CBS’ breakout procedural, Tracker, starring This Is Us alum Justin Hartley, became the most-watched show of the 2023-2024 season, a surprising feat for a new series based on Jeffrey Deaver's novel The Never Game. As anticipation builds for Season 2, fans are excited but also cautious about a significant change on the horizon that could shape the show's future. While Tracker brought something fresh to the procedural genre in its first season, concerns are growing about how well it can maintain momentum with the upcoming shift.
More Episodes in Season 2: Good or Bad?
The Hollywood strikes of 2023 caused a delay in the show’s release, and Tracker Season 1 premiered with only 13 episodes — fewer than the typical network procedural. Despite the shorter run, the series managed to leave an indelible mark, combining weekly cases with an overarching mystery involving Colter Shaw’s family.
With the production schedule for Season 2 confirmed to span from July 2024 to April 2025, it’s expected that the show will return to a more traditional episode count. This likely means 20+ episodes, which brings both excitement and trepidation. On one hand, more episodes give the show a broader canvas to explore Shaw’s tracking missions. However, this extended season could also dilute the tight storytelling that helped Season 1 succeed.
Can the Show Rely Solely on Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw?
One of the major concerns lies in the show’s reliance on Justin Hartley’s portrayal of Colter Shaw. Unlike traditional ensemble procedurals where multiple characters share the workload, Tracker centers almost entirely around Shaw, a reward-seeker who operates solo, taking on missing persons cases. While Hartley’s performance has been a significant draw, this setup could pose challenges in the long term.
With the increased episode count in Season 2, there’s concern that the show may struggle to keep Shaw's character engaging for an extended run. Logistically, this also puts immense pressure on Hartley, whose absence or unavailability could halt production. For a procedural to thrive, it needs a balanced cast, and right now, Tracker is heavily reliant on a single character to drive the narrative.
Potential Solutions: Expanding the Cast and Storylines
One way to ensure the show's longevity is to expand its supporting cast and develop secondary storylines. Season 1 introduced several characters that could play larger roles, offering opportunities to broaden the narrative scope. With Jensen Ackles unavailable to reprise his role as Russell Shaw due to other commitments, there's a chance to introduce new characters or flesh out existing ones, giving Hartley’s character some breathing room.
Tracker doesn’t necessarily need to shift away from Colter Shaw as its central figure, but it could benefit from incorporating more ensemble-driven episodes to provide variety and longevity. This would also allow the series to delve deeper into Shaw’s relationships and character development, creating a richer viewing experience that keeps audiences invested.
Keeping the Momentum Going
Tracker Season 1’s impressive performance shows that the series has struck a chord with viewers, but with Season 2 looming, the pressure is on to maintain that momentum. The unique premise — a procedural that isn’t focused on law enforcement or medicine — has helped set Tracker apart. However, with more episodes, the risk is that the formula may become repetitive if the show doesn’t evolve.
By diversifying the storytelling, introducing new characters, and continuing to challenge Colter Shaw in fresh and unexpected ways, Tracker has the potential to thrive beyond its second season. The key will be to keep viewers hooked without over-relying on its lead.
As Tracker gears up for its second season with more episodes and higher stakes, only time will tell if this change will be a boon for the show or a potential stumbling block. Fans can only hope that CBS’ latest hit can keep its momentum and continue delivering the engaging content that made Season 1 a success.
