In recent weeks, a strange wave of rumors has surfaced online suggesting that CBS’s hit drama Tracker could face cancellation before its much-anticipated third season even begins. For the millions of viewers who have followed Colter Shaw’s thrilling adventures across the country, the speculation felt like a sudden thunderstorm in the middle of a sunny day — unexpected, unwanted, and frankly, unbelievable.
A Proven Hit from Day One
Since its debut, Tracker has been nothing short of a ratings powerhouse for CBS. Starring Justin Hartley as the resourceful reward seeker Colter Shaw, the show opened with over 14 million viewers for its pilot (live+7 data), making it one of the most-watched drama premieres of its year. Season 1 maintained a strong weekly audience, often winning its Sunday night time slot, while Season 2 saw both critical and audience praise, earning a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Financially, the series has been a key driver for CBS’s Sunday night lineup. Advertisers have flocked to it, international streaming deals have expanded its reach, and syndication interest is already in play. In short: Tracker is not the type of show networks drop without an extremely good reason — and right now, there isn’t one.
Where Did the Cancellation Rumors Come From?
The current cancellation talk seems to have originated from a handful of misleading social media posts, possibly confusing Tracker with other network dramas that have faced early ends. Some posts falsely claimed CBS had “pulled the plug,” without any official confirmation from the network. Others misread production schedule changes — including a short filming delay — as signs of trouble.
Fan Backlash: ‘Pure Nonsense’
Dedicated fans wasted no time pushing back. One long-time viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Why would CBS cancel their #1 new drama? This is pure nonsense. Season 3 hasn’t even started filming yet!”
Another wrote on Reddit’s Tracker discussion board:
“Don’t believe any of these ‘Tracker canceled’ rumors. It’s clickbait. Until CBS says it, it’s fake.”
Facebook fan groups lit up with similar reactions, with many pointing out that CBS had already officially renewed the show for Season 3 earlier this year.
CBS’s Track Record With Hit Dramas
While some networks have been quick to cancel shows despite strong starts, CBS historically gives its top-rated series room to breathe and grow. Series like NCIS, Blue Bloods, and FBI have thrived for multiple seasons thanks to consistent viewership — a category Tracker clearly falls into.
What’s Next for Season 3
Season 3 is slated to premiere Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 8 PM ET on CBS. Justin Hartley will return as Colter Shaw, alongside Fiona Rene as Reenie, and Jensen Ackles reprising his role as Russell Shaw. While some cast members, like Abby McEnany and Eric Graise, will not be returning, the core creative team remains intact. The new season promises to explore deeper elements of the Shaw family mystery and introduce new antagonists for Colter and Russell.
The Bottom Line
Until CBS makes an official statement to the contrary, there is zero reason to believe Tracker Season 3 is in danger. In fact, with the show’s ratings, fan engagement, and critical reception, the odds are better than ever that Tracker will remain on the network for years to come.
So, to the fans anxiously refreshing their feeds: take a breath. Colter Shaw isn’t going anywhere — except maybe straight into another high-stakes case when Tracker returns this fall.
