CBS Officially Greenlights Season 3
After a record-breaking second season that drew over 18 million viewers per episode, CBS confirmed in February 2025 that Tracker would return for a third season. The show, starring Justin Hartley as reward-seeker Colter Shaw, has grown into one of the most-watched new dramas on television, praised for its mix of action, character-driven storytelling, and emotional complexity.
While fans hoped for a quick return, CBS has announced that Tracker Season 3 will not premiere until fall 2026. The network’s decision allows for a longer production schedule, giving the creative team the flexibility to deepen character arcs, refine scripts, and film in more visually dynamic locations.
Why the Delay? A Longer Production Cycle for a Bigger Season
Unlike past seasons, which followed a more traditional annual broadcast model, Season 3 will benefit from extended development and filming. With a bigger budget and growing critical acclaim, Tracker is aiming to transition from a network hit into a genre-defining series.
According to executive producer and series star Justin Hartley, the goal for Season 3 is to “get into the nitty-gritty” of Colter Shaw’s personal evolution—digging deeper into the show’s darker, more emotional themes.
What to Expect: Plot Details and Themes
Season 3 is expected to explore the aftermath of Colter’s discovery that his mother may have been complicit in the mysterious death of his father, Ashton Shaw. This revelation from the Season 2 finale throws Colter’s past—and much of what he believed—into question.
Insiders suggest that Season 3 will blend serialized drama with standalone episodes, allowing the series to preserve its case-of-the-week structure while expanding on long-running mysteries. Key themes include:
- Family betrayal and hidden legacies
- The boundaries between justice and lawlessness
- Colter’s increasing conflicts with authorities, including the FBI
Returning Cast and Characters
Justin Hartley (Colter Shaw) returns, joined by:
- Fiona Rene as Reenie Greene
- Abby McEnany as Velma
- Eric Graise as Bobby
- Jennifer Morrison as Vicki Hounsley
Also expected to appear are Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw and Wendy Crewson as Mary Shaw, as Colter’s fractured family history takes center stage. Additional guest stars are rumored, including a new recurring antagonist and crossover possibilities within the CBS universe.
Filming Locations and Creative Expansion
Filming is underway across diverse locations, including Utah, New Mexico, and Oregon. These settings reflect the show’s evolving tone—from urban investigations to wilderness pursuits with heightened psychological stakes.
Directorial duties will again include episodes helmed by Hartley himself, with a reported focus on emotionally charged storylines involving loss, redemption, and identity.
Where to Watch and Catch Up
While waiting for Season 3, fans can stream:
- Season 1 on Hulu
- Seasons 1 and 2 on Paramount+
CBS is expected to begin promoting the new season in mid-2026, with trailers, interviews, and possibly a teaser at San Diego Comic-Con.
Conclusion: Bigger, Bolder, More Personal
Tracker Season 3 is shaping up to be the show’s most ambitious installment yet. With a deeper exploration of Colter Shaw’s psyche, new antagonists, and emotionally resonant story arcs, the show is stepping into its next phase with confidence.
Although the premiere is still over a year away, anticipation is high—and if early reports are accurate, Tracker is set to return with stories that are darker, more complex, and even more gripping than before.
