Imagine if we could summon Justin Hartley's Colter Shaw from 'Tracker' every time we lost our keys! It'd be a dream come true, right? But let's be real, he's got bigger fish to fry, like finding missing people (and even helping Stephen Colbert find his missing coffee mug!). Based on Jeffrey Deaver's novel 'The Never Game,' the CBS series follows Colter as he uses his unique skills to locate MIA individuals. It's an easy binge, but what's next? Fear not, there's a whole world of similar shows to explore!
Reacher: Meet Jack Reacher, played by Alan Ritchson, a physical specimen so impressive, even aliens would want to study him! Much like Colter, Reacher moves from town to town, always ready for trouble. With his trusty toothbrush and those impressive guns (on his arms, of course), he sorts out any issue that comes his way. Unlike 'Tracker,' this show follows a central storyline based on Lee Child's books, offering a unique twist.
Without a Trace: CBS loves its procedurals, and this seven-season gem is no exception. It follows the FBI's Missing Persons Unit in New York, turning each episode into a thrilling race against time. The team, including Jack Malone and Sam Spade, uses specialized skills to find missing individuals and solve complex cases. What's more, the show made a real-life impact by featuring public service announcements about missing persons, leading to some successful reunions!
The Finder: Before 'Tracker,' there was 'The Finder,' a 'Bones' spin-off. It stars Geoff Stults as Walter Sherman, a former army officer with a brain injury that gives him a unique perspective. He develops 'Walter math,' a skill that helps him find missing items and people, with the aid of his best friend, Leo Knox. While both shows revolve around finding things, 'The Finder' adds a touch of humor and quirkiness to Walter's character.
Person of Interest: In 'Tracker,' Colter is called in after something happens, but in 'Person of Interest,' it's all about preventing events before they occur. Harold Finch builds a device called the Machine, which identifies potential criminals before they act. Finch hires ex-CIA operative John Reese to stop the bad guys. This show raises interesting questions about surveillance and privacy, leaving viewers to decide if the positives outweigh the negatives.
High Potential: Starring Kaitlin Olson, known for 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,' this ABC show follows Morgan Gillory, a single mother and LAPD cleaner who becomes a consultant for the police. Morgan's past holds a major question mark, mirroring Colter Shaw's personal journey in 'Tracker.' Both protagonists use their skills to help others while dealing with their own ghosts.
The Hunting Party: An explosion at a secret prison leads to a dangerous game of cat and mouse. FBI profiler Bex Henderson takes charge, tracking down escaped criminals while unraveling the mystery behind the explosion. Bex's profiling skills are reminiscent of Colter Shaw's investigative approach, and the show even features Melissa Roxburgh, who played Colter's sister in 'Tracker.'
Countdown: While 'Countdown' may not share the same narrative focus as 'Tracker,' it certainly captures the show's tone. It follows a task force investigating a Homeland Security officer's murder, uncovering a massive conspiracy. The ensemble cast's synergy and the show's balance of action, drama, and levity mirror 'Tracker's' style. Plus, it stars Jensen Ackles, who played Colter's brother in 'Tracker.'
Elementary: A modern-day take on Sherlock Holmes, set in New York City. Jonny Lee Miller's Sherlock and Lucy Liu's Dr. Watson use unconventional methods to help the NYPD crack cases. Like Colter Shaw, they have their unique investigative styles, and watching them piece together the puzzle is a delight.
MacGyver (1985): In 'Tracker,' Colter often finds himself in tight spots, but his guile and instincts always pull him through. Similarly, Richard Dean Anderson's Angus MacGyver, a secret agent, excels in unpredictable situations. MacGyver's resourcefulness knows no bounds; he can create a key from a ham sandwich! Both characters prove that brilliance lies in their ability to survive and navigate trouble.
Bones: When Colter finds a missing person, there's a chance they might be deceased. That's where 'Bones' comes in, focusing on forensic anthropology. Emily Deschanel's Temperance Brennan and David Boreanaz's Seeley Booth examine human remains to solve crimes. What sets 'Bones' apart is the incredible chemistry between Brennan and Booth, keeping viewers hooked for 12 seasons.
The Blacklist: Colter Shaw knows he can't do it all alone, and neither can Raymond 'Red' Reddington and FBI agent Liz Keene in 'The Blacklist.' Red and Liz need each other to achieve their goals, and their partnership is a key element of the show. Both shows highlight the importance of a competent supporting cast, even with clear main characters.
Castle: Richard Castle, played by Nathan Fillion, isn't a survivalist like Colter, but he shares the same knack for solving mysteries. As a mystery novelist, he brings a unique perspective to the table. 'Castle' offers an engaging narrative, not just through its cases but also through the partnership and relationship between Castle and Detective Kate Beckett. The show's cancellation after eight seasons might have been timely, given the uncertainty surrounding Beckett's return.
Found: This procedural drama stands out by focusing on missing persons who are often overlooked by authorities and media. PR specialist Gabi Mosely and her team give these cases the attention they deserve. Gabi even kidnaps her former captor, Hugh Evans, to gain insight into criminal minds. 'Found' made a strong debut in 2023, becoming NBC's top launch on Peacock, but sadly, it was canceled after two seasons.
Stumptown: Based on the comic series by Greg Rucka and Matthew Southworth, 'Stumptown' follows Dex Parios, a private investigator who takes on cases the police won't touch. Dex, played by Cobie Smulders, has a unique skill set and a supportive network, including her best friend, Grey McConnell, and a helpful connection at the police department. Despite its talented cast and intriguing premise, the show only lasted one season.
Alert: Missing Persons Unit: Created by John Eisendrath and Jamie Foxx, this Fox series perfectly fits the missing persons genre. It follows two officers, Detective Jason Grant and Captain Nikki Batista, who are also a separated married couple. Their son went missing, adding a personal layer to their work. The show knows how to build tension and keep viewers invested in the characters and their quest to find their son. Sadly, it was canceled after three seasons.
So, there you have it! A whole list of shows to keep you entertained and engaged, each with its unique twist and take on the missing persons genre. Which one will you dive into first?
