Tracker Continues Its Reign as CBS’s Most-Watched Series
The runaway success of Tracker has officially secured its future. CBS announced in February 2025 that the show has been renewed for a third season, following an incredibly strong performance throughout its second season. With over 17.5 million viewers per episode, Tracker not only dominated Sunday night ratings but also cemented its status as the most-watched new series of 2024–2025.
This decision didn’t surprise fans or industry insiders. Ever since its Super Bowl premiere in 2024, Tracker has proven to be a breakout hit, thanks to its gripping standalone cases, emotionally resonant backstory, and the magnetic screen presence of Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw.
When Will Season 3 Premiere?
While an exact release date hasn’t been confirmed, CBS revealed that Tracker Season 3 will return sometime in late 2025, as part of the 2025–2026 broadcast season. The series is expected to retain its Sunday night 9 PM EST time slot, a coveted position that helped launch it into success following high-profile lead-ins.
Until then, fans can binge Seasons 1 and 2 on Paramount+, where the show has continued to gain traction among streaming audiences.
Season 2 Finale Sets the Stage for a Darker, More Personal Season 3
The Season 2 finale, titled “Echo Ridge,” aired on May 11, 2025, and left viewers with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. In the final moments, Colter Shaw uncovered new evidence that his father Ashton Shaw’s death might not have been an accident after all. This revelation reopens Colter’s long-dormant investigation into his family’s past, promising that Season 3 will dive deeper into the psychological scars that shaped him.
Showrunner Ben Winters hinted that Season 3 will explore more serialized story arcs alongside the show’s signature episodic cases. “We’re going to see Colter pushed further than ever before,” Winters teased. “There are consequences coming for choices made in the past.”
What Fans Can Expect Next
In addition to more action-packed cases and deeper emotional stakes, Season 3 will likely expand on fan-favorite characters like Reenie (Fiona Rene), Velma (Abby McEnany), and tech expert Bobby (Eric Graise). Rumors are swirling that new recurring characters are being cast to serve as either allies or adversaries in Colter’s quest for truth.
There’s also speculation about a possible romantic subplot, something Hartley has said he’s “not opposed to,” but only if it feels earned and true to the character’s emotional arc.
Tracker’s Legacy So Far
Tracker has done more than just deliver ratings — it’s also breathed new life into the procedural drama genre. Its unique mix of self-contained cases, slow-burning personal mystery, and national travelogue storytelling gives it a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other CBS hits like FBI or NCIS.
Justin Hartley, already beloved from his role on This Is Us, has proven that he can carry a high-stakes thriller with charisma and gravitas. Fans and critics alike have praised his performance as Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf hero with intellect, grit, and deep personal wounds.
Where to Watch and Stay Updated
Both seasons of Tracker are currently available for streaming on Paramount+. While not yet on Hulu, CBS has hinted that expanded licensing deals may be announced later this year.
