Justin Hartley is ruling the charts on Sunday nights on CBS as survivalist Colter Shaw in the second season of Tracker. The show’s immediate success cemented Hartley’s status as a TV star, a bankable network lead, and a charming action hero capable of carrying a primetime drama. For many Tracker fans, this may seem like Hartley’s arrival moment. However, long before tracking missing people across the country, Hartley was navigating the complex emotional terrain of family life in a role that truly marked his breakout on television. Eight years ago, Hartley delivered a performance on a show that wasn’t just popular but has become a cultural phenomenon and one that repeatedly finds itself showered with immense love from fans and critics. As Kevin Pearson in NBC’s beloved, time-bending family saga This Is Us, Hartley witnesses a shift in his career trajectory. The role allowed him to transcend previous typecasting and showcase a dramatic depth and vulnerability previously unseen by mass audiences. His journey as Kevin wasn’t just a compelling character arc; it was a moment when Justin Hartley received the love and critical acclaim he deserved all along.
If you know Justin Hartley from his iconic roles in This Is Us and Smallville, you might be surprised to learn that his career didn’t always revolve around high-profile, award-winning dramas. Long before he captured hearts as Kevin Pearson or fought for justice as Oliver Queen, Justin Hartley starred in a lesser-known NBC drama that marked the beginning of his rise to stardom. Yes, it was an underrated show that many missed, but it was also the perfect launching pad for the actor’s future success. Let’s dive into the story of how this hidden gem gave Justin Hartley his first big break and helped shape his journey to becoming a household name.
Who is Justin Hartley, and What Made Him a Star?
Before we discuss the breakthrough drama, let’s take a quick look at Justin Hartley’s career trajectory. Hartley’s rise to fame is tied to his versatility and ability to connect with audiences across different genres. Whether he’s delivering emotional performances in family dramas or portraying a charming hero in superhero shows, Hartley brings an undeniable charisma that draws viewers in.
But, like many successful actors, his journey wasn’t an overnight one. Hartley had to put in the work, taking on various roles before finding the one that propelled him into the spotlight.
The Early Years: Struggling and Supporting Roles
Before the big break, Justin Hartley was like most struggling actors, looking for his shot in Hollywood. He made his mark with a few guest appearances and minor roles on popular TV shows. But these small parts were just stepping stones, and the true breakthrough came from a show many might have overlooked.
The Underrated NBC Drama That Changed Everything
In 2006, Justin Hartley starred in The Mountain, an NBC drama that, while short-lived, proved to be the perfect introduction to the spotlight. The show, which followed the lives of a group of friends who live in the scenic but rugged town of Lakeridge, was set against the backdrop of picturesque mountains and full of heart, drama, and ambition.
The Show: What Was ‘The Mountain’ About?
The Mountain was centered around the Turner family, who owned a ski resort. Hartley played the role of Will Davis, a charming but troubled young man whose life is full of twists and turns. It was a character that allowed him to show off his emotional range and depth, and though the show wasn’t a massive hit, Hartley’s performance caught the attention of casting agents and critics alike.
While The Mountain didn’t last long—being canceled after just one season—it was enough to give Justin Hartley a much-needed platform. It was here that his career began to gain real momentum, eventually leading to bigger opportunities.
Why ‘The Mountain’ Was a Turning Point for Justin Hartley
Many actors experience a pivotal moment early in their careers, where everything changes. For Justin Hartley, that moment came with The Mountain. While it wasn’t the most widely-watched series, it gave him the experience, exposure, and connections he needed to move on to bigger roles, including his most famous ones later down the line. Here are a few reasons why The Mountain was so crucial to his career:
1. Developing His Acting Skills
Before landing the role of Will Davis, Hartley had already proven his acting chops in smaller roles, but his portrayal of a conflicted young man in The Mountain gave him an opportunity to shine. He was able to stretch his range and explore more complex, multi-dimensional characters, which would serve him well in the years to come.
2. Garnering Industry Attention
It wasn’t just the viewers that noticed Justin Hartley’s performance. His role in The Mountain allowed him to build a professional network that helped him land more roles in the future. The casting directors and producers who took notice during this time would go on to give him major roles later on, including his turn as Oliver Queen in Smallville and Kevin Pearson in This Is Us.
3. Building a Fanbase Early On
Although The Mountain was canceled quickly, it was during this show that Hartley began to build a loyal fanbase. Fans who saw potential in the actor during his time on this show followed his career closely and became some of his biggest supporters, helping him maintain visibility in Hollywood.
4. The First Big Break
In terms of timing, The Mountain was the first major project that introduced Hartley to larger audiences. While many of his previous roles had been small and forgettable, The Mountain showcased his potential as a leading man—something that would set him apart in future roles. This series, despite being underrated, gave Hartley the foundation for his future breakout roles.
What Came After ‘The Mountain’?
After the series ended, Justin Hartley’s career took off. It wasn’t long before he landed his next big role as Oliver Queen in Smallville, which was the beginning of his widespread fame. His portrayal of the Green Arrow catapulted him into the limelight, allowing him to grow his fan base and refine his acting craft.
His most recent iconic role as Kevin Pearson in This Is Us cemented his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation, showcasing his deep emotional range and ability to tackle complex characters.
How ‘Tracker’ Fits Into His Career Path
Flash forward to 2014, when Justin Hartley starred in Tracker, a show that had him take on a darker, more complex role. While Tracker didn’t achieve the same level of success as his previous projects, it was yet another example of how Hartley was willing to diversify his portfolio and embrace new challenges as an actor.
His role in Tracker was the culmination of years of hard work, starting with that humble NBC drama, The Mountain.
Why You Should Watch ‘The Mountain’ (Even Though It’s Over)
Now, you might be wondering: why bother watching a show that was canceled so long ago? Well, for one, The Mountain is a hidden gem for fans of Justin Hartley and those looking to see the actor in his earlier roles. Here are a few reasons why it’s still worth a watch:
1. A Glimpse of a Rising Star
Watching Hartley in this role is like seeing an actor in the making. You get to witness the raw talent that would eventually explode into the big names we know today. It’s like watching a young artist develop their craft, making each scene fascinating in its own right.
2. Strong Supporting Cast and Engaging Storylines
Even though the show was canceled, The Mountain boasted a solid supporting cast and some engaging, heartfelt storylines. The combination of romance, family drama, and ambition made it an entertaining watch for those who appreciate complex characters.
3. Discovering an Underrated TV Gem
If you enjoy discovering underrated gems, The Mountain will be right up your alley. It’s one of those shows that didn’t get the recognition it deserved but is still highly entertaining for those who give it a chance.
Conclusion: Justin Hartley’s Journey from Underrated to Superstar
In the world of Hollywood, it’s easy for shows to come and go, leaving behind only a handful of memories. The Mountain may not have had the longest lifespan, but it played a crucial role in launching Justin Hartley’s career. If you’re a fan of his, or if you just want to see a rising star in action, it’s worth checking out this underrated NBC drama.
From there, Hartley’s career only went up—Smallville, This Is Us, and even Tracker have all been milestones in his evolution as an actor. And it all started with that one NBC drama, proving that sometimes, the smallest roles lead to the biggest opportunities.
