Since Tracker premiered on CBS, Justin Hartley has taken it upon himself to remind viewers that his character Colter Shaw can — and will — die. Based on Jeffery Deaver‘s novel The Never Game, Tracker centers around a survivalist named Colter who travels the country helping find missing people (or sometimes dogs) and solving cases others wouldn’t. As the series unfolds, viewers learn more about how Colter’s past shaped his current life as a lone wolf. Hartley not only stars on the show, but he also serves as an executive producer alongside This Is Us producer and director Ken Olin. His role behind the scenes has allowed Hartley to surprise fans with exciting guest stars — but it has also kept the actor grounded about where the show will go.
“I just love that when you watch a show like that and you tune into season 1 and then you tune into the last season, you see the development of the character and you go, ‘Wait a minute, are they playing different roles?’ But then if you watch it throughout the years, you experience those things with the characters,” he told TV Insider in September 2024. “As competent and confident as Colter is, I don’t at all think for a second that he doesn’t have a ton to learn, especially about himself and his family and all that.” He continued: “Going forward, I think that will be how the show lives on a long runway, is that we keep developing this character and he becomes better at what he’s doing. He’s a restless man, and for an audience member, at least shows that I love to watch, you love to see that growth of a character and we have that.”
In addition to showing Us Colter’s growth, Hartley warned that the character isn’t immortal. He even hinted that the fan-favorite lead could die as the remainder of the Tracker cast faces shakeups.
The Shocking Revelation That Shook Tracker Fans
If you’re a fan of Tracker, you probably weren’t ready for this one.
Justin Hartley—who plays the charming, resourceful Colter Shaw—recently made a brutally honest statement that rocked fans to their core. During an interview, he casually confirmed something no one wanted to hear: Colter Shaw will die.
Wait… what?Let’s dive into what Hartley meant, what this means for the series, and why this kind of storytelling could make Tracker one of the boldest shows on TV.
Who Is Colter Shaw? A Quick Refresher
Before we break down the quote, let’s talk about the man himself.
The Modern-Day Lone Wolf
Colter Shaw is a survivalist, a bounty hunter, and a man on a mission. Unlike your typical action hero, he doesn’t work for the law or against it. He just follows the reward—and his own moral compass.
A Complex Backstory
Raised by paranoid, off-the-grid parents, Colter’s childhood was anything but normal. This shaped his worldview and turned him into someone who trusts instincts over institutions. And that’s part of what makes him such a compelling lead.
Justin Hartley’s Statement That Stunned Fans
The Exact Words: “He Will Die”
In a candid interview, Justin Hartley didn’t mince words. When asked about Colter’s future, he said, “He will die. Eventually. That’s the truth of the character.”
Whoa.
Why This Hit So Hard
We’re used to thinking of TV protagonists as invincible—especially the rugged, resourceful types like Colter. But Hartley’s quote reminds us that Tracker is playing a different game.
Why Would Tracker Kill Off Its Main Character?
Real Stakes Create Real Drama
Let’s be honest—part of what makes Tracker so addictive is that it doesn’t feel like just another procedural. There’s a rawness to the storytelling. If Colter is truly mortal, every chase, every fight, and every choice matters that much more.
Mortality Makes It Meaningful
Think of it like this: You don’t get anxious when Superman gets punched. But when someone like Colter—who bleeds, breaks, and can die—steps into danger? You feel it.
Comparing Tracker to Other TV Shows
Not Your Average Action Show
Most network dramas play it safe. The hero always wins. The sidekicks live forever. But Tracker? It’s playing a deeper, riskier game.
Shades of Breaking Bad and The Last of Us
Like Walter White or Joel Miller, Colter Shaw lives on the edge. And characters like these don’t always get happy endings.
What Could Lead to Colter Shaw’s Death?
A Job Gone Wrong
Let’s face it—Colter lives a dangerous life. He’s always stepping into unknown territory, often facing off with armed criminals, traffickers, and the occasional psychopath.
Personal Demons Catching Up
His past isn’t clean. If the truth about his father—or any unresolved family drama—catches up to him, it could end very badly.
Betrayal From Within
One of the grimmest (and most compelling) theories? Someone close to him might be the reason he doesn’t make it out.
What Fans Think About Colter’s Inevitable End
Shock, Sadness… and Respect
Fan reactions online have been mixed. Some are heartbroken. Others are impressed. “At least they’re being real,” one viewer tweeted. “Tracker has actual consequences.”
Theories Are Swirling
Could Colter die in a blaze of glory? Saving a kid? Exposing a corrupt system? The fan theories are wild, and no one’s ready for what comes next.
What Justin Hartley Really Meant
It’s About Storytelling, Not Spoilers
To be clear—Hartley didn’t spoil the finale. He didn’t say Colter would die soon. What he meant is that Colter is a human being, not a superhero. And all humans die eventually.
A Long-Term Narrative Choice
Hartley and the creative team are choosing realism. And in doing so, they’ve created something rare: a hero whose mortality makes him even more heroic.
The Psychology Behind a Mortal Hero
Why We Connect More Deeply
Knowing that Colter can die makes his every move more intense. It’s the same reason we cried for Ned Stark, mourned Beth Dutton (kind of), or felt gutted during The Walking Dead‘s most brutal moments.
Mortality = Investment
When a show reminds you that life is fleeting, you invest more emotionally. You hang on every word. Every goodbye feels heavier. And every win? Sweeter.
How This Could Make Tracker a Ratings Juggernaut
Audiences Crave Authenticity
In the streaming era, viewers want more than rinse-and-repeat formulas. Tracker has the chance to be the network show that doesn’t play it safe—and that could set it apart.
High Stakes = High Ratings
Think about it: when death is on the table, every episode becomes must-see TV.
Will We See Colter’s Death On Screen?
Probably Not Yet
Right now, Tracker is still growing its audience. Killing off its lead in Season 1 or 2? That’s unlikely. But Season 5? Series finale? Totally possible.
A Hero’s Death Done Right
If and when it happens, expect it to be powerful. And messy. And unforgettable.
What This Means for Justin Hartley’s Career
He’s Not Playing It Safe
From This Is Us to Tracker, Hartley keeps choosing roles with depth. He could’ve gone the predictable route. Instead, he’s diving into complex characters who evolve, break, and even die.
What Comes Next for Tracker
Bigger Stories, Deeper Risks
Now that the stakes are clear, the show can go full throttle. Emotional arcs, long-term storylines, unexpected losses—it’s all on the table.
The Countdown Begins
We may not know when Colter will die—but thanks to Hartley’s honesty, we now know that he will.
And that changes everything.
Conclusion: Mortality Is Tracker’s Secret Weapon
In a world full of bulletproof protagonists, Colter Shaw stands out because he’s breakable. Vulnerable. Mortal. Justin Hartley’s revelation that “he will die” doesn’t kill the show—it gives it life. It raises the stakes, deepens the emotion, and makes every episode matter. This isn’t just a show about catching bad guys. It’s a story about a man racing against time, trying to do the right thing before it runs out. And we’re here for every second of it.
