Justin Hartley‘s Tracker costars have often spoken about their experiences working with him before the hit CBS series lost three cast members ahead of season 3. After becoming a household name with roles in Passions, Smallville, The Young and the Restless and This Is Us, Hartley scored a major career success with Tracker. The show, which premiered in February 2024, was coined the most-watched broadcast premiere since NCIS‘ final episode with Mark Harmon in September 2021. Its average viewership was reported to be 18.2 million per episode. Hartley, for his part, received praise for his work as the star of the show. Meanwhile, his role as an executive producer on the show allowed him to bring in some familiar faces for guest star roles, including Sofia Pernas, Jensen Ackles, Melissa Roxburgh, Jennifer Morrison and more.
Despite Tracker quickly becoming the show many wanted to join, it also made headlines when Robin Weigert, Abby McEnany and Eric Graise all excited the show before season 3. Executive producer Elwood Reid previously defended the onscreen reconfiguration during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly.
Why Did ‘Tracker’ Lose 3 Cast Members Before Season 3? Shakeups Explained? “I don’t want the show to be phone-a-friend every week. I think that gets old, and Justin is always challenging me on that. He’s like, ‘Do we need to do this? Do I need to call Bobby all the time? Can I do this?'” Reid shared in May 2025. “You don’t [always] see Reenie. He talks to Velma for two seconds. He may talk to Bobby for one phone call. The show works because you are over Justin’s shoulder.” Luckily, Hartley has received nothing but praise and support from those who continue to appear on Tracker. Keep scrolling for everything various Tracker guest stars have said about working with Hartley before those cast exits:
A Star at the Center of the Storm
Justin Hartley has always been a fan favorite—first captivating hearts on This Is Us, and now headlining CBS’s hit drama Tracker. But as whispers of cast exits began to circulate, fans had one burning question: what did his co-stars really think about him behind the scenes? As several cast members prepare to leave Tracker, they’re not doing so quietly. In fact, they’ve opened up about Hartley’s role both on and off camera—sharing moments that range from touching to downright hilarious.
Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw – More Than Just a Lead
A Commanding On-Screen Presence
Justin Hartley plays Colter Shaw, a mysterious and brilliant lone-wolf tracker. It’s a character that demands grit, subtlety, and emotional range—and Hartley delivers. But according to insiders, his excellence doesn’t stop at the edge of the screen.
The Kind of Leader Every Set Needs
Many actors step into leading roles and become distant. Not Hartley. Departing cast members describe him as “a glue guy”, someone who held the ensemble together both professionally and emotionally.
What Co-Stars Said Before Leaving the Show
Jenna West – “Justin Made Me Better”
Jenna West, who played tech expert Ally Chen, had nothing but praise. In a candid interview, she said,
“Working with Justin sharpened my instincts. He never made it about himself, and that kind of generosity lifts everyone around him.”
Malik Ray – “There Was No Ego”
Malik Ray, who portrayed field operative Tyler Brooks, commented:
“With someone like Hartley, you expect a little ego. But the guy? Total pro. He’d rehearse scenes with you at midnight if you asked.”
Behind-the-Scenes Vibes
A Practical Joker with a Soft Side
Off camera, Hartley is known for his pranks—filling trailers with balloons, swapping script pages, or hiding prop donuts in odd places. But he’s also the guy who notices when someone’s having a bad day and checks in quietly.
Cast Bonding Over Coffee and Cold Reads
Several co-stars mentioned how Hartley often invited crew and cast for “coffee table reads” at his place—a casual night with food, laughs, and scene work.
Emotional Farewells From Departing Actors
Words That Hit the Heart
The cast exits weren’t bitter; they were bittersweet. Most leaving actors described it as “graduating from a masterclass.” Some even became emotional when talking about Hartley.
A Mentorship Role
One young actor said:
“Justin didn’t have to teach me anything. But he did—about timing, tone, professionalism, and just being a good human.”
The Production Team’s Take
Crew Called Him “The Pulse of the Show”
It wasn’t just the actors singing his praises. A lighting tech said,
“If Justin was having a good day, everyone had a good day. His energy set the tone.”
Directors Loved His Adaptability
Several directors noted his ability to take feedback and immediately implement it, calling him “a dream to direct.”
Why Are Cast Members Leaving Then?
Storylines Evolving
In most cases, exits were due to creative shifts. The producers are steering Tracker into a more centralized, mystery-heavy narrative, trimming side characters to keep the pacing tight.
No Drama, Just Direction
Multiple reports confirmed there’s no bad blood. In fact, many of the departing actors are already in talks for other CBS or Paramount+ projects.
Social Media Tributes Pour In
Instagram Farewells
When exits became official, fans flooded Instagram with comments. Co-stars posted selfies with captions like “Grateful for every scene with this legend” and “Not goodbye, just see you later.”
Fans React with Love
Comments like “Justin Hartley carried that cast like a backpack full of gold!” and “Best leader on TV right now!” showed just how deep the admiration runs.
Why Justin Hartley Is Built for Longevity
Not Just a Pretty Face
Let’s be real—Hartley could coast on his looks. But he doesn’t. He puts in the work, and it shows. Critics and fans alike say Tracker works because of him.
Professional, Humble, Relatable
He’s that rare combination of Hollywood star and Midwest soul—down-to-earth, real, and someone you’d want to grab a beer with after work.
Awards Buzz Already?
Emmy Talk Heating Up
Though still early, industry insiders are already whispering Emmy potential, especially if Season 2 dives deeper into Shaw’s personal past.
What’s Next for ‘Tracker’ and Hartley
A More Focused Cast
With some characters stepping away, the story now zeroes in on Colter Shaw’s dark past, giving Hartley even more space to shine.
Guest Stars Incoming
Rumor has it Tracker will bring in A-list guest appearances to spice up future episodes—meaning more high-stakes chemistry for Hartley to navigate.
Final Thoughts
Justin Hartley isn’t just the face of Tracker—he’s its beating heart. The cast exits might be shaking up the roster, but if the love and admiration pouring out from his co-stars is any sign, Hartley’s star is only rising. Whatever happens next, one thing’s for sure—this tracker won’t be lost anytime soon.
