No New Episodes This Week—But Season 3 Is Coming
CBS’s hit procedural Tracker, starring Justin Hartley as the enigmatic reward-seeker Colter Shaw, is officially on hiatus. Fans tuning in for a new episode this week were met instead with a rebroadcast of Season 2’s standout installment, “Neptune.” While some viewers were disappointed, this gap in the schedule is part of CBS’s summer programming strategy.
Though Tracker won’t be airing fresh content this week, its momentum remains undeniable. Since its debut, the show has consistently drawn massive audiences, cementing its status as one of the top new dramas in the CBS lineup.
Why Is There No New Episode Tonight?
CBS opted to air a rerun of Tracker Season 2, Episode 12, “Neptune,” during the usual Sunday night time slot. This move is common for networks transitioning from spring finales into the summer season. It gives both new viewers a chance to catch up and long-time fans the opportunity to revisit pivotal episodes.
In this case, “Neptune” has been hailed as one of the most emotionally nuanced episodes of the season. Centered on the search for a missing military veteran, it highlighted Colter’s compassion, resilience, and personal connection to those haunted by trauma. It’s no accident that CBS chose this installment to keep the audience engaged during the hiatus.
A Massive Ratings Success
Despite the temporary break, Tracker has never been more popular. The show closed out its second season averaging a staggering 17.5 million viewers per episode across platforms. The May 11 season finale saw those numbers surge even higher, and CBS was quick to act.
Back in February 2025, months before the finale aired, CBS officially renewed Tracker for a third season. The early renewal was a show of confidence in both Justin Hartley’s star power and the creative direction led by showrunner Elwood Reid.
CBS drama executive Amy Reisenbach praised the show for “its compelling blend of emotional storytelling and action-driven mystery,” and fans clearly agree. Tracker continues to dominate Sunday night ratings and outperform even more established titles on the network.
Season 2’s Shocking Cliffhanger Still Reverberates
One of the key reasons Tracker fans are hungry for Season 3 is the explosive ending of the Season 2 finale, “Echo Ridge.” In the final moments, Colter uncovers new evidence suggesting that his long-missing mother may have been complicit in the circumstances surrounding his father Ashton Shaw’s death.
This revelation casts doubt on everything Colter has believed—and everything viewers have come to understand about his backstory. The show, which has long hinted at the psychological scars left by his upbringing, now hints at a more complicated family history that may even involve betrayal.
While CBS has not released plot specifics for Season 3, insiders suggest that the upcoming episodes will explore Colter’s fractured family relationships more deeply, especially his evolving views of justice, loyalty, and truth.
Season 3 Premiere Date: What We Know
As of now, CBS has not confirmed the exact premiere date for Tracker Season 3. However, given the scheduling patterns of previous seasons, it is widely expected to return in fall 2026, likely around late September or early October.
Production on Season 3 is reportedly already underway, with Justin Hartley back on set alongside returning cast members including Robin Weigert (Velma), Eric Graise (Bobby), and Fiona Rene (Reenie). Jennifer Morrison, who joined in Season 2 as the fierce and unpredictable Vicki Hounsley, is also confirmed to return as a series regular.
Until new episodes air, fans can catch up on Tracker via streaming. All of Season 1 is currently available on Hulu, while both Seasons 1 and 2 can be found on Paramount+.
What to Expect from Season 3
While details are still under wraps, hints from cast interviews and CBS insiders suggest that Season 3 will:
- Dive deeper into Colter’s family past, especially the mystery around his mother
- Include more standalone cases with emotional stakes, mirroring the tone of “Neptune” and “Echo Ridge”
- Possibly see Colter facing off against the authorities as the lines between his freelance work and the law blur
- Expand the roles of Reenie and Bobby, and explore Vicki Hounsley’s motivations in greater depth
Showrunner Elwood Reid has teased that Season 3 will be the show’s “most personal and dangerous yet.” With Colter’s family history spiraling into darkness and new threats on the horizon, the series promises to evolve from a procedural into a full-blown psychological character drama.
Final Thoughts
While Tracker fans may be frustrated by the current break in new content, there’s plenty to look forward to. From its ratings dominance to its cliffhanger-filled storytelling, the show continues to grow in both popularity and complexity.
Whether you’re rewatching past episodes or catching up for the first time, now is the perfect time to prepare for what promises to be an explosive and emotionally powerful third season. CBS might be keeping viewers in suspense, but one thing is clear: Tracker isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
