Great news for drama lovers: the hit show Tracker is back. If you’re wondering when and how to watch Season 3, plus what changed in the cast and storyline, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
What Is Tracker?
The series centers on Colter Shaw, portrayed by Justin Hartley, a lone-wolf survivalist turned tracker. He helps law enforcement and private individuals find missing people, for reward. The show is adapted from the novel The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver.
So yes, it’s more than ‘missing-person-of-the-week’—it weaves in deeper mysteries, family ties, and survival-instinct adrenaline.
Why Season 3 Matters
A Turning Point for the Series
Season 3 isn’t just another year of cases. It brings major revelations about Colter’s own family. The second-season finale left a huge cliffhanger about his father’s death and his mother’s involvement.
That means the stakes are higher—and the emotional resonance stronger.
New Dynamics, Changed Cast
Two familiar characters—Bobby Exley (tech-wizard) and Velma Bruin (handler) — are no longer series regulars.
Meanwhile, Colter’s brother Russell Shaw (guest star Jensen Ackles) returns—and that changes the game.
In short: expect fresh relationships, new tensions, and different emphases.
When Does Season 3 Premiere?
Premiere Date & Time
Mark your calendar: Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
And yes, subsequent episodes air weekly in the same time-slot (or around then) in the U.S.
International and Streaming Availability
-
In the U.S., new episodes will stream on Paramount+ the day after they air—or same day for some plans.
-
In Canada, broadcast via CTV alongside the U.S. airing.
-
For other countries (UK, Australia), streaming availability may push to early 2026 via services such as Disney+.
Where to Watch: Platforms & Options
Cable or Broadcast
If you have a U.S. cable or satellite package with CBS, simply tune in on Sundays at 8/7c.
Streaming & On-Demand
-
Paramount+ (for U.S.) offers both live broadcast and on-demand.
-
Some live TV streaming services (e.g., Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live) include CBS.
-
Canada: CTV streaming post-broadcast.
-
Overseas: Check local listings; some delays apply.
Important Watching Tips
-
Set a reminder for the Sunday time slot.
-
If you’re abroad and subscriptions differ, a VPN may help (always check your local laws and terms of service).
-
Catch up on Seasons 1–2 beforehand to refresh the backstory (Colter’s journey, his family, recurring themes).
What to Expect in Season 3’s Storyline
Major Themes
-
Colter’s family mystery: His father, his mother’s role.
-
The “missing persons” case formula remains—and that’s the comfort zone of the show.
-
Elevated stakes: underground organizations, ‘The Process’, conspiracies.
Episode 1 (‘The Process’) & Early Arcs
The premiere opens with a two-part arc introducing “The Process,” a dangerous underground setup involving a missing wife and daughter case that draws in Colter and Russell.
Character Arcs to Watch
-
Colter and Russell’s relationship: rivalry, brotherhood, secrets.
-
Colter’s evolving trust (or mistrust) of his mother, Mary Dove Shaw.
-
The new role of attorney Reenie Greene (Reenie Greene) becomes more prominent.
-
Absence of Bobby and Velma means team dynamics shift—new tech support, new angles.
Why You Should Tune In
Engaging Blend of Procedural + Personal
The show gives comfortable ‘case-of-the-week’ structure and deeper mythology about Colter’s past. Keeps you invested both episode-to-episode and season-long.
Star Power & Production Quality
Justin Hartley anchors it with solid performance; the production leans into survivalist, outdoorsy aesthetics, high tension, and clever tracking missions.
Fresh Energy for Season 3
With the cast shake-up, new arcs, and bigger mysteries, this season feels revitalized. If you paused after Season 2, this may be the perfect moment to jump back in.
Watch Party: How to Get the Most Out of It
Host a Sunday Night Watch
Gather friends, snacks, maybe a tracking-theme dessert (wolf paw prints?). Make it an event: 8 p.m., tune in, make predictions, pause for commercial commentary.
Social Media Engagement
Use hashtags like #TrackerCBS, keep up with spoilers after you’ve watched to avoid ruining key moments. Share your theories on “The Process” and Colter’s family secrets.
Post-Episode Discussion
Pause and chat afterwards:
-
What did they reveal about Colter’s past?
-
Are you on Team Mom (Mary) or Team Truth?
-
What’s your favourite tracking method Colter used this week?
Season 3 at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Premiere date & time | Sunday, Oct 19 2025 @ 8 p.m. ET on CBS. |
| Streaming (U.S.) | Paramount+ day-after (or live for some plans). |
| Episodes | Reportedly ~22 episodes, series-high order. |
| Cast changes | Bobby & Velma gone; Russell returns; focus shifts. |
| Key themes | Missing persons + deep personal family mystery. |
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been following Tracker up to now, Season 3 promises to raise everything: the emotional stakes, the mystery intensity, the scope of the cases. And if you’re new? This might be your moment to jump in. With clear story direction, bigger arcs, and a reliable Sunday night slot, it’s set up for a strong return.
So mark the date, set the DVR or stream ready, and settle in for Colter Shaw’s next chapter.
FAQs
Q1: What time does Tracker Season 3 premiere?
A: Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
Q2: Where can I watch it if I don’t have a cable subscription?
A: In the U.S., you can use Paramount+ (with live or next-day availability depending on plan), or a live TV streaming service that carries CBS.
Q3: Are all the old cast members returning?
A: No — characters such as Bobby Exley and Velma Bruin are not series regulars in Season 3. However, Russell Shaw makes a return.
Q4: Do I need to have watched Seasons 1–2 to understand Season 3?
A: While you can jump in, it’s strongly recommended to have watched Seasons 1 and 2, because the family mystery and character history carry into Season 3.
Q5: How many episodes will Season 3 have?
A: The third season is reported to have about 22 episodes, a series-high for the show.
