tracker as a campfire story — and these shows are sparks from the same flame.
How to Choose Your Next Binge
Ask Yourself
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Do I want action or psychology?
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Lone wolf or team dynamic?
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Short arcs or long-term storytelling?
There’s no wrong answer — just the right mood.
Final Thoughts: Why CBS Owns This Genre
CBS has mastered human-centered crime storytelling. Tracker is simply the latest proof.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, emotion, or character depth, these 15 shows prove one thing:
