Tracker star Justin Hartley has discussed the upcoming third season of the CBS procedural, and what motivations might be revealed about Colter’s mother. The show premiered in 2024, and followed Hartley’s survivalist, tracker, and rewardist Colter Shaw, as he travels the country helping people offering rewards. Living a life of solitude, Colter is a man haunted by his past, particularly the death of his father at a young age, and Tracker season 2 revealed his mother’s involvement. The finale set up several plot points that are likely to be explored in the upcoming Tracker season 3.
Per Variety, Hartley opened up on what Tracker season 3 could bring by way of story developments, and what kind of motivations could be revealed about Colter’s mother. Hartley reveals that there are a number of avenues the coming season could explore, and several possibilities for Mary’s motivations, including protecting her family, a possible affair, or potential government involvement. Check out Hartley’s comments below:
“I know we’ll get to the nitty-gritty of why my mother hired this guy. 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. It was just an odd thing to do with your children. There’s some deep psychosis there. We’ll unpack that.”
If you’re obsessed with Tracker, chances are you’ve already been captivated by Colter Shaw’s gripping storylines and unpredictable adventures. But just when we thought we had a handle on the mystery surrounding his past, Justin Hartley—who plays the rugged and resourceful Colter—dropped a tease that’s left fans reeling.
Season 3 is shaping up to be a game-changer, especially with Hartley’s recent hints about Colter’s mother’s true motivations. Could the woman we thought was a victim actually be hiding something massive?
Buckle up, because we’re diving into all the theories, clues, and jaw-dropping possibilities that could unravel everything we thought we knew about Colter’s mom.
Who Is Colter Shaw’s Mother, Really?
A Complicated Figure from the Start
Colter’s mother, Mary Shaw, has always been portrayed as intelligent, loving, and loyal to her family. But cracks in that image began showing in earlier seasons—and Hartley’s hint suggests there’s much more beneath the surface.
Quiet Strength or Quiet Secrets?
Mary was the glue holding the Shaw family together—until it fell apart. The question now: was she really trying to protect Colter, or was she protecting herself?
Justin Hartley’s Shocking Hint: What He Said
The Interview That Sparked the Buzz
In a recent interview, Hartley said:
“Colter’s mom wasn’t just along for the ride. Her choices… well, they’ll make a lot more sense—and probably change how fans see her—when Season 3 drops.”
Translation: Prepare for a Major Reveal
That’s code for: buckle up. It sounds like Colter’s mother may have been a key player in the events that fractured their family—possibly even manipulating things behind the scenes.
Theories Flying Around the Fandom
Theory 1: She Was Protecting a Bigger Secret
Some fans believe Mary knew something so dangerous that her actions—however questionable—were all about shielding Colter.
Theory 2: She Was Involved in Jacob’s Disappearance
What if Mary wasn’t a bystander in the chaos? A dark theory suggests she played a role in Colter’s brother Jacob’s vanishing.
Theory 3: She Manipulated Ashton Shaw
Colter’s father Ashton was often painted as the unstable one. But what if Mary fed into that paranoia?
Connecting the Dots: Season 1 to Now
Flashbacks and Clues We Missed
Looking back, there were breadcrumbs—lines, looks, and silences—that hinted Mary might’ve been more involved than we realized.
Her Conversations with Colter Were Always Vague
Vague advice. Half-finished thoughts. Emotional distance. Why was Mary always so cryptic when Colter needed answers?
The Psychology Behind a Mother’s Motives
Is It Love or Control?
Parental protection can sometimes cross the line into manipulation. Was Mary controlling Colter’s path under the guise of love?
The Trauma Lens
If Mary experienced trauma from Ashton, she might’ve developed coping mechanisms that clouded her judgment—and impacted her sons deeply.
What This Means for Colter in Season 3
A Whole New Emotional Arc
If Colter learns that his mother wasn’t entirely honest—or worse, intentionally misleading—it could shatter his world.
Character Growth Through Betrayal
This revelation might be the push Colter needs to finally confront his past with clarity—and maybe even forgive.
How Tracker’s Writers Might Handle the Twist
Flashback-Heavy Episodes Ahead?
Don’t be surprised if Season 3 dives deep into the Shaw family’s past with intense, emotional flashbacks that change everything.
Multi-Episode Arc of Revelation
Expect the truth to unravel slowly—layer by layer—instead of one big reveal. This keeps viewers hooked and theories flowing.
Tracker’s Exploration of Family Trauma
This storyline adds depth to Tracker, turning it from a procedural drama into a layered exploration of family, memory, and trust.
Viewers Will Be Forced to Reevaluate Everything
If Mary is revealed to have had hidden motives, fans will need to rewatch past episodes with fresh eyes.
Justin Hartley’s Acting Challenge
More Emotionally Demanding Scenes
Hartley will likely be navigating some of the most emotionally complex scenes of his career as Colter reckons with this new reality.
Fans Are Ready for the Range
We’ve seen Hartley crush it in emotional roles (This Is Us, anyone?). He’s more than ready to show even more depth in Tracker Season 3.
Why This Could Be the Most Explosive Season Yet
Family Drama + Mystery = Fireworks
The best drama? It’s personal. And nothing is more personal than uncovering family lies buried deep.
Twists That Could Reshape the Entire Series
Depending on how far they go with Mary’s twist, the entire Tracker mythology could be rewritten.
What Viewers Want to See Next
Justice for Colter and Jacob
If Mary played a bigger role in the family’s destruction, fans will want answers—and accountability.
A Full Redemption Arc?
Is there still a chance for Mary to explain herself—or even redeem her actions? That’s what we’re all waiting to see.
Behind-the-Scenes Buzz
Writers Tease ‘Bold’ Storytelling
Writers of Tracker have teased that Season 3 will “break boundaries” and explore “untouched emotional ground.” That sounds like confirmation this twist is the real deal.
Cast Members Hint at ‘Uncomfortable Truths’
Several cast members have mentioned that Colter will be “challenged in ways he never expected.” That’s gotta be about Mary.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss a Single Episode of Season 3
Every Clue Will Matter
If this is the direction Tracker is going, then fans need to be on high alert. Nothing will be accidental.
Rewatching Might Become Mandatory
Once the truth comes out, we’ll all be hitting rewind to spot the signs we missed.
Conclusion: A Revelation That Changes Everything
Justin Hartley’s subtle-yet-explosive comment has sent the Tracker fandom into overdrive—and with good reason. The idea that Colter’s mother may have been hiding dark motivations all along changes the stakes completely. It adds emotional complexity, moral gray areas, and even more mystery to a series that’s already masterful at keeping viewers guessing.
Season 3 isn’t just going to move the story forward—it’s going to force us to look back and question everything we thought we knew. And we. Can’t. Wait.
