Tracker – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Tracker

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2024

52%

WISE Score

7.1

IMDb

Justin Hartley drives an RV around solving crimes—think The Fugitive meets CSI, but make it 2024 and moderately violent.

7.1/10

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Tracker

show

TV-14, 2024

52%

WISE Score

7.1

IMDb

Justin Hartley drives an RV around solving crimes—think The Fugitive meets CSI, but make it 2024 and moderately violent.

7.1

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Screenwise Verdict

Tracker is exactly what it looks like: a competent, formulaic CBS crime procedural that won't blow anyone's mind but also won't offend anyone's intelligence (much). Justin Hartley is charming, the premise of traveling the country helping people is wholesome enough, and the production values are fine.

But let's be real—this is network TV paint-by-numbers. The 'lone wanderer solves crimes' format has been done to death, and while the RV adds a tiny bit of flavor, this isn't breaking new ground. The violence is moderate but consistent (guns, death, domestic abuse themes), so it's genuinely not appropriate for kids under 14.

For high schoolers and adults who want easy-watching crime drama? Sure. It's fine. A 7.1 IMDb and 64 Metacritic basically scream 'perfectly adequate.' But if you're looking for something that will actually stick with your teen or spark meaningful growth, keep looking. This is popcorn TV for older audiences—nothing wrong with that, but nothing special either.

Age Fit

This is squarely 14+ territory per Common Sense Media, and that feels right. High schoolers who like crime procedurals will be fine; middle schoolers and younger should skip it. Adults who enjoy CBS procedurals (NCIS, FBI, etc.) will find it perfectly serviceable background viewing.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Colter Shaw is a fundamentally decent protagonist who helps people and works with law enforcement, modeling prosocial behavior. However, the show features moderate violence including gun violence, death, and domestic violence themes. The tone is procedural rather than chaotic, but the content skews toward adult themes of crime and missing persons rather than emotionally nurturing material.

Imaginative

Standard procedural crime drama format with a 'lone wolf travels the country solving cases' premise that's been done many times (The Fugitive, Highway to Heaven, Quantum Leap, etc.). The RV travel angle adds mild novelty but this is fundamentally formulaic network television. Based on a Jeffery Deaver novel, so there's source material pedigree, but the execution is paint-by-numbers CBS fare. Doesn't invite creative thinking or exploration—it's passive viewing.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 14+ for good reason: moderate gun violence and death, domestic violence themes, and mild sexual content. IMDb parent guide confirms moderate violence/gore and frightening scenes. This isn't graphic horror, but there are real safety concerns for younger viewers who might stumble onto it. Network TV constraints keep it from being truly graphic, but kids under 13 could be disturbed by the crime content. Not 'surprise scary clown' territory, but definitely not safe for family viewing with elementary schoolers.

Enriching

Crime procedurals can build critical thinking and problem-solving interest, and the show features diversity (noted in parent reviews). The premise of helping locate missing persons has real-world relevance and could spark conversations about community support and justice. However, it's ultimately entertainment-first with modest educational value. IMDb 7.1 and Metacritic 64 suggest competent but not exceptional execution. It's watchable adult drama, not brain rot, but not particularly meaningful either.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Solid procedural comfort food for teens and adults who like crime shows without committing to a 12-season binge
Protagonist models helping behavior and works to reunite families/solve missing persons cases
Features diversity in casting and storylines according to parent reviews
The traveling RV premise adds a bit of Americana road-trip flavor to standard crime fare
Justin Hartley brings likability from This Is Us—familiar face for parents who want known quantities

⚠

What to Watch For

Gun violence and death are regular features—this is adult crime drama, not family viewing
Domestic violence themes appear in storylines; could be triggering or require context for younger teens
Formulaic network TV structure means it's predictable and won't challenge viewers much
One parent review complained about 'woke propaganda' regarding diversity—if that's your concern, be aware the show features diverse casting

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if someone you knew went missing? Who would you call first?"
"Colter gets paid to find people—what do you think about 'reward money' for helping solve crimes?"
"The show features a lot of gun violence. How does that compare to real-life crime solving?"
"Why do you think people are so drawn to true crime and mystery shows?"

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