Justin Hartley’s Tracker has been a big hit for CBS with its rolling landscapes, diverse cast, and engaging lead, and has all the pieces in place to be a long-term success. Hartley’s Colter Shaw is a prickly rewardist who lives a nomadic life, solving cases whilst navigating a traumatic childhood event, and a strained relationship with his family. Justin Hartley’s Tracker has been a big hit for CBS with its rolling landscapes, diverse cast, and engaging lead, and has all the pieces in place to be a long-term success. Hartley’s Colter Shaw is a prickly rewardist who lives a nomadic life, solving cases whilst navigating a traumatic childhood event, and a strained relationship with his family.
One of the biggest advantages of having a higher episode count is that it gives the show more time to explore Colter’s backstory with his family, namely, to delve into the death of his father, Ashton (Lee Tergesen). In the Tracker season 2 finale episode, it becomes clear that Colter’s mother, Mary Dove Shaw (Wendy Crewson), was involved in Ashton’s death. This revelation is bound to turn Colter’s world upside down and shows that his mom is not the person he thought she was. It might also cause him to question other things about his childhood, and this needs exploration. The show should dedicate a good amount of time to this reveal, as well as how this impacts Colter’s perspective, given its magnitude.
Evidently, season 2 did not spend enough time focusing on Colter’s familial relationships, which are the heartbeat of his character. I am hopeful that, with the most episodes yet, the writing team is planning a season full of deep dives and strong writing focused on Colter’s early years, as well as the present day.
More Episodes Hopefully Mean A Greater Ability To Work With Melissa Roxburgh & Jensen Ackles’ Schedules
Having Colter’s Siblings Back Will Be Integral To A Successful Season. Tracker functions best when it reunites Colter with his brother, Russell, and his sister, Dory. He has tense relationships with both, but there is real affection there, and their interactions are always highlights. More episodes featuring the three (or two of the three) are essential for next season, but a lot will depend on scheduling. Jensen Ackles and Melissa Roxburgh, who play Russell and Dory, respectively, have busy schedules, with Ackles shooting The Boys season 5, while Roxburgh has a leading role in The Hunt. However, another advantage of Tracker having more episodes is that there is a greater chance to work with (and around) their schedules, and bring both back on the show again.
Why Tracker Season 3 Is Making Waves
Let’s face it—Season 2 of Tracker left fans feeling a bit underwhelmed. Not because of poor storytelling or lackluster performances, but due to one major issue: there just wasn’t enough of it. Now, Tracker Season 3 is back and breaking records with a supersized episode count. And guess what? That might be exactly what this show needs to reclaim its spot as a fan favorite.
In this article, we’re diving deep into how Season 3 is flipping the script, giving fans more of what they love, and possibly fixing the pacing and storytelling problems that haunted the second season.
The Game-Changing News About Tracker Season 3
Season 3 Boasts a Record-Breaking Episode Count
For those who’ve been craving more from Tracker, the wait is over. Season 3 will feature a whopping 22 episodes—a sharp contrast to Season 2’s 13. This bold move is not just surprising; it’s strategic.
Why is that a big deal? Let’s break it down.
The Problem with Tracker Season 2’s Short Run
Not Enough Time to Develop Stories
Season 2 suffered from rushed character arcs, abrupt resolutions, and limited world-building. Viewers complained about how stories felt crammed, leaving little room for depth or emotional payoff.
Fan Frustration Was Real
Social media buzzed with disappointed comments. Fans loved the core of Tracker, but many agreed that it was like being served a gourmet meal… on a saucer. Too little, too fast.
How Season 3 Plans to Fix It All
More Episodes = More Breathing Room
With 22 episodes on deck, writers now have space to build suspense, explore backstories, and flesh out minor characters. This means better pacing, richer subplots, and more engaging storytelling.
Stronger Arcs for Core Characters
Expect character arcs—especially for Colter Shaw—to be more layered and emotionally resonant. That’s a huge win for character-driven storytelling.
Expansion of the Tracker Universe
With more episodes, Season 3 can introduce new locales, antagonists, and moral dilemmas. It’s not just more content—it’s more depth.
A Return to Serialized Drama
Balancing Episodic and Ongoing Plots
One of the criticisms of past seasons was the imbalance between stand-alone mysteries and overarching narratives. With the extended episode order, Tracker can finally perfect this balance.
Building a Bigger Puzzle
More episodes allow for subtle storytelling. Clues can be planted early and paid off later—keeping viewers hooked week after week.
The Strategy Behind the Expansion
A Bold Move by CBS (And Why It Matters)
CBS is betting big on Tracker’s potential to grow into a flagship series. By greenlighting 22 episodes, the network is signaling confidence—and giving the show the room it needs to thrive.
Higher Ratings, More Ad Revenue
More episodes mean a longer airing window, keeping viewers engaged for months. That’s good news for fans and even better news for CBS’s bottom line.
Why Longer Seasons Often Work Better
Examples from Other Successful Dramas
Let’s look at similar shows—NCIS, Criminal Minds, The Blacklist—all had seasons with 20+ episodes and saw long-term success. Why? Because audiences connect more deeply with characters and plotlines given time to evolve.
The Netflix Binge vs. Traditional TV
In a world of 6-episode streaming seasons, Tracker is embracing the classic TV model—and it might just stand out because of it.
Addressing Viewer Feedback Head-On
Listening to the Fans
From Reddit threads to Twitter/X rants, the message was clear: Give us more! And the showrunners listened. This season feels like a direct response to fan feedback.
More Time for Fan-Favorite Characters
Whether it’s Reenie, Bobby, or Shaw himself, supporting characters will now get their time to shine—something Season 2 sorely lacked.
What Viewers Can Expect in Season 3
Deeper Mysteries and Multi-Episode Cases
With a longer season, we’re expecting multi-episode investigations that keep the stakes high and the audience on the edge of their seats.
Emotional Payoffs That Hit Harder
More time = more buildup = more emotional payoff. Get ready for those heart-wrenching moments that make you want to scream at your TV.
Shocking Twists and Cliffhangers
Let’s be honest—we love surprises. A longer season means more opportunities for jaw-dropping reveals and last-minute twists.
Behind-the-Scenes Improvements
Bigger Budgets, Better Production
Thanks to the show’s growing popularity, Season 3 reportedly has a larger budget. Expect higher production value, better stunts, and cinematic visuals.
Fresh Writers and Guest Directors
The writers’ room is expanding, and so are the creative voices behind the camera. This infusion of talent could bring new energy and innovation.
Will Season 3 Deliver on Its Promise?
Only time will tell, but all signs point to yes. With a record-breaking episode count, Tracker has the opportunity to correct past missteps and carve a new legacy as one of TV’s most addictive dramas.
Conclusion: The Tracker Redemption Arc Begins Now
Tracker Season 3 isn’t just breaking records—it’s making amends. By giving fans more time with beloved characters and unraveling mysteries, the show is poised to become the thrilling, emotionally satisfying series we always knew it could be.
If Season 2 felt like a tease, Season 3 is the full-course meal. And judging by the early buzz, we’re all about to feast.
