When it comes to breaking TV records, there’s no denying that Justin Hartley he knows what America wants – just look at his hit show follower.
based on Jeffery Deaverthe novel of The game of never, follower follows a survivor named Colter (Hartley) who travels the country helping people and law enforcement tackle a variety of mysteries. As the series develops, viewers learn more how Colter’s past shaped his current life as a lone wolf.
Hartley, 48, serves as lead and executive producer of the show, which found its audience as soon as it premiered in early 2024. follower continued to set television records and increase viewership, the actor accredited narration.
“One of the things I really like about Colter and the way we’ve built him is that he’s unapologetic about his masculinity,” she told Men’s Journal in August 2025. “I think that’s what people are looking for. You ask, ‘What kind of people do I want to date?’ And above all, ‘What kind of male friends do I have in my life that I really value?’”
Hartley was delighted with the example they are able to get with Colter.
“I think we’ve created such an emotionally evolved character, and he really wants to get to the root of why people do things,” Hartley continued. “The facts are that (executive producer) Ken Olin and I set out to do a show that was actually a throwback. We wanted a new twist on a procedural, meaning our character would evolve over time.”
Hartley added: “It wasn’t going to be the same exact person every week. We hoped people would like it. People ended up loving it. I think there’s a huge appetite for this kind of show.”
At that time, Hartley he recognized that the idea of strong leadership, both emotionally and physically, has become a trend.
“I’m not sure we’re in a renaissance period for these kinds of shows, but I think the proof is in the pudding,” he noted. “I mean, look at Reacher. It’s more serialized, but it’s the same kind of thing. People like a hero. They like rooting for a hero, so I think there’s a big audience beyond Tracker.”
Keep scrolling to see all the achievements follower has achieved, so far:
First series
After debuting after the Super Bowl in February 2024, Tracker achieved the most-watched broadcast premiere in three years. The show that previously had this title was the final episode of NCIS Mark Harmon in September 2021.
The ratings only increased from there with CBS revealing it in December 2024 follower averaged 18.2 million viewers per episode based on its Paramount+ and broadcast measurements.
Season 2 premiere
When the hit CBS series returned for a second season later in 2024, it pulled in 8.3 million total viewers, up nearly 10 percent in ratings from the season 1 finale. The season 2 premiere also marked the show’s highest-ever ratings since the series debuted after the Super Bowl.
Most viewed telecasts of 2023
follower was the most-watched entertainment series of the 2023-24 television season, ranking as the #1 program from surviving released in 2000.
Most viewed telecasts of 2024
varietyThe annual list of the 100 most-watched telecasts of the year revealed that 15 of the slot strips belonged to follower.
Most viewed telecasts of 2025
By the end of 2025, follower It scored 19 episodes in the top 100 TV broadcasts of the year, which was more than anything outside of the NFL.
Regulations for the 2025 season
According to ABC and CBS ratings, high potential i follower were virtually tied as the most-watched entertainment series, excluding sports and news. to issue during calendar year 2025.