Over a year ago, Justin Hartley, star of the hit show Tracker, took a break from the Super Bowl events in Las Vegas to unveil the vision behind his new series. The show, which premiered that night, focuses on the adventures of Colter Shaw, a solitary figure offering his skills to locate missing persons across the nation.
As 2024 approaches, Hartley is optimistic that Tracker will resonate with viewers who crave a nostalgic return to the classic charm of 1970s thrillers, reminiscent of shows like The Rockford Files. Hartley aimed to create an engaging series that steers clear of political controversies, prioritizing good, old-fashioned entertainment instead.
Now, as the show concludes its second season, it’s clear that Hartley and his former executive producer from This Is Us, Ken Olin, have made a successful wager. In its inaugural season, Tracker became the most-watched series on television, a milestone previously unachieved by a newcomer since Survivor debuted in 2000. Season two is successfully maintaining the interest of its audience.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hartley, who was wrapping up the last episodes of the season, shared his excitement about the upcoming episodes and reflected on the series exceeding his initial expectations.
What direction did you take in season two that diverges from the first season?
“In discussions with the producers and writers, I emphasized our goal of avoiding the typical procedural format,” Hartley explained. “I wanted Colter Shaw’s character to genuinely evolve as he encounters different people throughout the series. When you compare episodes from season one to those in season two, it’s crucial for me that you witness his growth and learning. His core values remain intact, but the events he experiences significantly impact him. I aimed to prevent predictability in the storyline; I want our audience to feel surprised and engaged with Colter’s constant evolution.”
When we last spoke, you expressed nothing but optimism about the show. Did you foresee the level of success this series would achieve?
“I was certainly hopeful,” Hartley admitted. “I wouldn’t have pursued this project if I didn’t believe in its potential. I had faith that viewers would connect with the character and format in the way I did. However, there’s always uncertainty in this industry. I felt a similar excitement with This Is Us; I thought we had created something special, but you can never predict how audiences will react.”
Have you found that actors are eager to join the cast now that the show has gained traction?
(Laughs) “Absolutely! Suddenly, it feels like our show is the ‘cool’ one,” Hartley noted. He emphasized that his longtime relationships in the industry have facilitated enticing talented actors to join the series. “Getting familiar faces and actors like Jensen Ackles and my wife, Sofia Pernas, was an incredible experience. They trusted me to only extend invitations to projects that I genuinely felt were exciting opportunities.”
“As the show gained popularity, more people expressed interest in participating, which has allowed us to attract a broader pool of talent — ultimately enhancing the quality of the series,” he added.
Some season two episodes, like 14 (“Exodus”) and 16 (“Mercy Seat”), took intriguing and unexpected turns, incorporating elements of spirituality and suspense. Was this intentional?
“While I wouldn’t label it supernatural, upping the stakes is crucial,” Hartley responded. “I want Colter Shaw to remain relatable, showcasing that he’s human and that the scenarios he faces can be life-threatening. In episode 16, we crafted a situation so perilous that it challenged Colter’s abilities and resilience.”
Did you increase your physical involvement in stunts for this season?
“Yes, I aimed to enhance my physicality,” Hartley said. “Initially, I envisioned Colter as a lean figure, as depicted in the source material. However, as we developed the character, it became clear that he needed to embody strength and physicality. As the action of the show escalated, so did my approach to the role.”
How challenging was it to film episode 16 in harsh weather conditions?
“Filming in Whistler was quite an experience,” Hartley chuckled. He recounted moments where he took unexpected falls while navigating the snowy terrain. “Shooting in freezing cold and windblown snow was demanding, especially with loud fans complicating the audio, leading to extensive dubbing sessions afterward. It was tough, but ultimately worth it.”
As season two concludes, what can viewers anticipate from the final five episodes?
“The audience will see the last five episodes roll out in succession, akin to five separate films,” he teased. “They delve deeper into the mystery surrounding Colter’s father, raising questions about his tragic past and the truth behind his death. The storytelling builds toward revealing clues and connections that promise a satisfying payoff.”
What can you share about season three?
“There are still numerous untapped stories to explore,” Hartley revealed. “We’re considering plot ideas that challenge Colter and take his skills to new heights, perhaps even placing him in scenarios that force him to evade authorities due to being framed for something. We aim to tie these narratives back to his family history, ensuring freshness while maintaining continuity in our story arc.”
Tracker broadcasts Sundays at 8 p.m. on CBS.