If you're looking for a new show to get hooked on you might want to check out Tracker starring Justin Hartley . This CBS drama is quickly becoming a fan favorite and for good reason! Hartley plays Colter Shaw a super skilled Tracker who travels the country helping people in sticky situations. Think missing persons mysteries and a whole lot of action all wrapped into one.
Life on the Road (and in an Airstream): Justin Hartley on the 'Challenging' Filming of 'Tracker'
One of the coolest things about Tracker is Colter's nomadic lifestyle. He is always on the move traveling across the US in his signature silver Airstream trailer. But guess what? filming in that iconic trailer is not as glamorous as it looks. Justin Hartley himself admitted that those Airstream scenes can be "challenging".
Apparently the trailer is smaller than it appears on TV. Hartley mentioned that he has to adjust his acting to the limited space saving the big dramatic gestures for when Colter is out in the open. It is all about adapting to the environment. Fiona Rene who plays Reenie Greene in the show also chimed in saying it is "really cool to play in such a small space." Talk about making the most of your surroundings!
Executive producer Ken Olin even described Tracker as a "roadshow". They film all over the place around Vancouver standing in for tons of different US locations. It sounds like a physically demanding show especially for Hartley who is in pretty much every scene. They shoot on location like seven out of eight days a week. That's dedication!
Formula for Success: Why 'Tracker' is the Number One New Show
So what's the secret sauce that makes Tracker such a hit? Well according to Justin Hartley himself "everybody’s protecting the baby. And the baby is the show." He means everyone involved from the cast to the crew is putting their best foot forward to make the show great. They are focused on the details and committed to quality.
Executive producer Elwood Reid highlighted another key element: each week Tracker takes viewers into a brand new "world". Whether it's a specific profession a unique community or a different part of the country each episode feels fresh and immersive. They really try to make each location feel authentic.
The show also balances the case-of-the-week format with a longer ongoing storyline. Reid teased that they are intentionally holding back on revealing too much about Colter's past to keep the mystery alive. But they are slowly "unpeeling more stuff" about his dysfunctional family particularly his sister Dory Shaw. This emotional thread connecting Colter to his family adds depth beyond just the procedural elements.
Ken Olin also pointed out the "cinematic approach" of Tracker. They focus on visual storytelling letting Justin Hartley's physical performance speak volumes even without dialogue. They also aim to showcase "aspects of North America that are positive still" celebrating different locations and communities.
Family Secrets and Brotherly Bonds: What to Expect in Future 'Tracker' Episodes
Fans who are loving the Shaw family dynamic are in for a treat. Executive producer Elwood Reid hinted at "unpeeling more stuff with his sister" Dory Shaw played by Melissa Roxburgh. It sounds like we will be diving deeper into their shared past and family history.
Melissa Roxburgh herself has said she hopes to return to Tracker and had "so much fun" on set. She praised Justin Hartley for creating a "lovely and warm set". And get this Justin Hartley confirmed that they are indeed "writing for" both his onscreen siblings meaning Melissa Roxburgh and Jensen Ackles who plays Colter's brother Russell Shaw could both be back!
Hartley also hinted that they are getting closer to solving the big mystery of who killed Ashton Shaw their father. It sounds like season 2 and beyond will be full of Shaw family drama secrets revealed and maybe even some answers about their past. Get ready for some intense and emotional episodes ahead!
Key Elements That Make 'Tracker' a Hit Show:
- Justin Hartley's Lead Performance: Charismatic and physical performance as the enigmatic Colter Shaw.
- Engaging Case-of-the-Week Format: Each episode features a new location and mystery keeping the show fresh.
- Ongoing Family Mystery: The overarching storyline about Colter's past and family adds emotional depth.
- Cinematic Style: Visually appealing with location shooting and a focus on visual storytelling.
- Strong Supporting Cast: Compelling characters surrounding Colter each with their own stories.
- Intriguing Premise: The concept of a lone-wolf tracker helping people find missing loved ones is inherently captivating.