Tracker fans may be getting ready for the upcoming season of the CBS series, but before it returns this October, those who haven’t should binge through showrunner Elwood Reid’s dark three-season mystery. Tracker, which brings Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) into the spotlight, is one of the darker procedurals on the air right now. Helping families locate their missing loved ones, Colter handles a lot. While Tracker has been on for two seasons and is going into its third, the series has an established tone that viewers have come to enjoy. With Hartley leading the charge, there have been some intense episodes in the past few seasons of Tracker that have left viewers shocked, and with Reid in charge, that makes sense after seeing his past work.

Though Tracker is coming back soon, viewers may be looking for something else to binge to keep them busy before the new season returns to CBS. With over a month before Tracker season 3’s premiere, fans of the show may enjoy going into Reid’s past archive to watch this dark three-season mystery that features some familiar faces from the CBS series.

Big Sky Was Produced By Tracker Showrunner, Elwood Reid
The Series Had Three Mysterious Seasons. With two similarly dark premises, fans of CBS’ Tracker may enjoy another project Reid worked on, ABC’s Big Sky. While Big Sky and Tracker have a fair amount of differences between them, the shows have a similarly dark tone that allow for deep, intense mysteries to carry the stories through the narrative. Throughout Tracker season 2, the dark narrative took twisted turns.

Much like Tracker, Big Sky was able to weave its way into some dark stories. Starring Katheryn Winnick as Jenny Hoyt and Kylie Bunbury as Cassie Dewell, the detective duo were pushed together after a tragic death left them looking for answers. While the beginning of Big Sky can feel overwhelming, the series picks up quickly and keeps viewers on their toes.
Big Sky & Tracker Tackle Similar Mysteries In Different Locations

Tracker Is A Roving Mystery While Big Sky Stays Stationary. The worlds of Tracker and Big Sky are often where the shows differ, though they both find themselves entrenched in the specificities of their surroundings. Tracker is a roving series, where Colter moves all over the continental US in order to track down missing people for their friends and family. Big Sky, on the other hand, often stays more stationary.

Big Sky primarily takes place in Montana, showing off the gorgeous scenery and highlighting the dangers of the area all at once. Throughout Big Sky’s run, the show sticks to its roots and continually shows off the different areas of Montana as its backdrop, working hard to keep viewers invested in the stories of the space. The setting is an integral difference for the show.

When a show like Tracker wins hearts with its gripping storytelling and charismatic lead, fans naturally crave more from the creative genius behind it. What many don’t realize is that the showrunner already has another gem waiting to be rediscovered — a dark, mysterious, three-season thriller that flew under the radar but deserves your attention. If you’re itching for more suspense, layered characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this forgotten series is the perfect binge-watch.

Why Tracker Fans Should Care About the Showrunner’s Past Work

The same vision that made Tracker addictive is alive in this earlier series. You’ll find the same masterful pacing, emotional depth, and cliffhangers that leave you begging for the next episode. The showrunner’s signature style shines through — a blend of humanity and mystery that makes you feel invested in every character’s fate.

The Mystery Series You’ve Been Missing

This three-season thriller wasn’t just another crime drama. It was a hauntingly smart, emotionally charged series that combined small-town secrets, fractured relationships, and chilling twists. Think of it as Tracker’s darker sibling — less about the chase and more about what happens when truth is buried under years of lies.

A Quick Overview of the Series

• Number of Seasons: 3

• Genre: Mystery / Thriller

• Tone: Dark, gripping, emotionally intense

• Theme: Secrets, betrayal, and the cost of truth

This show didn’t just tell a story — it pulled you into a shadowy world where every character had something to hide.

Similarities Between Tracker and the Mystery Series

If you loved Tracker, you’ll feel right at home here. Both shows share:

1. Strong, Relatable Characters

The protagonist isn’t a superhero — they’re deeply human, battling personal demons while searching for answers.

2. Twists That Keep You Guessing

Just like Tracker, this series thrives on the unexpected. Every time you think you’ve figured it out, the story turns.

3. High Emotional Stakes

Beyond the mystery, the show explores loss, guilt, redemption, and the choices that define us.

What Sets This Series Apart

While Tracker focuses on the hunt for truth in each episode, this three-season thriller digs deep into one central mystery. Each season peels back another layer, unraveling shocking revelations that hit harder than you expect.

Season One: The Beginning of the Secret

The first season introduces a quiet community with dark undercurrents. What looks like a simple disappearance slowly reveals hidden affairs, broken friendships, and dangerous secrets. By the finale, the audience realizes the story is far bigger than it first appeared.

Season Two: The Web Tightens

Season two raises the stakes, weaving in new characters while exposing the deeper corruption within the town. Every revelation feels like a gut punch, and you begin to question who can be trusted.

Season Three: The Explosive Conclusion

The final season doesn’t hold back. Threads from the first two seasons come together in a jaw-dropping ending that leaves fans speechless. Unlike many mystery shows, this one sticks the landing, delivering closure without sacrificing suspense.

Why It’s Perfect for a Binge-Watch

Unlike some shows that drag their feet, this series is tightly written. With just three seasons, you can dive in, get hooked, and walk away fully satisfied — no filler, no wasted episodes, just pure storytelling.

Critical Acclaim and Fan Praise

Though it never reached Tracker’s mainstream popularity, the series has been praised by critics for its atmospheric writing and complex characters. Fans often describe it as “criminally underrated” and “the kind of show you regret not watching sooner.”

The Showrunner’s Signature Touch

The fingerprints of Tracker’s showrunner are all over this earlier project:

• Deeply flawed but compelling characters

• Layered storytelling that rewards close attention

• Emotional payoffs that feel earned

• A sense of mystery that lingers even after the credits roll

Why Fans Are Talking About It Again

With Tracker’s success, audiences are revisiting the showrunner’s past work. Social media buzz has breathed new life into this forgotten series, making it one of the hottest binge recommendations among thriller fans.

How to Watch the Mystery Series

The good news? All three seasons are available to stream on major platforms. Whether you’re a weekend binger or a slow-burn viewer, it’s easily accessible — making it the perfect companion while you wait for new episodes of Tracker.

Who Will Love This Series the Most

• Fans of Tracker craving more suspenseful storytelling

• Mystery lovers who enjoy slow-burn, character-driven plots

• Viewers who appreciate shows like Broadchurch, True Detective, or Sharp Objects

The Legacy of This Hidden Gem

Even though it ended after three seasons, this mystery series left a lasting mark. For many, it remains one of the most hauntingly underrated thrillers of its time.

Conclusion

If Tracker has you hooked, don’t stop there. The showrunner’s dark, three-season mystery series is a masterclass in suspense and emotional storytelling. With its unforgettable characters, heart-stopping twists, and powerful ending, it’s everything a fan of gripping television could want. Sometimes the best treasures aren’t the newest hits, but the hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered. So grab your popcorn — this binge is worth every sleepless night.