Colter Shaw’s Journey Continues with Season 3 Renewal
CBS has officially renewed its high-octane procedural Tracker for a third season, cementing the show’s status as a cornerstone of the network’s primetime lineup. Starring Justin Hartley as survivalist and reward-seeker Colter Shaw, Tracker has become a ratings juggernaut, averaging more than 17.5 million viewers per episode during its second season. The renewal comes as no surprise to fans who’ve followed the gripping case-of-the-week format blended with a slowly unraveling family mystery.
The announcement was made earlier this year, but new updates from CBS reveal further insight into what fans can expect as Colter hits the road once again in pursuit of truth, justice, and maybe even some long-awaited closure.
When Will Tracker Season 3 Premiere?
While CBS has confirmed the renewal, an official premiere date for Tracker Season 3 has not yet been released. However, network sources suggest that the series will return as part of the 2026–2027 broadcast season, most likely during the fall lineup. If the release pattern of Seasons 1 and 2 is anything to go by, fans can tentatively expect a September or October 2026 premiere.
The series is anticipated to retain its Sunday 9 PM EST time slot, which has been a significant factor in its high viewership, especially when paired with football broadcasts and other lead-in heavyweights.
What Happened in the Season 2 Finale?
The Season 2 finale, which aired on May 11, 2025, left fans reeling. Titled “Echo Ridge”, the episode dropped a bombshell that Colter Shaw’s father may not have died accidentally. This revelation reopens the central mystery of Colter’s fractured past, setting the stage for a more emotionally charged and serialized third season.
According to showrunner Ben Winters, Season 3 will not abandon the popular one-case-per-week format but will deepen the ongoing narrative around Colter’s family. “We’ve laid the groundwork,” Winters explained. “Now it’s time to dig into the emotional core of who Colter really is—and what he’s running from.”
Which Cast Members Are Returning?
Justin Hartley will, of course, reprise his role as Colter Shaw. His performance has been widely praised for its balance of action-hero grit and emotional depth. While the complete cast list has yet to be confirmed, it’s expected that fan favorites like Fiona Rene (Reenie), Eric Graise (Bobby), and Abby McEnany (Velma) will return.
Notably, Robin Weigert, who played Colter’s handler Teddi, exited the series ahead of Season 2, so her return is unlikely unless in flashback form. The showrunners have hinted at new recurring characters, which may include both allies and antagonists that complicate Colter’s path forward.
Where to Catch Up on Tracker
Fans eager to rewatch earlier episodes or new viewers looking to jump on board can stream Seasons 1 and 2 on Paramount+. While Tracker has not yet made its way to Hulu, CBS has hinted that expanded streaming rights are being considered, especially given the show’s growing popularity beyond linear television.
Each episode continues to perform strongly in delayed viewing, particularly on streaming platforms, which has helped solidify its place in CBS’s future.
Why Tracker Keeps Winning
At its core, Tracker is more than just a procedural. It blends the adrenaline of a manhunt with the introspective tension of a personal quest. Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw isn’t just chasing missing persons and fugitives—he’s chasing the ghosts of his past. That emotional undercurrent has resonated with fans who crave not only excitement but depth.
The series also stands out thanks to its unique format: each episode is set in a new location across the U.S., giving Tracker a fresh, road-trip feel that keeps the visual style dynamic and engaging.
Looking Ahead
With the official renewal and production expected to begin later this year, fans can rest assured that Tracker will return with more action, more drama, and more revelations. If Season 2 was about stirring the waters of Colter’s past, Season 3 promises to dive in headfirst.
CBS’s gamble on Tracker has paid off, and it looks like the road ahead is wide open.
