After two thrilling seasons, CBS’s hit series Tracker is gearing up for its highly anticipated third season — but not without a few shake-ups along the way. Fans have been buzzing with speculation, from who’s returning to how the show will handle big character exits. Here’s a breakdown of all the confirmed and rumored details so far.
Season 3 Premiere Date
CBS has officially confirmed that Tracker Season 3 will premiere Sunday, October 19, at 8 PM ET. The show will keep its prime Sunday night slot, a key factor in its success during previous seasons. However, with the gap between seasons, anticipation has been building for months.
Cast Changes and Departures
The biggest news heading into Season 3 is the confirmed departure of Abby McEnany and Eric Graise, both of whom played key recurring characters. Their exits have sparked fan concerns about how the dynamic will shift, especially for Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley).
Meanwhile, Jensen Ackles will be back as Russell Shaw — and this time, his role may be expanded. Rumors suggest we could see “double the Russell” as his arc becomes more central to the unfolding Shaw family mystery.
The Story So Far
Season 2 ended with a major revelation: Colter discovered that his father, Ashton Shaw, was murdered. This sets the stage for Season 3 to dive deeper into the conspiracy surrounding his family. Showrunner interviews hint at the introduction of “dark forces” — a new, dangerous antagonist operating behind the scenes.
Fans can expect the show to continue blending high-stakes cases with Colter’s personal journey, but don’t expect all family mysteries to be solved in one go. According to insiders, some threads will be left hanging for future seasons.
Why Season 3 Matters
Tracker has consistently been one of CBS’s top-rated dramas, with Justin Hartley’s performance widely praised. This season will be a crucial test: Can the series maintain its momentum while navigating major cast changes? CBS seems confident, betting on Hartley’s star power and the growing interest in Russell Shaw’s storyline to keep viewers hooked.
With its October return set, Tracker Season 3 promises more action, more mystery, and a deeper dive into the tangled history of the Shaw family. While the loss of beloved characters is bittersweet, the addition of new twists — and Jensen Ackles in a bigger role — could make this the most exciting season yet.
