Justin Hartley is teasing what’s ahead on the upcoming third season of Tracker. Season 2 of the hit CBS series concluded with Colter (Hartley) discovering it was Otto (Alex Fernandez), not his brother Russell (Jensen Ackles), who pushed his father off a cliff to his death. After Otto confessed to the murder, he dropped another bombshell — he committed the crime after Colter’s mother (Wendy Crewson) asked for help.
“I know we’ll get to the nitty-gritty of why my mother hired this guy,” Hartley, 48, told Variety. “Was she protecting her kids? Was an affair happening? Was the government involved? Was it strictly just my mother? Why did she hide that from us for so long? Why did she lead me to believe that it was my brother who was involved when he wasn’t?”
“It seems like this divide-and-conquer thing that she’s doing,” the This Is Us alum continued. “It was just an odd thing to do with your children. There’s some deep psychosis there. We’ll unpack that.” The Bride Hard star shared that he enjoys seeing how Tracker keeps fans on their toes as Colter continues to solve missing persons cases. “One of the things I love about our show is it seems like every time we answer a question, there are five more questions,” he said, adding that the character keeps “getting deeper and deeper.”
In February, CBS renewed Tracker for a third season and Hartley celebrated the news on Instagram. “Thank you all for watching us,” he shared at the time. “Because of the #trackerbackers we get to make more of these @trackercbs episodes. Here we go!!” The post also included a video of the actor announcing renewal to the show’s cast and crew. “Because of all the hard work you’ve done on season 2, they have picked us up for season 3,” he said. “I just want to say thank you for all your hard work and dedication.”
If you’re a Tracker fan, buckle up. Justin Hartley just dropped some serious hints about what’s to come in Season 3 — and it sounds like things are about to get way more intense. According to the star himself, the upcoming season will dig deep into the emotional and psychological layers of his character, Colter Shaw. Forget the surface-level sleuthing. We’re talking about the raw, the real, and the nitty-gritty.
In this article, we’ll unpack everything Hartley revealed, what fans can expect from the new season, and how Tracker is evolving into one of the most captivating dramas on television.
Justin Hartley Hints at a Darker Tone for Season 3
The Actor Promises “Deeper and Deeper” Character Exploration
Justin Hartley recently shared that Tracker Season 3 is set to explore uncharted emotional territory. “We’re getting into the nitty-gritty,” he said, emphasizing that Colter Shaw’s journey is far from over. But it’s not just about solving cases anymore — it’s about uncovering what’s beneath the surface of a man who never stays in one place for too long.
What Does “Nitty-Gritty” Really Mean?
In Hartley’s words, Season 3 will be “less about what Colter does and more about why he does it.” That’s a big shift. Expect to see fewer chase scenes and more raw conversations, flashbacks, and personal reckonings. This is storytelling with soul.
A Look Back — How Season 2 Set the Stage
Colter Shaw’s Growth from Season 1 to Now
In Season 1, Shaw was portrayed as a lone wolf with a knack for finding missing people. Season 2 gave us glimpses into his troubled past, particularly his complex relationship with his father and brother. By the end of Season 2, fans saw a more vulnerable side of Shaw — but that was just scratching the surface.
The Emotional Cliffhanger That Left Us Wanting More
Remember that finale? The confrontation, the unspoken truths, the look in Shaw’s eyes — it was clear something was brewing beneath the surface. That emotional cliffhanger wasn’t just dramatic flair. It was a setup for the deep dive coming in Season 3.
What to Expect from Season 3
More Flashbacks, More Answers
Season 3 promises to explore Colter’s upbringing and the root of his restless nature. We’re talking flashbacks that add new depth to everything we thought we knew. Think trauma, redemption arcs, and some serious family secrets.
New Characters, Bigger Stakes
Sources close to production have hinted at new characters that will challenge Colter in ways we haven’t seen before. Some may become allies, while others could be dangerous distractions. Either way, the emotional stakes are about to skyrocket.
A Shift in Tone and Storytelling
Get ready for a darker, more introspective vibe. The show is transitioning from a procedural format into a more serialized drama. Each episode will still offer a standalone story — but now with emotional threads that connect from week to week.
Justin Hartley’s Evolution as a Leading Man
From This Is Us to Tracker
Hartley’s range as an actor is undeniable. He broke hearts as Kevin Pearson in This Is Us, and now he’s building a legacy with Tracker. What makes his performance so captivating is his ability to show strength and vulnerability in the same breath.
How Hartley Prepares for Complex Roles
Hartley revealed in a recent interview that he’s had to do more emotional preparation for Season 3 than ever before. “You can’t fake the kind of pain Colter is about to go through,” he shared. “It has to come from a real place.”
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Season 3
Writers Are Pushing Creative Boundaries
Insiders say the writers’ room is buzzing with bold ideas. They’re not afraid to take risks this season — and that’s what’s going to make it unforgettable. Expect unconventional storytelling methods, nonlinear timelines, and character-driven arcs.
Locations That Reflect Colter’s Inner World
Season 3 will feature some striking new locations — deserts, ghost towns, even icy wilderness. These aren’t just pretty backdrops; they mirror Colter’s inner turmoil. Each episode will be a metaphorical journey as much as a physical one.
The Themes Driving Season 3
Healing and Redemption
The idea of healing from past trauma will be a major theme. As Colter helps others, he’ll be forced to confront his own demons — and not all of them are easy to face.
Trust and Betrayal
Expect plotlines where loyalty is tested, secrets come to light, and trust is shattered. Who can Colter really count on? That question will haunt much of Season 3.
Identity and Purpose
What drives a man like Colter Shaw? Is it justice, guilt, or something deeper? These are the existential questions Season 3 will attempt to answer — and we’ll be right there, wrestling with them too.
Fan Reactions and What They’re Hoping For
Social Media Buzz
Fans are already speculating online about potential plot twists, secret siblings, and unresolved love interests. The Reddit threads are on fire, and Twitter/X is flooded with #TrackerSeason3 predictions.
What Viewers Want Most
Many fans are begging for more emotional backstory, a satisfying family arc, and maybe even a slow-burn romance. And guess what? It looks like Season 3 might just deliver all of that.
Could This Be the Best Season Yet?
Season 3 isn’t just another chapter — it’s a turning point. It’s where Tracker could evolve from a solid show into a cultural touchstone. If the writing stays sharp and Hartley continues to dig deep, there’s a real chance this season could outshine everything that came before.
Conclusion: Get Ready to Go Deeper Than Ever
Justin Hartley’s words aren’t just hype. Tracker Season 3 is clearly being built with more emotional weight, narrative complexity, and psychological depth than ever before. It’s about peeling back the layers — of Colter Shaw and the people he encounters — to reveal the raw truth underneath.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this is the season that promises to leave a mark. So grab your gear, lace up your boots, and get ready — because Tracker is going where it’s never gone before.
