For decades, the network TV procedural has followed a familiar formula: a case of the week, a reliable lead, and a neatly wrapped resolution by the end of each episode. CBS, a master of the genre, has built empires on this model with hits like NCIS, FBI, and Criminal Minds. But with Tracker, starring Justin Hartley as survivalist and reward seeker Colter Shaw, the network might be on the verge of shaking up the playbook.
As Season 3 approaches, the show has a rare opportunity to evolve beyond standard procedural beats — and in doing so, it could redefine what a network drama can be.
A Hero Without a Badge
Unlike most TV crime solvers, Colter isn’t a detective, cop, or federal agent. He’s a civilian bounty hunter with survivalist skills, navigating gray moral territory in every job he takes. This gives Tracker the freedom to explore cases that aren’t tied to one jurisdiction — from missing persons in small towns to corporate fraud in big cities. In Season 3, this flexibility could allow for bolder, riskier storytelling that wouldn’t fit in a more rigid procedural.
A Serialized Emotional Core
One of Tracker’s quiet strengths is its ongoing family storyline, particularly Colter’s strained relationship with his siblings and the unresolved mystery surrounding his father’s death. Most procedurals avoid heavy serialization to remain accessible to casual viewers, but Tracker has shown that weaving personal stakes into the weekly cases keeps audiences emotionally invested.
With Jensen Ackles returning as Colter’s brother Russell in Season 3, the family arc could take center stage — making the show feel more like a serialized adventure drama than a purely episodic case-of-the-week series.
The Visual Adventure Factor
Procedurals are often confined to urban backdrops and studio sets, but Tracker thrives on location shooting. Colter’s work takes him into forests, deserts, snowy mountains, and sprawling farmlands — giving each episode a fresh visual identity. If Season 3 doubles down on cinematic outdoor sequences, the show could stand out even more in a landscape crowded with office-bound investigation dramas.
What It Means for CBS
If Tracker leans into these unique strengths, CBS could have more than just another Sunday night hit — it could have a procedural that pushes the genre forward. By embracing serialized arcs, moral ambiguity, and adventurous storytelling, Tracker might set the standard for the next wave of network dramas.
Season 3 premieres October 19, 2025, and if the creative team plays its cards right, it could be the season that cements Tracker as not just a hit — but a game-changer.
