After an agonizing five-month hiatus, Tracker is nearly back(er) with new episodes, and fans of the hit CBS survivalist drama won’t want to miss Colter Shaw’s (Justin Hartley) triumphant return to screen. For those who need a reminder, Tracker‘s Season 2 finale ended with several shocking revelations surrounding Colter’s late father’s death, and ended with quite the cliffhanger involving Colter’s mom. So Season 3 is kicking things off with a two-part premiere that dives deeper into the truth and sees the return of his brother, Russel Shaw, played by fan-favorite guest star Jensen Ackles.
The official CBS synopsis for Tracker‘s Season 3 premiere, “The Process,” written by Elwood Reid and directed by Ken Olin, is as follows: “As Colter grapples with the shocking truth surrounding his father’s death, Russell joins forces with his brother to help track down the missing wife and daughter of one of Reenie’s clients. Their reunion finds them mixed up in a chain of events involving a sinister underground operation known as ‘The Process.’”
So when does Tracker return with new episodes? Is Tracker on tonight, Sunday, October 12? When is Tracker‘s Season 3 premiere day? What time is Tracker on? And how can you watch Tracker live on CBS and online? We’ve got answers!
Is Tracker New Tonight (October 12)?
Nope. CBS is re-airing a Season 2 episode of Tracker tonight. If you tune in from 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. ET you can watch Tracker Season 2, Episode 20, “Echo Ridge,” aka the Season 2 finale.
Has Tracker Been Renewed For Season 3?
You bet! As noted above, CBS renewed Tracker for a third season back on February 20, 2025, and the series is returning soon with new episodes.
How Many Episodes Will There Be of Tracker Season 3?
There were 13 episodes in Tracker Season 1, and Tracker Season 2 featured 20 episodes. But we’re excited to report that Tracker Season 3 will consist of a series-high 22 episodes.
When Does Tracker Season 3 Premiere on CBS?
So when does Tracker return with new episodes? Tracker Season 3 premieres Sunday, October 19 on CBS. (Part 1 of the two-part third season premiere, that is.)
What Time Is Tracker Season 3, Episode 1 On CBS?
Since Tracker‘s sophomore season wrapped, premiere times for re-runs have varied, but Tracker‘s Season 3 premiere is set to air from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
If you’ve been anxiously checking your TV guide or streaming app, you’re not alone. The question on every fan’s mind: Is ‘Tracker’ new tonight? In this deep dive, we’ll cover everything: the official Season 3 release date, what’s new in the cast, plot teases, streaming info, and everything in between. Let’s jump in.
When Does ‘Tracker’ Season 3 Premiere?
Official Premiere Date & Time
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Tracker Season 3 is confirmed to debut on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT on CBS. The premiere is designed as a two-part episode, launching “The Process.”
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New episodes will continue to follow that Sunday night timeslot.
So, if you tune in tonight (and it’s not October 19, 2025), there’s no new Tracker episode — just reruns or alternate programming.
Why October? CBS Fall Lineup & Renewal Context
CBS Fall Schedule & Programming Strategy
CBS revealed its fall 2025 lineup that includes Tracker returning as part of its “CBS Premiere Week.” The network is anchoring Tracker in its Sunday evening block as a returning drama.
Renewal & Ratings Performance
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The series was renewed for Season 3 on February 20, 2025, following a strong performance across broadcast and streaming platforms.
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In the 2024–2025 season, Tracker delivered massive multiplatform viewership numbers, reaching over 18 million viewers.
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Because of that success, CBS felt confident placing Tracker back in its fall drama lineup.
Is ‘Tracker’ New Tonight? — The Short Answer
No — unless tonight is October 19, 2025, there are no new episodes airing. CBS will likely rerun past episodes in the interim.
So for now? Sit tight, catch up on Seasons 1 & 2, and mark your calendars.
Where Can You Watch ‘Tracker’ Season 3?
Linear Broadcast (CBS)
New episodes first air live on CBS in the U.S. on Sunday nights.
Streaming & On-Demand Options
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Episodes will be available next day on Paramount+ (including new episodes after they air).
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Seasons 1 and 2 are already streaming on Paramount+.
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Some sources list alternate platforms like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV, depending on which region you’re in.
What Happened in Season 2? (Recap)
The Finale Cliffhanger
Season 2 ended with a shocking twist: Otto confessed he pushed Colter’s father off a cliff — and that Colter’s mother, Mary Dove Shaw, had asked Otto to do it.
On top of that, Colter is still reeling from fractured relationships with his brother Russell and unresolved family secrets.
Cast Shake-Ups Leading Into Season 3
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Abby McEnany (Velma) and Eric Graise (Bobby) are not returning as series regulars in Season 3.
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On the flip side, Fiona Rene (Reenie Greene) will continue her role.
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Jensen Ackles is returning as Russell Shaw (Colter’s brother), at least for the season’s opening episodes.
What to Expect in Season 3
Diving Deep Into Mary’s Role
One of the biggest arcs for Season 3 will be exploring why Mary Dove Shaw asked Otto to kill her husband. Was it protection? Secret alliances? Something more sinister?
Government Plotlines & Bigger Stakes
The showrunners suggest that Colter’s story may now tie into government conspiracies, with themes of betrayal, secrecy, and survival.
Hartley teased that Colter might even be set up, forced into a situation where he must use all his skills to evade authorities.
Colter and Russell Team Up
With Jensen Ackles returning, episodes promise a renewed dynamic between Colter and Russell, combining detective work and personal drama.
New Enemies, New Alliances
Given the escalation, expect new adversaries (possibly governmental or clandestine organizations), plus shifting alliances with familiar faces.
Cast & Production Highlights
Justin Hartley’s Expanded Role
Justin Hartley returns as lead Colter Shaw, and he also serves as executive producer on the show.
Jensen Ackles’ Return Status
Jensen Ackles has confirmed he’s in discussions to reprise Russell. “We are discussing that as we speak,” he shared.
Who’s Not Back & How They’re Written Out
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Velma (Abby McEnany) and Bobby (Eric Graise) are being written out. The showrunner revealed their exits will be handled off-screen through new jobs and story paths.
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Their departure frees the narrative to focus more tightly on Colter, Russell, and Mary.
Filming Schedule & Location
Production for Season 3 began July 17, 2025 and is slated to conclude by April 17, 2026.
Filming locations remain in British Columbia, Canada (Vancouver and surrounding areas).
How to Get Ready for Season 3
Re-watch or Catch Up
If you haven’t yet, revisit Seasons 1 and 2 to refresh your memory about plot threads, character motivations, and unresolved mysteries.
Watch the Trailer & Teasers
A teaser and trailer dropped ahead of the premiere, featuring glimpses of the conflicts and family drama to come.
Stay Updated with Cast Interviews & Press Releases
Cast and producers have shared hints in interviews, so keep an eye on Justin Hartley’s social media and entertainment publications.
