Hartley’s idea for Tracker season 3 is one that the creative team behind the show has been “kicking around” for a while, according to a 2025 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Hartley wants Colter Shaw to have to go on the run. His idea is to see the main character framed and have to use his skills to evade capture. When asked about what the Tracker audience can expect in season 3, he told the outlet:
We have a couple of ideas. One of these is that Colter has all of these skills; he’s a survivalist and he knows how to be alone, and he knows how to find people and he’s gifted in that regard. He’s a great listener. But it would be interesting, I think, to see him be set up. In other words, to see him using all those skills to run from the authorities, because you’ve been set up for whatever reason. I’d love to have all that tie into the family background, the government. So, we’ll see. We’ve been kicking that idea around. We have a lot of different stuff that we’re talking about. We have the underlying theme of what we’re going to do next year, while not really changing the direction of where our story is going.
Tracker has already played with both supernatural and horror elements in its second season, so seeing the main character at the center of a chase thriller could certainly work. It could also provide the audience with a great payoff – or even more questions – if, as Hartley speculates, the story was somehow tied to the Shaw family and the government. The dynamics of the Shaw family have been complex, and we only have teases of that government connection so far. Tracker season 3 could change that.
Tracker fans, buckle up—because Justin Hartley might just be cooking up something major for Season 3. After two thrilling seasons of edge-of-your-seat chases, emotional reunions, and personal revelations, Hartley, who plays Colter Shaw, is already imagining a twist that could redefine everything we thought we knew about the show.
Let’s break down what he’s teased, what it could mean for the series, and why this might be exactly what Tracker needs to keep the momentum alive.
What Is Tracker About Again?
Before we dive into theories and wild speculations, let’s do a quick recap.
Tracker, based on Jeffrey Deaver’s “The Never Game,” follows Colter Shaw, a survivalist and lone wolf who uses his tracking skills to help families find missing loved ones across America. But it’s not just about solving mysteries—it’s also about peeling back the layers of Colter’s mysterious past.
Who Is Justin Hartley in Tracker?
If you’ve watched even a single episode, you know Justin Hartley owns the role of Colter Shaw. Rugged yet vulnerable, emotionally guarded but quietly compassionate—he brings nuance to a character that could have easily become a clichéd “lone hero.”
Hartley doesn’t just star in Tracker. He’s also an executive producer, which means his creative fingerprints are all over the show. And now, he’s hinting that Season 3 could take things to a whole new level.
So, What’s This “Interesting Idea”?
While Hartley hasn’t spilled every detail, he teased a concept that could dramatically shift the narrative structure. In a recent interview, he hinted at an idea involving more time jumps, deeper dives into Colter’s past, and a possible multi-episode arc that turns the hunter into the hunted.
In other words? He wants to mess with the formula. And honestly, that could be the best thing for Tracker.
A Shift Toward Serialized Storytelling?
One of Hartley’s suggestions involves more serialization—moving away from strictly case-of-the-week episodes to more overarching storylines. Think less CSI and more Breaking Bad. That could mean major payoffs for long-time fans and a deeper emotional investment in the characters.
Exploring Colter’s Past in Detail
Colter’s family history has always been a dark cloud over the series. Season 2 gave us glimpses into his troubled upbringing, his father’s survivalist mindset, and the trauma that shaped him.
But Hartley wants to go deeper—perhaps even dedicating full episodes to flashbacks that flesh out the Shaw family dynamics. How did Colter become who he is? What secrets still haunt him?
What If Colter Becomes the Missing Person?
Here’s where it gets really wild.
Hartley has floated the idea of Colter himself going missing—forcing his allies to use everything he taught them to track him down. It’s a genius reversal of the show’s premise and would put every character out of their comfort zone.
New Faces, New Threats
Another part of Hartley’s pitch includes bringing in new recurring characters—particularly a nemesis or rival tracker with equal skills and questionable morals. This would add fresh conflict and challenge Colter in ways we haven’t seen before.
Think of it like Sherlock vs. Moriarty—two minds locked in a high-stakes chess match across the American landscape.
Expanding the Emotional Core
Tracker may be known for its action, but the emotional moments hit just as hard. Whether it’s a sibling reunion or a parent’s desperate search for a child, the show taps into real human stories.
Hartley’s vision for Season 3 includes more character-driven arcs, especially between Colter and his team—Velma, Bobby, and Reenie. Let’s face it: the guy could use a few more deep connections.
Pushing Colter Out of His Comfort Zone
Colter is always in control—calculating, calm, and focused. But what if he’s forced into situations where none of his training helps? Hartley wants to push Colter to the edge, emotionally and physically.
Imagine him dealing with betrayal, failure, or a mission that ends in tragedy. It’s gritty, it’s real, and it’s exactly what great drama is made of.
Could Romance Be in the Cards?
Tracker has flirted with the idea of romance, but it’s never been a focal point. That might change in Season 3. Hartley has hinted that Colter’s emotional walls might start to crack—and a romantic subplot could offer fresh vulnerability.
Fans have speculated about chemistry between Colter and Reenie or even someone new entirely. Whoever it is, it’s time we saw Colter open his heart—just a little.
A Cinematic Upgrade?
Another juicy rumor? Hartley wants Season 3 to look and feel more cinematic—bigger landscapes, more stylized cinematography, and tighter editing. Think Yellowstone meets Jack Reacher.
It’s a bold move, but if done right, it could elevate Tracker from a solid procedural to prestige-level television.
The Fan Response So Far
After the hint dropped, Tracker fans went into overdrive on social media. Reddit threads exploded with theories. Twitter/X was filled with speculation. One fan tweeted:
“If Justin Hartley turns Colter into the target of a hunt, I will be seated EVERY Sunday.”
The fandom is ready. In fact, they’ve been craving exactly this kind of shake-up.
Why This Idea Could Save the Show
Let’s be honest—two seasons in, even the best shows start to settle into a rhythm. Without innovation, even gripping dramas risk becoming predictable.
Justin Hartley’s idea is exactly the kind of creative risk that could extend Tracker’s lifespan and deepen its legacy. It shows a willingness to evolve—and that’s what keeps viewers coming back.
Tracker Season 3: What We Want to See
Let’s recap the wishlist based on Hartley’s hints:
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Flashback episodes diving into Colter’s family
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A major role reversal where Colter becomes the missing target
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New morally complex characters
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Serialized arcs with cliffhangers
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Deeper team dynamics
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Romance (finally!)
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High-stakes emotional tension
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A more cinematic visual style
Conclusion: The Future of Tracker Looks Bright
Justin Hartley’s idea for Tracker Season 3 isn’t just interesting—it’s brilliant. By shaking up the structure, digging deeper into Colter’s psyche, and flipping the core premise on its head, he’s setting the stage for something bold, risky, and deeply rewarding.
