After Some of CBS’ Biggest Shows Experienced Ratings Drops in 2024, Here’s How Justin Hartley’s Tracker Did In Its New Time Slot
The 2024 television season has been one of change for CBS, as some of its flagship shows experienced significant ratings drops, leaving fans and industry analysts questioning what this means for the network’s future. Amid these challenges, one new show that has been under close scrutiny is Tracker, starring Justin Hartley. With a shift to a new time slot in the 2024 season, Tracker was expected to either rise to the occasion or struggle to maintain its viewership. So, how did it perform in this pivotal moment? Let’s take a closer look at how Tracker fared and what its future holds.
1. The Impact of CBS’ Ratings Struggles in 2024
CBS has long been known for its strong lineup of popular dramas, but 2024 has brought unexpected challenges. Several long-running and highly anticipated series experienced a dip in ratings, raising questions about audience engagement and the network’s ability to retain its loyal viewership. This decline in ratings came at a time when CBS was trying to introduce new shows that could capture the audience’s attention and fill the void left by some of its older shows. As the competition from streaming platforms and other networks intensified, CBS faced a difficult task of adapting to a shifting landscape in television viewership.
One of the new shows that CBS had high hopes for was Tracker. The drama, which stars This Is Us heartthrob Justin Hartley, premiered with strong buzz due to Hartley’s growing popularity and the show’s intriguing premise. However, the real test came when Tracker was moved to a new time slot, which put additional pressure on its ability to attract and retain viewers.
2. Tracker’s Performance After the Time Slot Change
After its initial run, Tracker found itself in a prime-time time slot that had seen significant viewership erosion from other shows in the same time frame. The shift was a gamble, but one that CBS hoped would pay off, given the potential of the show’s cast and concept. While early reviews of Tracker were positive, especially for Hartley’s portrayal of the central character, the question remained: Could it hold its own in a crowded television landscape?
To CBS’ relief, Tracker performed better than expected in its new time slot. While the numbers didn’t soar to the levels of CBS’ most successful shows, the series showed resilience, maintaining a solid base of viewership that gradually built up. Fans of Hartley were quick to embrace the show, and its mix of mystery and drama struck a chord with a broad demographic. The show’s steady ratings performance helped give CBS hope that Tracker could stabilize its lineup and perhaps even grow its audience as the season progressed.
What helped Tracker succeed was not just its lead star, but also its engaging storylines, compelling supporting cast, and strong character development. Viewers were drawn to the series’ balance of action, drama, and emotional depth, which helped distinguish it from other procedural dramas. As the series continued to unfold, Tracker gained a loyal following that continued to tune in week after week, solidifying its place as a potential future hit for the network.
3. The Road Ahead for Tracker and CBS
Looking ahead, Tracker faces an important challenge in sustaining its viewership momentum. With the uncertainty surrounding CBS’ larger ratings picture, the show’s ability to hold its audience in the long term will be critical. However, the positive reception to Justin Hartley’s performance and the show’s continued ability to engage viewers suggest that Tracker has the potential to grow even further.
For CBS, Tracker represents a glimmer of hope amid a tough 2024 season. While the network’s established series continue to face declining ratings, Tracker’s ability to stabilize in its new time slot could serve as a template for future shows. The network will need to keep a close eye on the performance of Tracker and other new programming to see how it can rebuild its viewership and compete in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
In conclusion, while CBS has faced challenges with several of its top shows in 2024, Tracker—with Justin Hartley at the helm—has managed to hold its ground in a new time slot. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if the show can continue to attract a loyal audience and become a permanent fixture in CBS’ lineup.
