Why ‘Tracker’ on Paramount+ Is the Reacher Alternative You Didn’t Know You Needed

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If you’re into solo-operating heroes with captivating charm, don’t stop your search; check out the action-packed drama series now streaming. It’s not Reacher, as it’s already gaining popularity after its third season on Amazon Prime Video. Instead, for those seeking similar vibes, I recommend diving into the CBS and Paramount+ series, Tracker.

As an ardent fan, I’d rephrase it like this:

In the show Tracker, I, as a viewer, am captivated by the character played by Justin Hartley, who goes by the name Colter Shaw. This resourceful individual calls himself a “rewardist,” helping people locate their lost loved ones for a fee. Living off the grid and traversing the nation to pursue cases, Colter is an exceptional tracker and survivalist. Assisting him from afar are his team of handlers, including Robin Weigert and Abby McEnany, a reliable hacker in Eric Graise, and a lawyer with whom he shares a complicated past, Fiona Rene. While Colter tirelessly works to unravel the puzzles that haunt his clients, he simultaneously grapples with the enigmas of his own life.

Hartley Is a Charismatic Lead in ‘Tracker’

In a departure from conventional dramas, Tracker isn’t your run-of-the-mill series, any more than Hartley’s Shaw deviates from the norm among bounty hunters. The show begins with Colter saving a stranded hiker, which immediately paints Shaw as a cool and capable rescuer, possessing an extraordinary ability to stay composed in perilous situations. In this single scene, the series skillfully demonstrates Shaw’s proficiency, making him a convincing hero and captivating protagonist. His confident demeanor during the hiker’s crisis lends credibility to the character from the outset and forges a connection with viewers who can’t help but think, “Wouldn’t it be reassuring to be saved by someone like this in an emergency?

The show subtly demonstrates Colter’s professional skills and compassionate nature. In one scene, Shaw chooses to accept a modest payment instead of pursuing a larger bounty, showing his willingness to aid a stranger. This nuanced portrayal of his character allows viewers to identify with him, as they too find themselves relying on his kindness, much like those who hire him.

Alongside its brilliant portrayal of its main star, Tracker stands out due to its intriguing premise, captivating narrative, and a superb ensemble cast. It’s a delightful, laid-back viewing experience that doesn’t require constant focus to enjoy. Even when watched casually, it remains engaging. Interestingly, one of the series’ key strengths also turns out to be a significant weakness. Although the characters in the supporting cast are exceptional and relatable, they are regrettably underused.

Besides Shaw, most characters seem to play secondary roles, almost fading into the backdrop. Teddi and Velma, his handlers, might as well be just part of the scenery; Bobby, his hacker, is barely noticeable like a mere notification on his phone. Rennie, the attorney with whom he has a past, serves more as an escape route than a fully-fledged character. Essentially, they are tools utilized by Shaw and then discarded once their purpose is served. It’s unfortunate because these side characters deserve more screen time. Although Shaw is portrayed as a lone wolf, it would be great to delve deeper into the lives of these supporting cast members in the series.

Critics and Audiences Agree That ‘Tracker’ Is Solidly Fresh

The Tracker TV show has swiftly risen to be one of the top network procedurals currently airing. With a 70% audience rating and an impressive 89% critic score, it’s clear that viewers everywhere are praising this series on the aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. As Craig Mathieson from The Age (Australia) put it, “The show carries a serious tone but is also funnily absurd.” Meanwhile, Terry Terrones of Paste Magazine described it as “hard to resist and highly entertaining.

The intense excitement of Colter’s pursuit to locate the missing is skillfully contrasted with the sequences depicting his personal struggles, as his unconventional tactics repeatedly land him in trouble. Moreover, viewers are eagerly anticipating further exploration into Colter’s mysterious past, a thread that has been subtly introduced across the first two seasons.

It’s challenging to determine if Tracker would have achieved similar success without Hartley’s charm and impact. Since the weekly mystery format is common in serialized dramas, the predictable problem-solving trajectory of the series may make it feel repetitive. Yet, with the allure of Hartley and Colter’s determination, the show manages to stay captivating and innovative, making for an action drama that consistently avoids losing its unique appeal.

Presently, the second installment of “Tracker” is being broadcasted, and it’s been confirmed that there will be a fourth season in the future. This captivating series boasts an impressive cast including Jennifer Morrison (“Once Upon a Time”), Jensen Ackles (“Supernatural”), Gil Birmingham (“Twilight” series), Lee Tergesen (“Desperate Housewives”), and Wendy Crewson (“The Santa Clause” series). “Tracker” airs every Sunday at 9 pm on CBS. Don’t miss out, you can catch up with the first two seasons streaming now on Paramount+.

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2025-04-27 19:08