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.
When it comes to intense drama, compelling mystery, and rugged charm, Tracker hits all the marks. And let’s be honest—Justin Hartley has absolutely crushed it as Colter Shaw. The lone-wolf survivalist has captivated viewers with his backwoods brilliance and emotional complexity.
So when Hartley recently teased a bold, game-changing idea for Season 3, fans listened. But not all are thrilled. Why? Because his concept—while brilliant in a storytelling sense—might just wreck Colter Shaw as we know him. Let’s break it down.
Who Is Colter Shaw Again?
The Modern-Day Nomad
Colter Shaw isn’t your average detective. He’s a reward-seeker, traveling across America in his trusty Airstream, solving crimes and locating missing people—all for a paycheck.
Emotionally Complicated and Morally Ambiguous
What makes Colter so compelling is his emotional baggage. Haunted by the trauma of his family’s disintegration, Colter walks a fine line between justice and obsession.
Justin Hartley’s Season 3 Idea: A Bold Creative Pivot
So, what’s this big idea?
According to interviews and insider buzz, Hartley wants to shake things up completely in Season 3. He’s hinted at Colter abandoning the reward-based system, diving into a personal vendetta, or even crossing ethical lines to achieve justice.
That sounds juicy, right?
Well… yes and no.
Why Hartley’s Vision Could Elevate Tracker
1. Breaking the Formula
Let’s be real—every episode of Colter solving a mystery-for-hire risks becoming predictable. Shifting to a serialized arc could add depth, danger, and drama.
2. Character Growth on Steroids
Putting Colter in ethically murky waters could force him to evolve, confronting his own past while questioning his own rules.
3. Darker Storytelling = Higher Stakes
Moving from one-off mysteries to a darker, overarching plot could pull in fans of shows like True Detective or The Punisher. It’s gritty. It’s raw. It’s addictive.
But Here’s Why It’s Bad for Colter Shaw
1. Risk of Losing What Makes Him Unique
Colter is not your average brooding antihero. He has a code. He’s pragmatic. If he suddenly becomes emotionally reckless or vengeful, he stops being Colter and starts being… well, every other TV vigilante.
2. Isolation Works for a Reason
His solitary lifestyle isn’t just aesthetic—it’s part of the emotional core of the show. Forcing him into a long-term vendetta or intense relationship arc could dilute that tension.
3. Fans Love the Episodic Thrill
Many fans tune in because they enjoy the weekly “case of the week” vibe. Deviating from that could alienate a big chunk of the base.
A Look Back: Why Tracker Works So Well
Fresh Premise
Reward-seeking? That’s not something you see on every primetime drama.
Compelling Performance
Justin Hartley’s mix of charisma and grit is a big reason this show is so bingeable.
Cinematic Quality
From sweeping landscapes to gritty action, Tracker feels like a movie every week.
What Makes a Great Season 3?
H2H Storytelling (Heart-to-Heart)
Fans want to connect emotionally. Colter’s trauma, his fractured family, and his trust issues are the emotional bedrock. Don’t toss that for cheap thrills.
High Stakes Without Losing Heart
We want suspense, but we also want to root for Colter—not worry he’s about to turn into a full-on antihero.
Where It Could All Go Wrong
Overwriting the Past
If Season 3 retcons or ignores Colter’s carefully built backstory, it’ll feel disjointed and unearned.
Losing the Lone Wolf Vibe
Colter’s independence and resourcefulness set him apart. A too-heavy focus on ensemble drama or love triangles could sap that uniqueness.
The Sweet Spot: Evolve Without Erasing
The best path? Blend serialized storytelling with episodic brilliance. Give Colter a bigger mystery to chase, but don’t ditch the case-of-the-week format entirely.
Fan Theories Are Already Rolling In
Some fans speculate Hartley’s idea involves Colter’s father—maybe a faked death or hidden conspiracy. Others think Colter might join (or battle) a secretive government agency.
Whatever the theory, the buzz is real. But so is the concern.
What the Fans Are Saying
“I love Justin, but don’t change the soul of Colter Shaw.”
“A serialized arc sounds amazing if done right!”
“Please, no love triangle. I beg you.”
The community is divided—but engaged.
What Should CBS Do?
Listen to the fans. Trust Hartley’s instincts—he’s clearly invested—but make sure the core identity of Tracker stays intact.
Balance is everything.
Conclusion: Brilliant Idea, Dangerous Execution
Justin Hartley’s idea for Tracker Season 3 is bold, ambitious, and could take the series to a whole new level. But it’s also risky. Stray too far from what makes Colter Shaw special, and the whole thing could unravel.
In the end, we all want one thing: Colter Shaw to remain the complex, captivating character we fell in love with.
So yes, shake things up. Just don’t shake too hard.
FAQs
1. What is Justin Hartley’s idea for Season 3 of Tracker?
Hartley teased a darker, more serialized arc that may involve Colter abandoning his usual reward-based system and diving into a personal or morally grey mission.
2. Why could this idea be bad for Colter Shaw?
Because it risks turning him into a generic antihero, losing the character’s uniqueness and emotional grounding.
3. Will Season 3 still have “case of the week” episodes?
It’s unclear, but fans are hoping for a hybrid format—some episodic stories blended with a larger overarching plot.
4. Could this idea actually help the show evolve?
Absolutely. Done right, it could deepen the story and make Tracker even more engaging. But it has to be handled with care.
5. When is Tracker Season 3 expected to premiere?
No official date yet, but production hints suggest a release in mid-to-late 2025.
