If you’re missingTrackerafter the season 2 finale and want something to fill that gap, there’s another show starring Justin Hartley that’s worth checking out. BeforeTracker, Hartley starred in an NBC drama for six seasons that became one of the most acclaimed shows on network TV, earning several wins and nominations from the Prime Time Emmys to the Golden Globes. Not to mention, it has a high score of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The NBC series is more emotional than mystery, but it delivers the same amount of heart, with even more tears. Hartley’s former show was all about the ups and downs of family and how they shape who we are. Hartley’s career skyrocketed after appearing on this show, which has continued thanks to his role onTracker. So, while you wait forTrackerseason 3and enjoy shows that dive deep into relationships and character growth while still keeping you hooked episode after episode, this is a perfect choice.
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Justin Hartley Starred In NBC’s This Is Us
He Played Main Character Kevin Pearson
Before starring onTracker,Hartley was a main character in NBC’s hit dramaThis Is Us, which ran for six seasons from 2016 to 2022. The show followed the Pearson family, showcasing their lives through different timelines from the moment Jack and Rebecca Pearson met.Hartley played Kevin Pearson, Jack and Rebecca’s son, an actor dealing with family and relationship struggles. In the show, Kevin struggles to be taken seriously in his craft, which allows him to become more evolved as a character by the end of the series.
This Is Usreally helped Hartley’s fame skyrocket from his original days as a soap star, appearing inThe Young and the RestlessandPassions. While the series had a strong ensemble, including Sterling K. Brown and Mandy Moore,Hartley’s emotional range made Kevin one of the show’s most captivating characters. If you enjoy Hartley in the role of Colter Shaw onTracker, his work inThis Is Usis definitely worth the watch.
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How Tracker’s Colter Shaw Is Similar To This Is Us’s Kevin Pearson
They Both Have Issues With Family
WhileTrackerandThis Is Usare completely different, Hartley’s characters, Colter Shaw and Kevin Pearson, share a lot more in common than some may think.Both men are headstrong and driven, often letting their instincts take control. Colter always trusts his instincts by refusing to back down, while Kevin is always trying to prove himself and doesn’t always think his actions through. They are also both very emotional and, deep down, want to find a place where they belong.
They also have complicated relationships with their family members. BothColter and Kevin lost their father at a young ageand aren’t as close to their siblings as they were when they were younger. Colter and Kevin each carry the weight of their past, struggling to make peace with childhood trauma and losing their fathers so young.
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Tracker Has More Connections To This Is Us Beyond Justin Hartley
The Is Us Cast & Crew Have Appeared Behind-The-Scenes On Tracker
BesidesHartley being a main character in bothTrackerandThis Is Us, there are other similarities between the shows. Behind the scenes, several names fromThis Is Ushave carried over ontoTracker.Ken Olin, an executive producer and director ofThis Is Us, works as an executive producer onTracker. His experience working with emotionally charged characters, like onThis Is Us, is ideal forTracker’s, as the show also includes emotional characters but with a hint of action.
Also,Jon Huerta, Miguel onThis Is Us, worked behind the camera and directed a few episodes ofTracker. Miguel was Jack’s best friend and later Rebecca’s husband in the NBC series, making him Kevin’s stepdad. Knowing Miguel is a part ofTrackerbehind the scenes could also getThis Is Usfans to watchTracker. So, if you enjoy the elements ofTracker, you are sure to enjoyThis Is Us.