Tracker parents guide: Could this Justin Hartley series work for the kids?

There is no doubt that Justin Hartley makes a few hearts swoon. Is that enough of a reason to risk watching Tracker with the kids? You’ll want to get a few more details about the series first.

The CBS series is in its second season, and so far, the episodes have been very much like the first. This action series focuses on a man who saves people for a living. In fact, he’ll help animals, too. He doesn’t do it out of the kindness of his heart, though. He does it for the reward.

He has a group of people who help him find cases and figure out the details so that he can get the job done. At the same time, there’s a family mystery to solve. It’s certainly a series for the mystery drama fans out there.

Tracker age rating: Explaining the TV-14 age rating

The series is rated TV-14 in the United States and 14+ in Canada. This is the equivalent of a PG-13 movie, meaning that it’s aimed toward those 14 and over. Of course, younger members of the family can watch it if you want, but you need to be aware that it’s not written for them.

It is a broadcast show, and that means there are some rules to follow when it comes to shows. It limits the nudity and language, but that doesn’t mean it’s suitable for the kids in the house.

Sex & nudity: While there is no full nudity shown on the screen, there are multiple episodes in the first season where the lead character has had his top off. We have also had scenes where he is in bed with women, although sex hasn’t actually been shown. It’s clear what the implication is, but there’s nothing too much that you would need to explain to kids, and there’s nothing that will make teens uncomfortable to watch.

The lead character is a bit of a player at times. He enjoys being an adult! And yes, there are some sexual innuendos used in the series, which usually go over the heads of children, but it will depend on their ages.

Violence & gore: This is where things may get a little too much for younger kids. While there are rules on the level of violence and gore that can be shown, some shows have started to push this. That’s especially the case when it comes to CBS shows.

Episodes have shown broken bones and bloody hands. There are times when injuries are visible, such as knife wounds and bruises. Nothing is too graphic, though. If you’re watching the likes of NCIS and The Equalizer with your kids, then it’s a similar level of violence that they’ll be used to.

Language: The language is kept mild in the series, with words like “damn” and “hell” used. There is sometimes the drop of the B-word, usually in the context of “son of a B***h,” which is becoming relatively common in TV shows on broadcast networks now.

Alcohol & drugs: There are scenes where characters are drinking alcohol. This is often in a bar or when they’re relaxing. There have also been cases of underage drinking, which brings a sense of reality to the series.

In some cases, some drugs, including prescription and illegal ones, have been shown or mentioned. There is no gratuitous use of drugs or alcohol in the series.

Overall verdict: Who is Tracker appropriate for?

This series does work for teenagers, and with how early it is on Sunday nights, that makes sense. This is a high-action series that brings some gun and fight scenes, but it also puts focus on a man who is trying to figure out his family secrets and help people in need. You’ll be surprised by the lessons of compassion and empathy that show up throughout the series.

It could be on the scarier side for younger members of the family, though. I’d put this on with my tween, but not the one in single digits.

Tracker season 2 airs Sundays at 8/7c on CBS. Catch up the following day on Paramount+.