Justin Hartley Set to Become TV’s Highest-Paid Star Thanks to ‘Tracker’ Success, Report Says
Tracker may only be gearing up for its second season this fall, but Justin Hartley is reportedly on track to become TV’s highest-paid actor. The show got off to a flying start earlier this year when it debuted right after the Super Bowl, becoming an instant hit. It was quickly renewed by CBS for Season 2, with Season 1 topping the 2023-24 season. That high appears to have continued even before the second season premieres.
Insiders tell RadarOnline that Hartley is indeed on track to become TV’s highest-paid star, and this comes after the actor reportedly isolated himself from his This Is Us co-stars after they complained about his salary on the NBC drama. “Justin bowed out when he was criticized for being a pushover, but the success of Tracker shows that he’s back,” the insider explained. “Things are going well for Justin!”
While nothing has been confirmed, it wouldn’t be surprising if Hartley is on track to make a fortune. Tracker has been a huge hit for CBS and has only aired 13 episodes. The show could be even bigger with the upcoming season, even without the Super Bowl this time. While the planned episode count hasn’t been announced, it’s likely that the show will average 20 to 22 episodes, meaning there’s plenty to look forward to.
As for Tracker Season 2, not much has been revealed, but there are some cast changes. Robin Weigert has left the role of Colter’s manager Teddi Bruin, but Jensen Ackles will appear in multiple episodes, reprising his role as Colter’s estranged brother Russell Shaw to delve deeper into the Shaw family’s complicated history. With Ackles back, fans can also look forward to the return of Dr. Dory Shaw, played by Melissa Roxburgh. Hartley’s wife, Sofia Pernas, as tracker Billie, will also be back, along with others.
It’s likely that more information about Tracker Season 2 will be revealed in the coming weeks. It will be interesting to see not only what happens in the sequel, but also how much bigger the show will be and, in turn, the star power of Justin Hartley. Tracker Season 2 premieres Sunday, October 13 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. The first season is streaming on Paramount+.
