Justin Hartley put a lot of hard work into CBS’ hit series Tracker — and a lot of hard work went into making Colter appealing to any and all audience members.
Before playing Colter Shaw, Hartley made a name for himself with roles in soap operas such as Passions and The Young and the Restless. He also appeared on Smallville, Revenge and Mistresses before rising to a new level of stardom for his portrayal of Kevin Pearson in NBC’s This Is Us. Hartley’s performance scored him several award nominations during This Is Us’ run from 2016 to 2022. After the show came to an end, Hartley teamed up with This Is Us producer and director Ken Olin to adapt Jeffery Deaver’s novel The Never Game for the small screen.
Tracker, which premiered in February 2024, follows a survivalist who travels the country helping people and law enforcement tackle a variety of mysteries. As the series unfolds, viewers learn more about how Colter’s past shaped his current life as a lone-wolf who prefers to isolate himself from others. “I’m excited about it. It’s been a long time coming. Ken Olin and I built this show from the group up years ago, before This Is Us even finished filming our final season. We’ve been at this for years, through a pandemic, and a strike, and on and on,” Hartley told Entertainment Tonight that same month. “We poured our hearts and souls into this thing and started working on this what seems like forever [ago]. It’s a labor of love for sure. I’m really proud of it and just happy to finally get a chance for people to see it.” The series premiere, which aired after Super Bowl 2024, brought in more than 18 million viewers.
When Justin Hartley swapped emotional drama in This Is Us for pulse-pounding adventure in Tracker, he signed on to do something entirely different—and thrilling. In interviews spanning Late Show, People, Entertainment Tonight, and TVLine, Hartley let fans in on what makes Tracker tick: the adrenaline-fueled stunts, the emotional intensity, and yes—maybe a little romance. Here’s a deep dive into what Hartley has revealed, straight from the source.
Hartley on Doing His Own Stunts
Near-Authenticity on Screen
Hartley shared on The Hollywood Reporter that he does most of his own stunts. He praised the stunt team:
“I’m doing most of it, mostly because they’re doing such a great job making them safe so that I can actually do them, which I think is so much better for the audience.”
Acceptable Bruises for Realism
He adds that while he occasionally wakes up with soreness, it’s a small price to pay for authenticity:
“It’s a sore back for a couple of days, it’s no big deal.”
Balancing Action and Character Truth
From Drama to Danger
On Colbert, Hartley explained how Tracker allows him to embrace exhilarating physicality:
“More action and less crying… he’s running, jumping, hanging off things with one arm.”
The move from emotional drama to action-packed sequences gave him room to show new facets of his talent.
Colter Shaw—A Lone Wolf by Choice
Staying Single Matters
Hartley emphasized that Colter’s solitary lifestyle is intentional. As he shared with People,
“The fact that Colter doesn’t have a girlfriend… if he has a wife and a girlfriend… that’s kind of selfish.”
His bachelor status reflects a deeper, more grounded character reasoning.
Romance Alert—Ex-Love & Trauma Bonds
Camille’s Return
Hartley teased a reunion with Floriana Lima’s Camille, revealing a powerful “trauma bond.” He told TVLine:
“I think the relationship has changed based on the trauma bond… very, very sad.”
Their complicated history becomes key emotional fueling for Colter.
Romance Postpone?
Colter and Camille share a connection born not of casual sparks but of shared pain—an intriguing love that’s laden with complication.
Working with Sofia Pernas—Real-Life Sparks On-Screen
Love Interest from the Past
Hartley’s real-life wife, Sofia Pernas, guest-stars as Billie, a past love who once “did him dirty.” Entertainment Tonight reports:
“She did him dirty in the past… comes up from his past.”
Their on-screen reunion is fueled by off-camera chemistry.
Chemistry That Sizzles
He admitted to ET that their love translates to the screen—and even joked about adding PDA:
“I just built a few in that weren’t in the script.”
Why Colter Keeps Love at Arm’s Length
Protecting the Innocent
Hartley shared with Screenrant that Colter resists romance to avoid hurting others:
“Things about [Colter] that are heroic… become reckless and selfish [if he and Reenie become a couple].”
Letting the Story Evolve Naturally
He suggests romance might come, but only when it won’t break Colter—or someone else.
Navigating Professional Choices & Personal Passion
Executive But Ethical
As Tracker’s executive producer, Hartley keeps character decisions intentional—grounded in motive, emotion, and authenticity.
Career Faithfulness
Hartley told ET that bringing general honesty to both stunts and marriages matters:
“It’s wonderful and freeing… I just love watching her work.”
Their personal teamwork enriches their professional collaboration.
What Comes Next—Season 2 Insight
Camille’s Return Continues
Hartley teased more Camille scenes in episodes 8-10, digging into why she still matters to Colter.
Billie’s Reappearance
Season 2 also brings Billie back—another emotional thread hooked into Colter’s past.
Multiple romantic possibilities swirl as Colter navigates a world of missing people—and emotional ghosts.
Conclusion
Justin Hartley’s reflections on Tracker reveal an actor fully invested in blending adrenaline, authenticity, and emotional depth. He’s doing his own stunts, keeping his character’s romantic life sparse (but compelling), and co-starring with his real-life wife in emotionally charged scenes. Ultimately, Tracker becomes a thrilling journey not just through danger, but through the tangled landscape of love, loss, and trust. Come for the action, stay for the heart—that’s the Hartley promise.
