Tracker Season 4 — What’s Next for the Hunt?
If you’re a fan of the hit series Tracker (yes – the one starring Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, the rugged lone-wolf tracker), you’re probably already on the edge of your seat wondering: when is Season 4 coming? Who’s returning? Who’s gone? And what kind of chaos will Colter dive into next? Let’s break it all down in detail — from confirmed facts to educated speculation.
A Quick Recap of Where We Are
Before we forecast Season 4, let’s recap Seasons 1-3 so we’re all on the same page.
Season 1 Launch & Premise
Tracker premiered on February 11, 2024 on CBS, following the Super Bowl. Based on the novel The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver, the series introduces Colter Shaw, a seasoned monitor and tracker who roams the US in his rig, solving missing-person cases and collecting rewards.
Season 2 Escalation
Then came Season 2, which expanded the scope: more cases, more family drama, deeper ties to Colter’s past. The season wrapped in May 2025, confirming the series’ strong viewership and critical response.
Season 3 Arrival & Shake-Ups
Season 3 premiered on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET. It brings bigger twists — Colter’s family background, shifting alliances, and major cast changes.
With all that, we’re now setting our sights on Season 4 — yes, the next chapter.
Release Date – When Can We Expect Season 4?
This is the big question. And the short answer: no official confirmation yet for Season 4’s precise premiere date. But we can lean on what we know and make a logical projection.
Renewal Status & Network Schedule
The show was renewed for Season 3 back in February 2025. CBS confirmed the renewal for Season 3, showing confidence in the series. With Season 3 slated for October 2025, past patterns suggest annual fall premieres.
Looking to Season 4
Because Season 3 is only beginning in October 2025, Season 4 likely won’t land until fall 2026 (if the pattern holds). Some sources suggest the next batch of episodes could fall into the 2026-2027 broadcast season.
Why the Wait?
Several factors:
-
Production schedules (filming takes time, especially on location).
-
Cast/crew availability and scheduling.
-
Strategic scheduling by the network to maximize viewership and marketing.
-
Possible creative retooling given the cast changes reported for Season 3.
So yes — if you’re waiting for Season 4, pencil in Fall 2026, but keep an eye out for official confirmation.
Cast – Who’s Returning, Who’s Gone, and Who Might Join
One of the most exciting parts: the cast shifts. We’re seeing both returning favourites and big departures. Let’s dig in.
Core Returnees
-
Justin Hartley remains the heart of the show as Colter Shaw.
-
Fiona Rene continues as Reenie Greene, Colter’s lawyer and key ally.
-
Jensen Ackles returns as Colter’s brother Russell Shaw in Season 3, and depending on how that arc goes, he could carry into Season 4.
Major Departures for Season 3 (Implications for Season 4)
Two key characters, Bobby Exley (Eric Graise) and Velma Bruin (Abby McEnany), will not return for Season 3. Their absence will shift how the show is structured and may affect how the cast evolves into Season 4.
New Faces & Guest Stars to Watch
With Bobby and Velma gone, the show could bring in fresh faces or elevate recurring ones. Also, guest stars like Jensen Ackles may play a bigger role. Rumours suggest Colter’s family dynamics will deepen, meaning more supporting cast for that arc.
What This Means for Season 4
Because the show is becoming more centered on Colter’s personal journey (rather than purely case-of-the-week), Season 4 may reflect a leaner core cast with expanded roles for certain characters. Expect fewer but more intense relationships, and possibly cameo appearances by departed characters.
Plot & Storylines – What We Know So Far (and What’s Likely Ahead)
Let’s talk story. What has been set up, and where might Season 4 take us?
What’s Already Happened
-
The overarching mystery around Colter’s father’s death and his mother’s involvement has ramped up by the end of Season 2 and into Season 3.
-
Season 3’s premiere reportedly involves Colter and Russell teaming up on a missing persons case, triggered by revelations about the family.
-
The shift in the cast structure indicates the show is moving away from the “team” format to a more singular focus on Colter.
What’s Likely for Season 4
Given these shifts, here are some strong possibilities for Season 4:
-
Deeper dive into the family legacy: Colter will likely confront the fallout of his mother’s role in his father’s death.
-
Bigger systemic threat: The case in Season 3 that seeds a larger conspiracy may lead into Season 4’s main arc.
-
Shift in tone and format: The show may lean more serialized (season‐long mystery) rather than purely episodic missing-persons cases.
-
New environments and stakes: Given production and story evolution, we might see more international or cross-state cases, or Colter even hunted for his past actions.
-
Character evolution: Colter may transition from being the tracker helping others to someone being tracked or targeted—and that dynamic can fuel Season 4.
Production Insights – Filming, Locations & Behind-the-Scenes
Understanding the production helps decipher why schedules look the way they do, and what we might expect in quality or tone.
Filming Locations
The show is filmed in British Columbia, Canada (around Vancouver). That gives it the rugged, expansive feel that matches the survival-tracker vibe of the show.
Production Timeline
Season 2 filming ran from July 2024 to April 2025. With new seasons, filming often spans nine to ten months before release. That’s one of the reasons why there might be a gap before Season 4.
