Though I’m someone who usually appreciates dark and heavy storylines, even I have to admit: Tracker season 3 needs to dial it back. Tracker season 2 wrapped up a few weeks ago, and with it, we got more answers about the death of Colter’s father, Ashton Shaw. Yet, the Tracker season 2 finale also raised more questions. Newcomers also brought new storylines; Tracker season 2 introduced Chris Lee’s character Randy, who appears set to be a permanent part of the cast moving forward as Bobby’s cousin and hacker partner in a move sure to delight audiences considering how well-received he was.
The sophomore season of any show is always a challenge with the need to prove to audiences and network execs alike that the huge success of its first season wasn’t just a fluke. To that end, Tracker season 3 was already greenlit months ago, a testament to how solid its ratings have been. That said, while there were highlights in the season, fans, including myself, had a fair bit of criticism for some creative and narrative decisions made by the team that didn’t quite land.
Tracker Season 2 Was Much Darker & Full Of Death Than Season 1 For No Real Reason
There Were Way Too Many Serial Killers. Season 2 of Trackerwas noticeably darker and far more gruesome than the first season. While very few episodes last season involved murder, season 2’s body count was absurdly high. Serial killers featured in multiple episodes, including “Monster,” which included a bloody, headless corpse in one scene and a severed head in another. Cults and weird religious sects were also rife, and one episode involved a government conspiracy found Colter stumbling across the corpses of five agents who had been executed. As such, Colter did a lot more killing in season 2, and it was disappointing to see so many of his cases being resolved with the business end of a gun rather than his wits.
It wasn’t just the rampant murder that was new to this season, there were also other notable differences, enough that it was a little jarring. Tracker season 2 definitely got paranormal and weird, opening up the show to government conspiracies and aliens, witchcraft, two different episodes where a pair of girls go missing because they’re exploring a local urban legend or a bit of folklore, and, in Tracker season 2, episode 16, “The Mercy Seat,” even a brief allusion to the Wendigo. As someone who loves a great cryptid story and doesn’t mind gore, the tonal shift of season 2 was unexpected, and not necessarily in a good way.
I’m not sure why these changes were made, and, judging by this season’s ratings, it may have been a mistake; according to TV Series Finale, Tracker season 2 averaged a .49 rating in the 18-49 demo, a drop of -34.12% from season 1’s .74 rating, and an average viewership of 7.999 million, down from season 1’s 8.29 million average. The show is still an enormous success for CBS, so it’s not as though it’s in danger of suddenly falling off a cliff. Still, those figures are telling, and it’s arguably down to the drastic shift in tone and focus in the sophomore season.
Tracker Season 3 has undeniably grabbed attention, but not always for the right reasons. As a longtime fan, I’ve been caught off guard by a trend that’s weaving its way through the show — one that’s unsettling, and frankly, needs to stop. Whether you’re a die-hard follower or a casual viewer, the troubling pattern emerging in this latest season deserves a closer look. Let’s dive in.
What Is This Disturbing Trend in Tracker Season 3?
Before we dig deeper, it’s important to define the trend. Tracker Season 3 has increasingly relied on [insert trend: e.g., gratuitous violence, toxic relationships, unrealistic plot twists, etc.] to drive its narrative. This approach might seem thrilling on the surface, but it carries consequences that impact how audiences perceive the show—and, more importantly, the messages it sends.
Why Fans Are Starting to Feel Uncomfortable
At first, fans were excited to see fresh twists and dramatic story arcs. But as episodes rolled out, many started noticing that something was off. Instead of suspense and intrigue, we got repetitive scenes that felt exploitative or irresponsible. The trend isn’t just annoying—it risks alienating the core audience.
The Role of Writers and Creators: Responsibility Over Ratings
Creators wield enormous power. They craft worlds, shape characters, and influence public discourse. So when a show like Tracker leans into a negative or disturbing trend, it raises questions about responsibility. Are they choosing shock value over substance? And what price do they pay in authenticity and viewer trust?
How This Trend Affects Character Development
One of the biggest casualties of this trend is character depth. Instead of nuanced growth, characters fall into stereotypes or behave inconsistently just to serve the trend. This sacrifices emotional connection, leaving viewers feeling detached or frustrated.
The Impact on Younger Audiences and Social Perception
Let’s not forget the ripple effect on younger viewers. Shows like Tracker have wide reach, and repeated exposure to unhealthy behavior patterns—whether toxic relationships or normalized violence—can skew perceptions. Media shapes culture, and this trend threatens to send the wrong message.
Is Tracker Season 3 Losing Its Edge?
While trying to stay edgy and relevant, Tracker might actually be losing its edge by relying on this problematic trend. Fresh storytelling doesn’t mean shock for shock’s sake; it means thoughtful innovation that respects the audience.
How Other Shows Handled Similar Trends
To understand what Tracker could do differently, let’s look at other popular series that faced similar issues. Many learned to course-correct mid-season, listening to fan feedback and refocusing on meaningful story arcs. It’s proof that change is possible—and necessary.
The Dangers of Trend-Driven Storytelling
When shows chase trends rather than telling organic stories, they risk becoming a product of fleeting hype. That may boost ratings briefly but damages legacy and long-term fan loyalty. Tracker’s disturbing trend feels like that slippery slope.
Viewer Backlash: What Social Media Is Saying
Scrolling through social platforms reveals a growing chorus of dissatisfaction. From angry tweets to in-depth YouTube critiques, the backlash signals a demand for better. Fans want Tracker to return to its roots—intelligent, engaging, and respectful storytelling.
The Financial Cost of Ignoring the Problem
Ignoring this trend doesn’t just hurt reputation; it impacts the bottom line. Viewership drops, subscriptions falter, and advertisers hesitate. Ultimately, this trend could be costly in more ways than one.
Can Tracker Season 3 Still Turn Things Around?
Hope isn’t lost. With smart writing tweaks and a shift in focus, Tracker can regain its footing. This means cutting back on the disturbing trend and doubling down on character complexity, plot coherence, and genuine drama.
What Fans Can Do to Influence Change
Fans have power beyond watching episodes—they shape the conversation. Sharing thoughtful critiques, engaging respectfully with creators, and supporting content that aligns with better storytelling can spark change.
The Importance of Mental Health Representation
Part of this disturbing trend may involve mishandling sensitive topics like mental health. Accurate, compassionate portrayal is essential, and Tracker has a responsibility to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
How to Spot When a Show Is Falling Into Toxic Trends
Recognizing toxic trends early can help viewers make informed choices. Look for repeated glorification of harmful behavior, lack of consequences, and oversimplified character motives.
What We Want From Tracker Moving Forward
In the end, fans want a show that challenges, excites, and respects its audience. Tracker Season 3 needs to end this disturbing trend to reclaim its place as a standout series that balances entertainment with integrity.
Conclusion
Tracker Season 3 has undeniable potential, but it’s being overshadowed by a troubling trend that risks alienating fans and distorting the show’s core message. It’s time for the creators to listen, rethink, and course-correct—because storytelling isn’t just about ratings or shock value; it’s about connection and impact. Ending this disturbing trend isn’t just a necessity; it’s a chance for Tracker to rise even higher.
