As CBS’s breakout drama Tracker continues to captivate audiences with its compelling blend of action, mystery, and emotional depth, the network has officially confirmed the renewal of the series for a third season. With record-breaking viewership numbers and growing critical acclaim, Tracker has solidified its place as one of network television’s most successful new dramas—and fans are eager to know what’s next.
Season 3 Officially Greenlit for 2026–2027 Broadcast Season
CBS announced the renewal of Tracker for a third season on February 20, 2025, citing the show’s incredible performance during its first two seasons. With an average of 17.5 million viewers per episode and over 18 million across all platforms, Tracker has become one of the highest-rated scripted series currently airing on network television.
While the exact release date has not been confirmed, CBS has slated Tracker Season 3 for the 2026–2027 broadcast season. Based on previous scheduling, fans can likely expect new episodes to begin airing in fall 2025, possibly as early as late September or early October.
Justin Hartley Returns as Colter Shaw
At the heart of the series is Justin Hartley, whose portrayal of Colter Shaw—a solitary reward-seeker with a troubled past—has resonated strongly with audiences. Hartley, who also serves as an executive producer, is confirmed to return for Season 3, continuing Shaw’s journey across America as he uses his tracking skills to help those in need and uncover deeper truths about his own family history.
Hartley’s performance in Season 2 earned praise for its emotional range and physical commitment, and Season 3 is expected to delve further into Shaw’s unresolved traumas and moral dilemmas.
The Night Movers Storyline May Expand
One of the most talked-about episodes from Season 2 was “The Night Movers,” where Colter uncovers a disturbing disappearance-for-hire operation led by a mysterious character named Barbie Lee. In a recent interview, Tracker showrunner Elwood Reid hinted that this arc may return in Season 3 in a much bigger way.
“We’ve only scratched the surface of what that storyline represents,” Reid said. “There are deeper implications about the people Colter is up against and what he’s willing to risk when it comes to justice.”
This tease suggests that Tracker may lean into more serialized storytelling in its third season, shifting from a strictly case-of-the-week format to larger, multi-episode arcs that explore Colter’s enemies, inner conflicts, and evolving relationships.
Supporting Cast Expected to Return
Although CBS has not released a full cast list for Season 3, several key characters are expected to return. These include:
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Eric Graise as Bobby Exley, the tech expert and ethical compass of Colter’s team
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Fiona Rene as Reenie Greene, a quick-witted resource and recurring ally
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Abby McEnany as Velma, Colter’s quirky contact who often provides unexpected insight
Rumors have also swirled about new characters being introduced in Season 3, potentially bringing new allies or adversaries into Shaw’s path.
A New Chapter for a New Kind of Hero
Unlike many procedural dramas, Tracker stands out for its humanistic storytelling. Colter Shaw is not a superhero—he’s flawed, vulnerable, and deeply introspective. Season 3 is expected to explore these dimensions more thoroughly, especially as Shaw faces new ethical dilemmas and more dangerous adversaries.
The writing team has also indicated interest in exploring Colter’s relationships more closely, including potential romantic threads and further exploration of his family’s fractured legacy.
Conclusion: A Confident Step Forward for CBS and Hartley
As Tracker prepares for its highly anticipated third season, it represents a rare success story in modern network television—a high-stakes procedural that manages to feel both personal and epic in scope. With Justin Hartley leading the charge and strong fan engagement continuing to build, Season 3 is poised to take Tracker to even greater heights.
For fans of thoughtful thrillers and character-driven action, the return of Tracker is more than just a new season—it’s a chance to watch one of television’s most intriguing heroes continue to evolve in real-time.
