Justin Hartley's Real-Life Survival Lessons From 'Tracker'

Life Skills Learned on the Set of 'Tracker'

Justin Hartley, the talented actor best known for his role as Colter Shaw on the hit CBS series 'Tracker,' has picked up more than just acting skills during his time on the show. Playing a survivalist who solves mysteries and faces high-stakes challenges has given him some valuable insights into real-world survival techniques.

At 48 years old, Hartley, who gained fame as a star of 'This Is Us,' has had the opportunity to develop some crucial life skills through his character's experiences. Over the course of two intense seasons, Colter Shaw has been thrust into numerous high-pressure situations that have tested his limits and taught Hartley important lessons along the way.

Survival Skills and Staying Calm Under Pressure

One of the most significant takeaways Hartley has learned from his role on 'Tracker' is the importance of patience and maintaining calm during stressful situations. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, published on March 1, Hartley explained how this survival strategy has become a guiding principle in his personal life.

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“The key survival tactic I’ve picked up from 'Tracker' is staying composed when the heat is on,” Hartley said. “When you panic, it clouds your judgment, and you end up making poor decisions. Colter Shaw embodies this philosophy, and every time I step into his shoes, it reinforces this lesson for me. It’s something that has truly helped me navigate challenges in my own life.”

Colter Shaw: A Man of Action

For fans of 'Tracker,' it’s no secret that Colter Shaw doesn’t shy away from danger. Whether he's chasing down suspects through dense forests or leaping out of planes to locate missing persons, Shaw’s dedication to solving cases is unmatched. Rarely does the answer present itself easily, which means Shaw often has to go above and beyond to uncover the truth.

Heading into Season 2 last fall, Hartley spoke candidly about the physical demands of the role, which increased significantly compared to the first season. As the storyline evolved, Colter was taken to new locations, faced off against more formidable adversaries, and had to make choices that tested his resolve.

“With a larger number of episodes this season, it’s definitely going to be a challenge,” Hartley told TV Insider in September 2024. “Three months from now, I might feel differently, but there’s no denying that certain episodes required more physical effort. The fight scenes were particularly intense, but honestly, I don’t mind a few bruises here and there. My focus is on keeping my body in top shape so I can keep up with the demands of the role.”

Married to 'Tracker' co-star Sofia Pernas, Hartley emphasized the importance of maintaining physical fitness for his demanding role. His character is constantly on the move—running, jumping, climbing, and engaging in intense combat sequences.

“Being physically active is an essential part of my routine because my character is always in motion,” Hartley told Men’s Health in February. “Running, jumping, climbing, and fighting—it’s all part of the job. The more you engage in regular exercise and fitness routines, the more you realize how it affects different areas of your life. It’s not just about looking good; it impacts your emotional well-being and helps reduce stress levels. Fitness plays a much bigger role in overall health than people might realize.”

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Exciting News for 'Tracker' Fans

Good news for fans of 'Tracker'—in February, it was announced that the show would be returning for a third season, set to air on CBS sometime between 2025 and 2026. This means even more thrilling adventures with Colter Shaw are on the horizon.

“This season, our new and returning series continue to highlight CBS as a leader in launching and programming the biggest hits for both broadcast and streaming audiences,” said Amy Reisenbach, President of CBS Entertainment, in a statement following the announcement of several show renewals. “These returning shows represent a mix of long-standing favorites and newer hits that have quickly become fan favorites. We’re excited to collaborate with our incredibly talented teams in front of and behind the camera to deliver another successful season.”

Don’t miss new episodes of 'Tracker,' airing Sundays at 8 p.m. on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.