Tracker And This Is Us Head Honcho Compares Justin Hartley To Other CBS Star Mark Harmon, And I Can Totally See It

Tracker And This Is Us Head Honcho Compares Justin Hartley To Other CBS Star Mark Harmon, And I Can Totally See It

As a long-time TV enthusiast and avid gamer of prediction games, I’ve seen my fair share of actors come and go throughout the years. However, none have left as lasting an impression on me as Justin Hartley. His recent return to network television with “Tracker” on CBS has been nothing short of remarkable.


Justin Hartley rejoined the world of network television in the beginning of 2024 with “Tracker,” marking his first major role since wrapping up “This Is Us” in 2022. This new CBS production was a massive success, ranking as the most-watched show during the 2023-2024 television season. Hartley spoke of the demanding routine to portray Colter Shaw and is set for another fall broadcast. Ken Olin, who collaborated with Hartley on both “This Is Us” and “Tracker,” showered him with accolades and drew a comparison to Mark Harmon from “NCIS.”

Ken Olin previously held the executive producer and director positions for NBC’s “This Is Us.” Later, he joined CBS to collaborate once more with Justin Hartley on those very same roles. During an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Olin discussed how Hartley bears resemblance to both Mark Harmon of “NCIS” and another esteemed figure in television.

These men, including James Garner and Mark Harmon, possess an alluring charm and a deep connection with the camera that makes them ideal fits for broadcast television.

Mark Harmon’s NCIS character, Gibbs, is so iconic that a prequel series focusing on him will debut on CBS in the fall, drawing comparisons to the late James Garner’s illustrious TV career. With a diverse background in both drama and comedy, Garner left an impressive mark on shows like The Rockford Files and 8 Simple Rules. In recognition of this achievement, CBS swiftly renewed Tracker for its second season and welcomed guest stars such as Jennifer Morrison and Jensen Ackles at Hartley’s invitation.

Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, similarly expressed her admiration for the star recently when she spoke with the outlet.

[Hartley] is a true, true TV star.

Justin Hartley’s fame as a TV star was already established before “Tracker” gained massive popularity this year. He had successful runs on shows like “The Young and the Restless,” “Mistresses,” and “Smallville” prior to “This Is Us.” If he had taken on the role of Oliver Queen in “Arrow” instead, his career would have followed a different path since he portrayed a distinct version of the character on “Smallville.” Ultimately, “This Is Us” on CBS has helped solidify his status as a leading man on television, given that he was previously part of more ensemble casts.

As a longtime fan of crime dramas and a dedicated viewer of CBS, I’m genuinely excited about the upcoming return of “Tracker” this fall. Having followed the series since its inception, I can attest to the captivating performances by Wilmer Valderrama and the suspenseful storylines that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The final episode concluded with Colter receiving troubling updates about Roxburgh’s Dory, leaving the possibility wide open for Ackles’ Russell’s return (with some delightful “Supernatural” references). I hope to see the Shaw siblings reunited in the upcoming season.

As a long-time fan of Justin Hartley’s acting skills, I’m thrilled to hear that “Tracker” is coming back for its second season on CBS on October 27. This news brings me great joy because I had the pleasure of watching Hartley’s impressive debut as a leading man in this series during the first season. If you missed it or want to revisit his exceptional performance, I highly recommend checking out the full first season, which is now streaming with a Paramount+ subscription. Trust me; it’s worth your time!

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2024-07-21 02:37