Justin Hartley is best known for his role as Kevin Pearson on the critically acclaimed NBC sobfest “This Is Us.” But his new CBS series “Tracker” is showcasing him in a new light. Based on Jeffery Deaver’s best-selling novel, “The Never Game,” “Tracker,” which is executive produced by Hartley and his ChangeUp Production company, centers on his lone-wolf survivalist character Colter Shaw. Stoic and aloof, Colter travels around the country with his Airstream trailer hooked to his pickup truck, tracking down people and objects for a fee. A typical procedural drama, “Tracker” digs into a new mystery each episode, with Colter, who calls himself a “rewardist” (though he’s essentially a bounty hunter), using his expert training to unearth clues others have missed. While some episodes are more intriguing than others, the show’s truly compelling conundrum, Colter’s troubled upbringing, doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves.
The Promise and Pitfall of “Tracker”
Let’s be real — Justin Hartley has built a solid fanbase thanks to his charisma and emotional depth on shows like This Is Us. So naturally, expectations were sky-high when CBS dropped Tracker. It’s slick, high-budget, and anchored by a familiar face. But the question remains: does it bring anything fresh to the table? Spoiler alert — not really.
A Familiar Format Dressed in a New Suit
Procedural dramas are the bread and butter of network TV. We’ve seen them all — CSI, NCIS, Bones, The Mentalist. Each one spins a slightly different flavor of the same formula:
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One main character
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A unique skill or tragic past
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Episodic cases
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A slow-burning backstory arc
Tracker checks every one of those boxes. It’s basically procedural comfort food, and not the exciting kind.
So, What’s the Show About?
Colter Shaw – A Jack of All Tracks
Justin Hartley plays Colter Shaw, a rugged, hyper-skilled lone wolf who helps law enforcement and private citizens locate missing persons. He’s not a cop. Not an FBI agent. He’s a “reward seeker” — which sounds kind of cool on paper. Think of him as Dog the Bounty Hunter meets Sherlock Holmes with a dash of Jason Bourne.
The Problem? We’ve Seen This Character Before
Colter Shaw is part of a long line of TV loners who have trouble making emotional connections but are inexplicably brilliant at what they do. Sound familiar? It should. Because it’s Castle, The Mentalist, Person of Interest, and Lie to Me all over again.
Even his tragic past — a dead father, a mystery to solve, a fractured family — feels like a recycled script from a dozen other dramas.
Style Over Substance
Beautiful Shots, Empty Scenes
Yes, the show looks gorgeous. The landscapes, cinematography, and action sequences are on point. But beneath that slick exterior is a hollow center. It’s like a shiny pickup truck with no engine — it turns heads but doesn’t go anywhere new.
The Writing Isn’t Bad… It’s Just Safe
There’s nothing wrong with Tracker’s writing. It’s clean, coherent, and occasionally clever. But it never takes risks. No moral ambiguity. No complex character flaws. Just neat little packages of justice, tied up with predictable bows.
Justin Hartley Does His Best
Let’s give credit where it’s due — Justin Hartley is doing everything he can to sell this role. His charm and sincerity are undeniable. He’s magnetic on screen, and for many viewers, he’s the only reason to keep watching. But even the most charismatic actor can’t save a script that plays it too safe.
Where’s the Innovation?
In 2025, we expect more from our TV. True Detective, Mindhunter, and even Breaking Bad raised the bar for storytelling. Audiences crave moral complexity, psychological depth, and fresh angles — not just another case-of-the-week with a handsome lead.
Procedural Fatigue Is Real
It’s not that Tracker is terrible — it’s just too familiar. And in an era of peak content, familiarity doesn’t cut it. Viewers have seen every trope, twist, and character type Tracker has to offer. We need bold, not bland.
The Streaming Factor
Let’s not forget: Tracker is airing in a streaming-dominated world. It has to compete with boundary-pushing shows on Netflix, Apple TV+, and Hulu — platforms that aren’t afraid to break rules. On broadcast TV, Tracker might have been a hit 10 years ago. Now? It feels like a relic.
The One Bright Spot – Episodic Comfort
There’s Still an Audience for This
That said, not everyone wants high-concept TV. There’s a big audience out there that loves turning on a familiar format after a long day. For those viewers, Tracker might be exactly what they’re looking for — predictable, relaxing, and self-contained.
The Verdict – Is It Worth Watching?
If you’re a Justin Hartley fan or you just miss the old-school procedural vibe, give it a shot. But if you’re looking for something that challenges you or offers a fresh take on the genre — you’re better off streaming something else.
Conclusion – A Missed Opportunity in a Crowded Market
Tracker had the ingredients for greatness — a likable lead, an intriguing premise, and the budget to pull it off. But it plays things way too safe. In trying to appeal to everyone, it ends up impressing no one.
It’s the kind of show you watch while folding laundry, not the kind you talk about at brunch. And in today’s TV landscape, that just won’t cut it.
