CBS is pushing for Justin Hartley’s character, Colter Shaw, to face increased peril in the hit series Tracker. The network aims to keep the stakes high as the show continues its successful run.
Executive producer Elwood Reid confirmed this creative direction during an exclusive interview. He noted that Colter, a survivalist who is not a police officer, often gets into situations beyond his scope.
The network has specifically requested more vulnerability for the character. "The network always says, ‘He can get hurt, he can lose a fight, he can get hit in the head, and they can pull a gun on him,’" Reid shared.
Hartley himself proposed an idea for the season three mid-season finale. This concept involved Colter encountering a situation where things do not go in his favor.
Reid emphasized that Colter’s non-superhero nature makes the series entertaining. He believes the show thrives by exploring new ways to heighten the risk for its protagonist.
"When I watch a lot of these shows, the minute the character becomes infallible or perfect, I lose interest," Reid explained. He prefers characters who have flaws, make mistakes, and are mortal.
"I am very conscious of not making Colter too perfect," he added. "We’re beating him up, allowing him to be wrong, and letting him do the wrong thing. I think that’s what makes the character fun to write, at least for me.”
Tracker is inspired by Jeffery Deaver’s novel, The Never Game. It follows Colter as he travels across the country, assisting in locating missing persons and resolving complex cases.
Hartley, who also serves as an executive producer, discussed Colter’s ongoing character development. He told TV Insider in September 2024 that seeing a character’s growth over time is crucial.
"As competent and confident as Colter is, I don’t believe for a second that he doesn’t have a lot to learn, especially about himself, his family, and all that," Hartley stated. He believes this development will keep the show engaging.
Hartley also indicated that Colter’s mortality remains a central theme. He warned that the character could potentially die in future storylines.
"It’s important to keep the stakes high," Hartley told The Hollywood Reporter in April. He stressed that Colter is not a superhero and the situations he navigates are extremely dangerous.
Tracker airs Sundays at 8:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Episodes are available for streaming on Paramount+ the following day.