Though NBC originally announced that The Hunting Party would return for season 2 as part of the fall 2025 schedule, the series has been pushed to midseason, and that move could be great for the CBS drama, Tracker. The two shows air on rival networks, but they share a connection. Tracker follows Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) through a case-of-the-week format as he tracks down missing people for reward money. The show has a procedural format, but it also features an overarching mystery concerning the death of Colter’s father. All of his surviving family members have recurring roles, which is where the link to The Hunting Party comes in.
A Scheduling Shake-Up With Surprising Benefits
TV networks play a strategic game of chess, and sometimes, one move opens the door for another to shine. That’s exactly what’s happening with NBC’s decision to move The Hunting Party Season 2 to midseason. On the surface, it might seem like just another scheduling adjustment. But for CBS, and especially for its breakout hit Tracker, this could be a game-changing opportunity. Let’s dive into why this shift could boost Tracker Season 3’s ratings, fan engagement, and long-term success.
What Is The Hunting Party and Why the Delay?
NBC’s Crime Drama with a Dark Twist
The Hunting Party made waves in its first season with gripping storytelling, strong character arcs, and a mysterious tone that captivated audiences. It was NBC’s attempt to tap into the crime-thriller niche with something fresh and edge-of-your-seat intense.
Why It’s Being Pushed to Midseason
NBC cited strategic programming needs and post-strike production delays as the main reasons for the shift. Instead of premiering in fall 2025, The Hunting Party Season 2 is now slated for a midseason return—most likely early 2026.
Understanding Tracker and Its Sudden Popularity
CBS’ Tracker Is a Surprise Hit
Tracker centers around a lone-wolf investigator who specializes in locating missing persons. Think of it as The Fugitive meets Person of Interest. Season 2 ended with a massive cliffhanger, leaving fans eager for more.
Ratings That Speak for Themselves
CBS hit gold with Tracker. It consistently outperformed expectations in the 18-49 demographic and even saw a boost in streaming numbers, thanks to its tight plot and lead performance by Justin Hartley.
How NBC’s Move Benefits CBS’ Schedule
Less Competition on the Crime Drama Front
The fall TV season is typically jam-packed with new premieres, returning series, and high-stakes network rivalries. With The Hunting Party delayed, CBS has one less competitor in the crime drama slot.
Viewers Have Limited Bandwidth
Here’s the deal—audiences can only commit to so many shows at once. Without The Hunting Party drawing away attention, Tracker becomes a top pick for crime drama fans craving something intense and serialized.
Opening the Door for Prime-Time Domination
CBS Can Own the Time Slot
If Tracker keeps its current time slot (or moves into The Hunting Party‘s vacant one), it could dominate the ratings. With less genre competition, casual viewers are more likely to give Tracker a try.
Ratings Are All About Timing
TV ratings aren’t just about quality—they’re about timing. And Tracker’s Season 3 debut now has a wider lane to cruise in without hitting traffic from NBC.
The Streaming Angle: Binge-Watching Boost
No New Hunting Party? No Problem
Fans who might have split their attention between The Hunting Party and Tracker can now go all-in on CBS. Plus, CBS has a better chance of pulling in streamers who catch on late and want to binge.
Streaming Wars Favor Consistency
Platforms like Paramount+ thrive on reliable weekly drops. With Tracker uninterrupted by other mid-tier thrillers during the fall, it’s more likely to trend, be recommended, and gain buzz.
Audience Loyalty and Momentum
Fewer Distractions Mean Stronger Engagement
When viewers aren’t being torn between shows, they’re more likely to stay engaged. For Tracker, this means stronger week-to-week retention and higher social media interaction.
Word of Mouth Is a Slow Burn
A show doesn’t explode overnight. It builds. NBC’s delay gives Tracker breathing room to gain that all-important word-of-mouth traction.
Marketing Wins for CBS
Easier to Promote a Front-Runner
Now that Tracker doesn’t have to compete with the hype machine behind The Hunting Party, CBS can frame it as the crime drama to watch this fall.
Promo Campaigns Can Go Harder
Without another major crime show launching at the same time, Tracker‘s promotional efforts—from trailers to cast interviews—get more bang for their buck.
Social Media Buzz Potential
Trending Without Distractions
Twitter/X, TikTok, and Instagram love a good TV obsession. With The Hunting Party out of the mix, Tracker has a real chance to dominate the conversation.
Hashtag Wars Are Real
In the battle of hashtags and viral clips, fewer competitors mean more eyeballs. #TrackerSeason3 could trend weekly—especially if the writers deliver another season of shocking twists.
The Bigger Picture: Network Strategy
NBC Might Be Playing It Safe, But CBS Is Winning Bold
NBC’s midseason move might be smart from a logistical standpoint. But it also shows a lack of confidence—or at least a cautious approach. Meanwhile, CBS is charging ahead.
Viewers Gravitate Toward Momentum
People want to be part of a movement. If Tracker feels like the “it” show of the season, its momentum will snowball—and audiences will follow.
Viewer Fatigue and Burnout: A Real Issue
Too Many Crime Shows = Tune-Out
Let’s be honest: crime dramas are everywhere. Audiences are selective. Without The Hunting Party crowding the airwaves, Tracker becomes the go-to option.
One Great Show > Five Meh Ones
People would rather get invested in one excellent series than juggle three decent ones. That’s where Tracker can win long-term.
Midseason Risks: Not All Delays Pay Off
Waiting Too Long Can Kill Buzz
NBC runs the risk of losing momentum. By the time The Hunting Party Season 2 airs, audiences might have moved on—or simply forgotten the plot.
Viewers Crave Continuity
Delayed shows often struggle to recapture that magic. Meanwhile, Tracker keeps the momentum going, building loyalty with every new episode.
Conclusion: A Win for CBS, A Pause for NBC
In the chessboard of primetime television, every move matters. NBC’s decision to push The Hunting Party to midseason may have seemed safe—but it also handed CBS a golden opportunity. With fewer competitors in the crime drama space this fall, Tracker Season 3 could be poised for its biggest season yet. Sometimes, timing is everything. And right now, Tracker might just be in the perfect place at the perfect time.