Implications for Season 4
Expect a few things:
-
Possibly more time between seasons to accommodate bigger production value.
-
Longer post-production for complex story arcs (especially if the series evolves).
-
Opportunity for improved visuals, possibly more on-location shoots, and more ambitious episodes.
Streaming & Availability – How to Watch
If you’re catching up or planning to track the new season, here’s what you need to know.
Where to Watch Past Seasons
-
On CBS: Current episodes are available on the network.
-
Streaming Platforms: In many regions, previous seasons are available on streaming platforms (for example, via Disney+ in some territories) thanks to licensing deals.
Season 4 Streaming Speculation
When Season 4 arrives, expect:
-
Simulcast on CBS (or standard network broadcast).
-
Next‐day streaming availability on a service like Paramount+ (or whatever rights hold in your region).
-
Possible international availability via regional streaming deals.
Tip for Viewers
If you’re abroad (like in Vietnam or elsewhere), check your local streaming catalogues early — sometimes there’s a delay in availability. And if you’re behind, now’s the perfect time to binge Seasons 1-3 so you’re ready when Season 4 drops.
Fan Theories & What to Look Out For
Let’s get speculative — because it’s fun. Here are some of the theories bubbling in the fandom and what to keep your eyes on.
Theory 1: Colter Becomes the Hunted
Some fans believe Colter will flip roles: from tracker to target, as his actions catch up with him. The idea arises from early hints about him being “set up” in the future.
Theory 2: Russell Shaw’s Larger Role
With Jensen Ackles returning as Russell, some speculate he could take on a co-lead role, or even supplant Colter in certain arcs. The dynamic between the brothers is expected to intensify.
Theory 3: The Mother’s Dark Secrets
The revelation that Colter’s mother may have had a hand in his father’s death opens the door for a full-on betrayal arc, possibly culminating in Season 4.
What to Watch in the Episodes
-
Subtle references to past cases or unexplained threads from Seasons 1–2.
-
Shift in tone toward bigger villains or conspiracies (versus standalone cases).
-
Character departure or introduction of new allies/enemies.
-
Visual style changes — more exotic locales, different pacing, maybe even story arcs crossing several episodes.
What Season 4 Needs to Deliver to Succeed
Given how strong the series has become, expectations are higher than ever. To maintain momentum, Season 4 should hit the following marks:
Stronger Character Arcs
Colter isn’t just helping people anymore — he’s dealing with his family, his past, and possibly his own vulnerabilities. Season 4 should lean deep into that.
High Stakes, Big Cases
Rather than “case-of-the-week,” Season 4 may benefit from a major season-long storyline that ties to Colter’s past and raises the stakes for everyone.
Freshness and Evolution
With cast changes and evolving storylines, the show needs to feel fresh — new threats, new allies, perhaps new formats or locations.
Rewarding Loyal Viewers
Plot threads left dangling from earlier seasons should get payoff. If fans have invested time, they need the payoff to keep them engaged.
What Could Derail Season 4?
Every show has risks. What might hamper Tracker’s next chapter?
Over-Complexity
If the story becomes too convoluted (too many villains, too many threads), it could lose the tight focus that made the show work.
Losing Key Characters Without Replacement
Bobby and Velma’s departures leave gaps. If the replacements don’t resonate, viewers may notice the mismatch.
Production Delays
Network scheduling, filming hiccups, or strikes can delay things — causing audience drop-off or hype fade.
Failing to Evolve
If Season 4 plays it safe and retreads the formula, it may feel stale. Evolution is key.
How to Prepare as a Fan (and Hypo-Marketing Tips)
Want to be ready — and even ahead of the curve? Here’s how:
Watch Seasons 1-3 with Intent
Go back with a notebook. Note unresolved arcs, character relationships, past cases. These might come back.
Follow Cast & Crew on Social Media
Often behind-the-scenes glances, hints, and location posts appear months before official announcements.
Join Fan Forums & Theory Boards
Sites, reddit threads and fan-groups often catch tiny clues (casting announcements, filming permits). One user noted:
“On my Disney Plus account I see Tracker season 2 episode 9 …”
Small but telling.
Set a Calendar Reminder
If the pattern holds, mid-September/October 2026 is prime for announcement of Season 4. Keep an eye.
Final Thoughts
So yes — while we don’t have a firm delivery date for Season 4 of Tracker yet, the signs point toward Fall 2026, with major shifts in the cast, tone, and narrative direction. For fans of the show, this is an exciting pivot point: Colter’s journey is deeper than ever, the stakes are higher, and the show is evolving. If you’ve been with the show from the start (or just jumped in) now is the time to gear up for what might be the most compelling season yet.
Conclusion
In short: Tracker Season 4 may still be some ways away, but the setup has been laid. With Colter Shaw’s personal past coming into sharper focus, key cast changes restructuring the team, and the production geared for bigger storytelling — the next chapter promises to be both familiar and refreshingly bold. Keep your eyes peeled for official announcements, re-watch past seasons to arm yourself with context, and expect a premiere somewhere in the fall of 2026. Until then: stay sharp, stay curious—and get ready to track.
