Some shows entertain, while others activate our itch for justice, for mystery, and for a lone figure who can walk through chaos unscathed and somehow make sense of it. That’s the magic of action-crime procedurals, a genre that has been fascinating viewers for decades. From missing persons to cryptic clues, these shows hook you from the pilot and never let go. They’re built on suspense and the thrill of the chase, and when done right, they’re worth bingeing.
Tracker is one of those shows. Since its debut on CBS, it’s gathered a loyal fanbase with its storytelling and lead. Now three seasons in, it follows Colter Shaw, a survivalist and reward seeker who travels the country helping solve cases that the authorities have given up on. Played by Justin Hartley, Colter isn’t a cop or a PI, he is a tracker who relies on instinct and experience. Each episode presents a mystery, but the show also builds a slow-burning lore around Colter’s past and the people he has left behind.
And if you’re among the millions tuning into Season 3 of Tracker and can’t wait to feel the same adrenaline rush each week, here are 10 shows that scratch the same itch.
1. Yellowstone – For the Grit and Rugged Adventure Lovers
If Tracker’s outdoor grit and lone-wolf energy speak to you, then Yellowstone will feel like home. Starring Kevin Costner as John Dutton, this neo-Western drama dives into family loyalty, land wars, and survival in modern-day Montana.
With its breathtaking cinematography and moral gray zones, Yellowstone offers that same earthy intensity Tracker fans crave — just with more cowboy hats and cattle.
2. Big Sky – Mystery, Danger, and Twists Galore
Big Sky captures the same pulse-pounding suspense as Tracker. Set in Montana, it follows private detectives Cassie Dewell and Jenny Hoyt as they unravel sinister crimes lurking in quiet small towns.
Each episode hooks you with unpredictable twists, complex characters, and the same mix of danger and heart you loved in Tracker.
3. The Equalizer – Lone Hero With a Mission
If you love seeing Colter Shaw help strangers using his own brand of justice, The Equalizer starring Queen Latifah will be right up your alley. She plays Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who becomes a vigilante for the voiceless.
Like Tracker, it’s packed with high-stakes missions, moral dilemmas, and the satisfaction of justice being served — all with a modern twist.
4. Reacher – Action-Packed, Smart, and Tough
You can’t make a list like this without Reacher. Based on Lee Child’s novels, it follows Jack Reacher, a former military police investigator who travels across America solving crimes — sound familiar?
Both Reacher and Colter Shaw are intelligent drifters with a code of honor, plenty of muscles, and a knack for taking down bad guys while staying emotionally grounded. It’s the perfect post-Tracker binge.
5. Longmire – The Quiet Power of Rural Justice
Longmire blends small-town mystery with deep emotional storytelling. Sheriff Walt Longmire is a stoic lawman navigating crime, corruption, and grief in Wyoming.
If you love Tracker’s balance between heart and danger, you’ll find the same soulful storytelling and rugged beauty here — just with a cowboy hat instead of a backpack.
6. Person of Interest – A Tech Twist on the Lone Hero Story
Imagine Tracker, but add cutting-edge surveillance and artificial intelligence. That’s Person of Interest.
John Reese, a former CIA operative, uses advanced tech to stop crimes before they happen. It’s packed with mystery, moral questions, and intense action — ideal for Tracker fans who crave brains and brawn.
7. Justified – A Sharp Shooter With a Code
If you love morally complex heroes, Justified delivers. U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens enforces justice his way — with a gun, a smirk, and a deep sense of right and wrong.
Like Colter Shaw, he’s not afraid to bend rules for justice. Add in clever dialogue and slow-burn storytelling, and you’ve got another addictive watch.
8. Outer Range – Mystery Meets the Unknown
Here’s something for those who enjoy the Tracker mystery but want a supernatural twist. Outer Range stars Josh Brolin as a Wyoming rancher who discovers a mysterious void on his land.
It’s Yellowstone meets The X-Files — eerie, atmospheric, and emotionally charged. If Tracker had a sci-fi cousin, this would be it.
9. True Detective – Complex Cases and Deeper Meanings
True Detective is all about character-driven investigations, moral conflict, and haunting stories — just like Tracker, but darker.
Each season follows a new set of detectives facing both external and internal demons. The storytelling is rich, layered, and psychologically gripping. If you loved Colter Shaw’s introspective moments, this show will grab you and never let go.
10. The Blacklist – Criminal Mysteries With Emotional Depth
If Tracker’s mystery and emotional arcs are what keep you coming back, The Blacklist will be your next obsession.
James Spader’s portrayal of Raymond “Red” Reddington — a charming yet dangerous criminal who helps the FBI — delivers that same mix of intrigue, humanity, and complex relationships that makes Tracker so good.
Why These Shows Hit the Same Note as “Tracker”
Each of these series shares the DNA that makes Tracker shine — a compelling lone hero, a moral compass that’s always tested, and a world where justice isn’t black and white. Whether it’s through gritty realism or emotional storytelling, these shows capture that feeling of adventure, danger, and redemption.
What Makes “Tracker” So Addictive?
Let’s face it: Colter Shaw is the modern-day nomad we all secretly envy. He’s free, fearless, and flawed. The show’s magic lies in its blend of survivalist grit, detective intrigue, and emotional storytelling. It’s not just about finding missing people — it’s about finding purpose.
That’s why these 10 shows resonate. They don’t just entertain; they connect. They remind us of the heroism, compassion, and moral gray areas that make stories like Tracker unforgettable.
Honorable Mentions: More Shows for Tracker Fans
Couldn’t stop at just ten? Here are a few honorable mentions worth checking out:
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Sherlock – Brilliant deductions and human emotion intertwined.
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Bosch – A gritty LAPD detective with a code of honor.
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Jack Ryan – Global missions and espionage with heart.
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Banshee – A complex antihero story full of twists.
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The Outsider – Mystery and darkness blended with human vulnerability.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve finished Tracker and are craving that same mix of mystery, emotion, and action — these shows will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether it’s the rugged landscapes of Yellowstone or the pulse-pounding investigations of Reacher, there’s something here for every kind of Tracker fan.
So grab your remote, settle in, and start your next adventure — because these shows don’t just fill the gap, they expand the universe of stories that made Tracker unforgettable.
FAQs
1. What makes “Tracker” unique compared to other crime dramas?
Tracker stands out because of its blend of outdoor adventure, survivalist realism, and emotional storytelling centered around a morally complex hero.
2. Is “Tracker” based on a book?
Yes, Tracker is inspired by Jeffrey Deaver’s novel The Never Game, featuring the same protagonist, Colter Shaw.
3. Which show is most similar to “Tracker”?
Reacher is often considered the closest match, thanks to its lone-wolf protagonist and episodic mystery-solving format.
4. Are these shows available on streaming platforms?
Most of them are! You can find Reacher on Prime Video, Yellowstone on Peacock, and Big Sky on Hulu. Availability may vary by region.
5. Will there be more seasons of “Tracker”?
CBS has renewed Tracker due to its strong ratings, so fans can look forward to more thrilling adventures with Colter Shaw.
