A Surprising Network Move with Ripple Effects
In a move that caught fans by surprise, NBC has officially shifted Season 2 of The Hunting Party to midseason. While some viewers of that crime drama expressed disappointment over the delay, this scheduling change may end up being a blessing in disguise—especially for CBS and its breakout hit, Tracker, as it heads into Season 3.
With Justin Hartley’s rising star power and Tracker’s growing fanbase, the competitive television landscape may have just tilted in favor of CBS. But why exactly is NBC’s midseason pivot such a big deal for Tracker?
Less Competition in the Procedural Arena
One of the most direct impacts of The Hunting Party‘s delay is a reduction in head-to-head competition. Both The Hunting Party and Tracker cater to audiences who love character-driven procedurals with a mix of action, mystery, and emotional storytelling. They typically fight for the same primetime slots and viewer attention.
With The Hunting Party out of the picture for the first half of the 2025–2026 TV season, Tracker will enjoy a clearer runway. That means more room to grow its ratings, dominate its time slot, and draw new viewers who may otherwise have been torn between the two shows.
A Bigger Spotlight for Justin Hartley
Justin Hartley, already a household name thanks to This Is Us and now Tracker, could see his momentum amplified by this development. Without The Hunting Party taking up headlines or viewer bandwidth, CBS can put its full promotional force behind Tracker’s third season.
Expect more behind-the-scenes content, press tours, interviews, and trailers that focus solely on Hartley’s intense, magnetic performance as Colter Shaw. He’s now set to be the face of network TV’s crime procedural season, and that spotlight will burn even brighter with one less competitor in the mix.
Potential Cross-Network Viewership Gains
Another interesting dynamic is audience migration. Fans of The Hunting Party now have an opening in their weekly TV schedule—and Tracker is perfectly poised to fill that void. Both series are rich in episodic investigations with an overarching emotional arc, and Tracker offers a compelling lead, high production value, and fresh locations every week.
This gives Tracker the opportunity to not only retain its current audience but also expand its reach across procedural fans hungry for new stories.
CBS Can Experiment More Freely
With fewer procedural shows crowding the fall lineup, CBS also has the freedom to try new promotional and storytelling strategies with Tracker. This could include special crossover events, longer episodes, or even real-time mystery elements that unfold across social media.
And since NBC’s major procedural has temporarily stepped back, CBS doesn’t have to worry about immediate retaliation or creative one-upmanship. Tracker could redefine the rules for network drama success in a way that’s bolder and more viewer-engaging.
Conclusion: An Unexpected Advantage
While delays can frustrate fans, NBC’s decision to hold off on The Hunting Party Season 2 might give CBS and Tracker exactly the edge they need. With a clear playing field, increased promotional attention, and fewer scheduling conflicts, Tracker Season 3 is set up for a breakout moment.
For fans of Justin Hartley and this modern, emotionally resonant procedural, it’s time to buckle in—because the road ahead just got a little smoother and a lot more promising.
