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.”
What if the person you trusted most held the darkest secret of all?
Justin Hartley, star of the hit series Tracker, is hinting at just that. Season 3 promises to peel back the layers of Colter Shaw’s family history—and at the heart of it all? His mysterious mother. In recent interviews and subtle teases, Hartley has suggested that Colter’s mom may not be as innocent or peripheral as fans once thought. In fact, she might be the key to everything. Let’s dive into the theories, character dynamics, and what this all could mean for Tracker Season 3.
Who Is Colter Shaw’s Mother, Really?
Colter’s mom has always been a background presence—a figure of the past. But if Hartley’s recent words are any indication, we’re about to see a major shift in her role.
The Enigmatic Matriarch
She raised a survivalist, a tracker, a man who hunts people for a living. That kind of upbringing doesn’t happen by accident. Fans have speculated for seasons that Colter’s mother has secrets of her own. Could she have trained him? Manipulated him? Or perhaps, protected him from a truth more dangerous than we ever imagined?
Justin Hartley’s Cryptic Tease
In a recent press event, Hartley said, “We’ll be learning more about Colter’s mother—and it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.”
He went on to say that viewers would “question everything they thought they knew.” That kind of phrasing is deliberate and dramatic—classic foreshadowing.
Is She the Mastermind Behind Colter’s Life?
A Life Engineered
Colter isn’t just naturally good at what he does—he’s trained. Highly. Which raises a big question: who taught him? His dad? Maybe. But what if his mom was pulling the strings the whole time?
Parental Psychology at Play
Mothers shape their sons in profound ways. If Colter’s mother believed she was doing what was best, could she have pushed him into this dangerous life under the guise of “protection”? The lines between love and control blur fast in Tracker.
Nature vs. Nurture: Which Shaped Colter?
Season 3 may finally give us the answer. If his mother played a larger role in his development, it flips the script on everything we thought we understood about his motivations.
Could She Be the Season’s Main Antagonist?
A Villain in Disguise?
Let’s face it—Tracker loves a twist. And what could be more shocking than the reveal that Colter’s own mother has been working against him (or for a rival organization) all along?
The Ultimate Betrayal
Family betrayal hits different. If Colter’s mom has manipulated his past or withheld dangerous truths, it might tear him apart emotionally—and that’s drama gold.
The Fan Theories Are Running Wild
Reddit’s Wildest Speculations
Some fans believe Colter’s mom is part of a secret government program. Others think she faked her own death. And a few wildcards say she’s orchestrating the very cases Colter is solving.
Far-fetched? Maybe. But with this show, nothing is off the table.
Echoes of Lost and Alias
Tracker’s layered storytelling and slow-burn reveals are giving fans serious Lost and Alias vibes. Could Colter’s mother be the kind of twisty character those shows were known for?
Behind the Scenes—Why Now?
The Writers’ Long Game
It’s clear the Tracker writers are playing chess, not checkers. Colter’s mom being part of Season 3’s core arc means this has likely been planned from day one.
Hartley’s Influence as Executive Producer
Don’t forget—Justin Hartley is more than just the star. He’s also an executive producer. His creative fingerprints are all over the character development. If he’s hinting at something big, you better believe it’s deliberate.
The Emotional Fallout for Colter
Trust Issues on Steroids
Colter already has trust issues. Add in a potential betrayal from the one person he thought he could believe in—and we’re looking at a full emotional meltdown.
New Motivations, New Missions
If he discovers his entire life path was manipulated, Colter might shift gears. Season 3 could see him tracking not just missing people—but truths buried in his own past.
How Will This Change the Series Moving Forward?
Expanding the Lore
Bringing Colter’s mother into the spotlight expands the universe. We might meet old allies, enemies, or hidden connections that reframe everything.
More Psychological Drama
This twist injects deep psychological drama into a series that’s known for its thrilling cases. It’s not just about who’s missing anymore—it’s about why Colter is the way he is.
A Deeper Look Into Colter’s Past
Flashbacks Could Be Coming
Expect flashbacks. Season 3 may finally give us glimpses into Colter’s childhood—moments that now carry more weight and darkness than we ever suspected.
Rewriting the Origin Story
If Colter’s mother was more involved than we thought, we may have to rethink his entire origin story. This is the kind of narrative pivot that can re-energize a series.
Is Season 3 Setting Up the Final Endgame?
Big Twists Signal Big Changes
Shows don’t drop bombshells like this unless they’re steering toward a major climax. Could Season 3 set the stage for a final showdown in Season 4?
Colter vs. His Past
That may be the ultimate battle—not against a villain, but against the lies he’s lived by. The real tracker’s journey might be one of truth, not missing persons.
What to Watch for in Early Episodes
Subtle Clues in Colter’s Dialogue
Pay close attention to what Colter says—or doesn’t say—about his mom. The writers are sure to drop hints in early episodes that will pay off later.
Introductions of New Characters
New faces tied to his mother’s past might appear. These will be the ones to watch—they could either confirm or challenge Colter’s view of his mom.
Final Thoughts—The Past Always Finds You
Tracker is no stranger to mystery. But this time, the mystery is personal. Justin Hartley’s hints about Colter’s mother suggest Season 3 will go deeper, darker, and more emotional than ever.
Fans better brace themselves. Because in this show, the biggest mystery may not be who’s missing—but what’s been hidden all along.
