Full Breakdown
Jason Ritter Pushes for Tracker Crossover, Suggests “Damsel in Distress” Role
4/28/2026, 11:46:40 PM
Background & Context
Matlock, starring Kathy Bates as Madeline Kingston, premiered on CBS in September 2024 and follows a retired lawyer who assumes a false identity at Jacobson Moore law firm. Tracker, also on CBS, debuted in February 2024 and follows former tracker Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) solving missing-person cases.
Core Event: Ritter’s Crossover Proposal
In August 2025, Jason Ritter (Julian Markston, Matlock) told Us Weekly he would welcome a storyline linking Julian with Hartley’s Colter Shaw. He suggested Julian could leave the firm, learn tracking, and possibly become a “damsel in distress” on Tracker.
Timeline
- Sep 2024 – Matlock premiere.
- Feb 2024 – Tracker premiere.
- Apr 23 2025 – Matlock Season 2 finale.
- Aug 2025 – Ritter discusses crossover.
- Oct 2025 – Tracker Season 3 begins (22-episode order).
- Dec 2025 – Tracker holiday break.
- Mar 1 2026 – Tracker resumes; 18 episodes aired.
- May 24 2026 – Tracker Season 3 finale.
- Late 2026/2027 – Matlock Season 3 expected.
Data & Statistics
Tracker’s third season is slated for 22 episodes; 18 have aired by May 2026. Matlock has been renewed for a third season, with its premiere date pending. Both series air Sunday nights on CBS.
Official Statements & Responses
Ritter highlighted his friendship with Hartley and proposed Julian train in tracking, joking his character would likely be captured and need rescue. CBS lists Tracker at 9 p.m. ET on Sundays, with next-day streaming on Paramount+.
Criticism & Opposition
Marshall questioned Ritter’s “rugged” portrayal, describing his on-set attempts as “making my stomach crawl.” She also warned Ritter would be the one kidnapped and urged producers not to arm his character.
Why It Matters
A crossover could combine fan bases, raise ratings for both dramas, and showcase CBS’s ability to weave inter-series narratives. It also illustrates how actor-driven ideas can shape programming.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
CBS has not confirmed any crossover production. Additionally, Tracker and Matlock occupy different broadcast windows, making simultaneous storytelling logistically challenging.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Justin and I are very friendly. I really love him. He’s such a nice guy,” — Jason Ritter
- “Jason comes to set now, and he squints his eyes and he tries to play a rugged guy. And we’re like, ‘Can you please stop?'” — Skye P. Marshall
- “But I feel like he’d be the guy that gets kidnapped,” — Skye P. Marshall
- “She’s probably right. Who knows? It’s TV, so anything can happen. A guy like me can be a hero on TV but in real life, if I was on Tracker, I’d be like, ‘All right, I got these guys … Oh, one of them snuck up behind me and that’s the end for me. Save me, please. I’ve made this mission 20 times harder by being captured.'” — Jason Ritter
What’s Next
Tracker will end its third season on May 24 2026; Matlock’s third season is slated for later 2026 or 2027. No official crossover has been announced, leaving the idea speculative.
