Tracker has become one of the most interesting procedurals on television right now, and series star Justin Hartley has a great way to make it even better in season 3. Tracker debuted in 2024 and quickly became one of the top new series on network television. It has continued that momentum into its second season, but if the series is to continue to pull in fans, it needs to find ways to keep it fresh.
Currently, Tracker sees Hartley’s Colter Shaw travel the continental USA tracking down missing people, or in some cases, missing dogs. A self-proclaimed rewardist, Colter makes a living by collecting reward money offered, but he also often does favors for friends. Colter also often operates just on the other side of the law and does not have a problem breaking into buildings, illegally accessing security footage, and continuing to investigate when local law enforcement asks him not to. There have been plenty of sources of conflict for the show so far, but Hartley’s idea could be a winning one.
Every now and then, an actor brings a bold idea to the table—one that promises to flip a show on its head. That’s exactly what Justin Hartley, the star and executive producer of Tracker, did when he dropped a bombshell of a concept for Season 3. And while fans love a twist, his idea might just throw Colter Shaw, our beloved loner survivalist, into deep water—and not in a good way.
So, what exactly is Hartley cooking up? And why could it be a disaster for Colter’s character arc? Let’s break it down.
What Is Tracker About, Anyway?
A Quick Recap for the Uninitiated
Tracker follows Colter Shaw, a rugged, lone-wolf survivalist who uses his sharp skills to help locate missing persons across the country. Think of him as a modern-day bounty hunter—with a touch of cowboy grit and philosophical depth.
Why Fans Fell In Love with Colter Shaw
Colter isn’t your typical action hero. He’s flawed, introspective, and driven by trauma from his past. That mix of heart and hardness is what makes him relatable—and why Justin Hartley’s portrayal resonated so well in Season 1 and 2.
Justin Hartley’s Bold Season 3 Idea
The Pitch That Shook Fans
Justin Hartley recently hinted that he wants Colter Shaw to finally settle down—to stop wandering and plant roots somewhere.
A Family Man Colter?
Yep, you read that right. Hartley suggested that Colter might try building real relationships, maybe even fall in love, and ditch the nomadic lifestyle for a shot at “normal.”
Why It’s His Best Idea Yet
Pushing the Character Arc Forward
Let’s give Hartley some credit—it’s a compelling pitch. Watching a lone-wolf struggle with intimacy and community could create powerful storytelling moments. It’s human, raw, and relatable.
New Characters, New Drama
Introducing a fixed setting or a family dynamic could allow for richer secondary characters, more complex interactions, and deeper emotional stakes. That’s gold for any showrunner.
But Here’s the Problem…
Colter Shaw Is Defined By the Journey
The entire essence of Tracker hinges on Colter’s movement—his resistance to attachment, his love for the road, his compulsion to keep moving. Take that away, and… is he even Colter anymore?
Losing the “Tracker” in Tracker
It’s called Tracker, not Settler. The thrill of the show lies in Colter navigating different terrains, meeting new people, and solving unique mysteries. A stationary storyline might flatline that magic.
What Fans Are Saying
A Split Audience
Some fans are here for the character growth. Others? Not so much. Social media is buzzing with opinions ranging from “This is the evolution we need” to “If he settles down, I’m out.”
Twitter’s Verdict
One viral tweet nailed it:
“Colter Shaw with a mortgage and PTA meetings? Count me out.”
Ouch.
The Real Risk: Breaking the Formula
Formula vs. Fatigue
Yes, formulas can get stale. But Colter’s formula—helping strangers, exploring America, confronting ghosts from his past—is still fresh. Why mess with what’s working?
Think of Shows That Lost Their Way
Remember when Prison Break left the prison? Or when Lost got too weird? Shows that stray too far from their roots often lose their core audience. Tracker could be next if it’s not careful.
Hartley’s Vision vs. Colter’s Reality
Can They Find a Middle Ground?
Maybe there’s a compromise. Perhaps Colter flirts with the idea of settling down, only to realize it’s not who he is. That could create juicy internal conflict without losing the heart of the show.
A Temporary Pause, Not a Permanent Stop
If he pauses in a town for a few episodes—builds some bonds, faces a personal crisis—then hits the road again, that’s growth and consistency.
What This Means for Season 3
High Stakes, Higher Expectations
With Season 3 on the horizon, fans are watching closely. Will the writers take the risk? Will they anchor Colter or keep him drifting like a modern-day cowboy?
Hartley’s Power as Star and Producer
Don’t forget—Hartley isn’t just the face of the show. He’s calling shots behind the scenes. That means his pitch could very well become reality.
The Bigger Picture: Evolving Without Losing Essence
Growth Doesn’t Mean Abandoning Identity
There’s a way to explore new emotional depths without uprooting the character completely. Writers must tread carefully—let Colter grow, yes, but keep him grounded in who he really is.
Our Take: Proceed with Caution
A Bold Idea Needs Gentle Execution
Hartley’s idea is daring—and that’s good. But sometimes, the boldest ideas need the softest touches. Fans love Colter for who he is, not who he might become if he traded his duffel bag for a picket fence.
Conclusion: Keep the Man, Not Just the Myth
Colter Shaw is more than a tracker—he’s a symbol of freedom, resilience, and self-discovery. While Justin Hartley’s idea brings a fascinating twist, it risks unraveling the very fabric that makes the character beloved. Balance is key. Give us growth, but don’t take away the chase.
