Imagine Jack Reacher if he had a smartphone, a beat-up pickup, and accepted jobs off an app. That’s pretty much the pitch behind CBS’ latest action-drama Tracker. Front and center is This Is Us alum Justin Hartley, who ditches the tearjerking drama for testosterone-laced action. But does Tracker blaze a new trail or just follow old footprints? Let’s break it down in this no-holds-barred review.
Who Is the Tracker? Meet Colter Shaw
From Page to Screen: The Jeffrey Deaver Connection
Before we get deep into the CBS version, it’s worth noting Tracker is based on Jeffrey Deaver’s Colter Shaw novels. Colter is a reward-seeker, roaming America to solve mysteries and collect bounties. He’s not a cop. He’s not a PI. He’s something… in-between.
Justin Hartley’s Transformation
Let’s be honest—Hartley’s casting raised eyebrows. Can the clean-cut soap-opera vet carry a gritty action drama? Surprisingly, he pulls off the look and physicality. You believe he’s hunted men through forests. But the emotional depth? Not quite Reacher-level.
The Gig Economy Angle – Genius or Gimmick?
A Modern Hero for Modern Times
Colter doesn’t take cases out of altruism. He takes them because there’s a cash reward. Think Reacher meets TaskRabbit. It’s an interesting spin that gives Tracker a millennial edge.
The App Interface Narrative Device
Episodes start with Colter choosing his next gig from a phone app. It’s clever but feels like the writers are trying too hard to make the show “modern.” It doesn’t always land.
What Works in ‘Tracker’
Fast-Paced Storytelling That Doesn’t Drag
In a world of slow-burn streaming dramas, Tracker wastes no time. It zips from mystery to resolution in 43 minutes flat. No fluff. No filler.
Is it Mission: Impossible? No. But CBS knows how to stage a punch and a chase. Hartley looks like he’s having fun—and his stunt double certainly is.
H2: The Lone-Wolf Archetype Still Has Power
Let’s face it, we love a rugged man with a dark past and a moral compass that only points north when it suits him. Colter taps into that primal, cowboy-loner energy that American TV eats up.
What Falls Flat
Emotionally Thin Storytelling
This Is Us turned Hartley into a household name by exploring emotional vulnerability. Tracker throws all that away for action-first plotting. Don’t expect depth.
Forgettable Supporting Characters
While Hartley carries the show, the people around him might as well be cardboard cutouts. Generic tech support? Check. Mysterious voice in an earpiece? Check. None leave a mark.
Procedural Formula Fatigue
We’ve seen this structure a million times: New town. New mystery. New villain. Rinse. Repeat. There’s little innovation in the storytelling mechanics.
CBS’ Long-Standing Procedural Formula
Playing It Safe in Prime Time
Tracker fits right into the CBS wheelhouse: safe, reliable, broadly appealing. That might be its biggest flaw. In trying to offend no one, it excites no one either.
Is There a Bigger Story Arc?
Hints of a Deeper Mythology
The pilot sprinkles in hints about Colter’s missing brother and traumatic past. It’s juicy, but CBS isn’t exactly known for long-term plot payoffs. Fingers crossed this one pays off.
Acting: Justin Hartley’s Range on Display
Physicality vs. Emotional Gravitas
Hartley nails the physical side—gritty, determined, resourceful. But emotional range? You might miss the heart he brought to This Is Us. Still, he’s more convincing than expected.
Production Value and Direction
Slick But Conventional Visuals
Nothing groundbreaking here. It’s competently shot with decent pacing, but no stylistic risks are taken. It could easily be mistaken for a dozen other CBS dramas.
Social Media Buzz and Audience Reaction
Strong Debut, But Mixed Fan Reviews
Tracker pulled in strong numbers on premiere night. Fans were curious. Many stayed. But reviews are mixed—some love the action, others miss the heart.
Deeper Themes (Or Lack Thereof)
Justice or Just Business?
Colter takes jobs for cash, but his moral code kicks in often. Still, the show rarely questions the ethics of his work, missing an opportunity for depth.
Who Is Tracker Really For?
If You Like These, You Might Like This
Love Reacher, The Equalizer, or Person of Interest? Then you’ll probably enjoy Tracker. If you want emotional storytelling or bold risks? Keep scrolling.
Will It Survive the First Season?
Room to Grow or One-Season Wonder?
It’s got potential—but it’ll need to deepen its characters, evolve its formula, and give us more than just surface-level thrills to earn a second season.
Conclusion: Solid Start, But Needs More Heart
Tracker is a serviceable, fast-moving thriller that gives Justin Hartley a new spotlight. It has action, a slick concept, and a likable lead. But it lacks emotional punch and originality. If it wants to go from guilty pleasure to must-watch, it’ll need to dig deeper into its characters and dare to take storytelling risks.
