The Rise of ‘Tracker’ as CBS’s Crown Jewel
When Tracker first premiered on CBS, few could have predicted just how quickly it would become the network’s ratings powerhouse. Led by Justin Hartley, the high-stakes crime drama combined thrilling weekly mysteries with an overarching emotional storyline that kept viewers glued to their screens. Across its first two seasons, Tracker consistently dominated Sunday night ratings, often ranking as CBS’s most-watched scripted program.
Yet despite this runaway success, signs are emerging that CBS may not be setting the show up for long-term survival — and fans are starting to worry.
A Ratings Success With a Potentially Short Future
In television, a hit show usually means a long, healthy run. However, industry insiders are raising eyebrows at how CBS is managing Tracker’s third season. Instead of leaning into its popularity with a full, extended run, CBS has reportedly scheduled a shortened Season 3 order. The move is unusual, given that Season 2 not only retained its audience but actually saw a slight ratings bump.
For many shows, a shorter season can signal one of two things: either the network is rethinking its budget priorities, or there are behind-the-scenes issues affecting production. In Tracker’s case, the shortened season may be a strategic — but risky — scheduling decision that could inadvertently hurt the show’s momentum.
The Problem With Shorter Seasons
One of Tracker’s biggest strengths has been its steady stream of engaging cases, allowing audiences to develop a weekly viewing habit. If CBS cuts the number of episodes or creates long breaks between them, that routine could be disrupted.
History shows that even successful shows can lose their audience when scheduling becomes inconsistent. The danger here is that Tracker could see a gradual ratings erosion, not because the content has declined, but because viewers simply drift away when the show disappears for weeks or months at a time.
Possible Behind-the-Scenes Factors
Industry whispers suggest a few reasons why CBS might be trimming Tracker’s episode count:
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Budget Allocation: Big network dramas cost millions per episode. CBS may be funneling resources into launching new series or reviving existing IPs, leaving less room for Tracker’s full run.
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Production Challenges: Justin Hartley is both the star and an executive producer, which means his schedule is crucial. If Hartley has other projects lined up, production timelines might be compressed.
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Strategic Programming Moves: CBS may be experimenting with using Tracker as a mid-season ratings boost rather than a year-round staple — but that strategy can backfire if viewers lose engagement.
Fan Concerns Are Growing
Since news of the shorter season order surfaced, Tracker’s fanbase has been vocal online. Social media posts and fan forums are buzzing with frustration, with many fearing that CBS is prioritizing new, untested shows over the one that’s already proven itself. Some even worry this could be the first step toward quietly phasing the series out, despite its strong performance.
Why CBS Should Think Twice
From a business perspective, cutting back on a hit series can be risky. Tracker’s broad appeal isn’t just about ratings — it also drives streaming viewership, syndication potential, and brand loyalty for CBS. By shortening its run, the network could inadvertently weaken one of its strongest assets, giving competing networks or streaming platforms an opening to lure away viewers.
The Road Ahead for ‘Tracker’
CBS has yet to make an official statement addressing fan concerns. For now, Tracker Season 3 remains in production, with the promise of delivering the same intense, emotionally grounded storytelling that made it a breakout hit. But if CBS truly wants to keep Tracker as the crown jewel in its lineup, it may need to reconsider its scheduling and investment strategy — before the show’s momentum becomes a casualty of network planning.
