Tracker season 3 gets a major update, revealing when new episodes will premiere. As the top-rated drama on broadcast television, Tracker season 2 ended on a major cliffhanger. Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) had long believed that finding out the truth about what happened to his father would set him free, though it ultimately raises more painful questions. Tracker’s season 2 ending explained that it was Colter’s mother who wanted her husband, Ashton Shaw (Lee Tergesen), to be murdered. Assuming the hired hitman is being truthful, it sets up a whole different dynamic for Colter when new episodes start rolling out very soon. TVLine confirms that Tracker season 3 will debut on Sunday, October 19 at 8 PM ET. The release date falls in line with season 2, which also debuted in October. As of now, it is the only scripted show that CBS has lined up for Sunday nights.
What Tracker Season 3 Means For The Show
Big Changes To The Story Are Ahead. It’s not only that Mary Dove Shaw (Wendy Crewson) arranged for Ashton to be murdered. She also tried to divide Colter and Russell (Jensen Ackles), suggesting that the Shaw brothers were better off staying away from each other. This raises two questions at the very least. The first is why she wanted her husband dead.
The second is the question of why she wanted to keep her family apart. It’s a weighty environment for the Tracker cast, which includes Abby McEnany, Eric Graise, and Fiona Rene, to wade back into. They all have their own stories, which have been steadily building. Reenie (played by Rene) formed a friendship and partnership with Velma (McEnany).
Bobby has become something of a Tracker fan-favorite, who may well get a bigger spotlight in the upcoming episodes. The show will also need to continue to balance its procedural, case-of-the-week stories with longer arcs. That could mean that Colter has to compartmentalize whatever it is that’s going on with his family in an effort to move forward.
Our Take On Tracker Season 2
It’s A Delicate Balance. Colter may be facing his biggest emotional challenge yet. But that’s true of Tracker season 3 as well. The hit drama, executive produced by Ken Olin, Ben H. Winters, Elwood Reid, Sharon Lee Watson, and Hartley himself, will have to navigate maintaining the winning tone even while everything around Colter gets increasingly dark.
What’s Going On With Tracker Season 3?
Let’s face it—if you’re a fan of Tracker, the wait has been brutal. After two gripping seasons full of mystery, high-stakes drama, and Justin Hartley doing what he does best, Tracker Season 3 has been stuck in limbo. But now, CBS has finally spoken, and what they revealed is shaking up the fandom.
So, what’s the deal? Will Colter Shaw ride again, or are we watching the end of the road?
The Long Hiatus: A Quick Recap
Before we dive into the update, let’s back up for a second. After a wildly successful Season 2 finale, Tracker fans were left on a cliffhanger—not just in the story, but with the show’s future.
CBS remained eerily quiet.
There were rumors. Speculation. Fan theories.
But no official word. Until now.
CBS Finally Breaks The Silence
CBS has officially confirmed the development of Tracker Season 3. While the release date is still a work in progress, the network made it crystal clear:
“Tracker is not canceled. In fact, we’re more excited than ever to bring Colter Shaw back.”
Cue the collective sigh of relief.
Why the Delay in Season 3?
You’re probably wondering—if CBS is so hyped, why the hiatus?
Industry Strikes & Scheduling Chaos
Last year’s industry strikes threw a wrench into TV schedules everywhere. Writers’ rooms were shut down, production halted, and entire lineups were shuffled like a deck of cards.
Strategic Planning for Ratings
With the growing competition in streaming, CBS is carefully crafting Tracker’s return to ensure maximum eyeballs. They’re not just bringing it back—they want to make Season 3 an event.
Here’s What We Know About Tracker Season 3
CBS’s update came with more than just reassurance—it came with teasers.
More Dangerous Missions
Season 3 is expected to push Colter Shaw into even darker, riskier territory. Think less highway hitchhiking, more psychological chess games.
New Characters Incoming
The update confirmed new recurring characters, including a potential love interest and a rival tracker (yes, another one!).
Expansion Beyond the U.S.
Producers hinted that Colter may take his tracking skills overseas. Imagine Europe, South America—even Asia. This could open up global storylines like never before.
What Happened in Season 2 Again? (Quick Refresher)
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Colter tracked down his missing brother’s trail
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The mystery around their father’s death deepened
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A new antagonist emerged from Colter’s past
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Fans saw more of his emotional side than ever before
The Fan Reaction? Absolutely Explosive
As soon as CBS’s update hit social media, Tracker fans blew up platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram.
“About time!”
“Let’s goooooo!”
“CBS, don’t you dare mess this up.”
Hashtag Revival
The hashtag #TrackerSeason3 started trending within hours. That’s the power of fandom.
What Does This Mean for CBS’s Lineup?
This isn’t just about one show. Tracker returning impacts CBS’s entire primetime schedule.
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Sundays may stay its home slot, but there are whispers it could move to Thursdays.
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Other shows may get reshuffled to make room for Tracker’s expanded airtime.
Will Justin Hartley Return as Colter Shaw?
Yes. 100%. Confirmed.
CBS stated that Justin Hartley is fully on board, both as the lead and executive producer. His performance is considered central to the show’s DNA, and let’s be honest—it’s hard to imagine Tracker without him.
Inside the Writers’ Room: What’s Cooking?
The writers are already halfway through Season 3 scripts. Here’s what’s being whispered:
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More serialized arcs: Expect a longer, more connected storyline across episodes.
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Colter’s origin story: We’ll dig even deeper into Colter’s childhood and trauma.
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Unsolved mysteries: Some plot threads from Seasons 1 & 2 will finally pay off.
Why Tracker Stands Out from Other Crime Dramas
Let’s be real—TV’s got no shortage of procedurals. But Tracker brings something different to the table.
The Solo Wolf Vibe
Colter Shaw isn’t tied down to one city or team. He’s a modern-day nomad, making every episode feel fresh and unique.
Personal Stakes
Each case ties into Colter’s past, giving emotional weight to every mission.
Gorgeous Cinematography
From mountains to deserts, the visual storytelling makes it feel almost cinematic.
Where Could Season 3 Take Colter Next? (Our Predictions)
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A missing diplomat in Rome
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A child prodigy vanishes in Tokyo
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A cold case in the Alaskan wilderness
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A rogue hacker in Berlin
Okay, these are guesses—but wouldn’t they be epic?
Should You Rewatch Tracker Before Season 3?
Absolutely.
Season 3 will build on plot threads you may have forgotten.
Binge tip: Look out for clues that seemed random before—because they might come back in big ways.
Tracker Merch & Fan Events Coming Soon
CBS teased official Tracker merchandise and fan events leading up to the premiere. From Colter’s iconic leather jacket to tracker-themed journals—expect to see gear hit stores this fall.
In Summary: What CBS Just Told Us
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Tracker Season 3 is officially happening
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Justin Hartley is back
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New characters and expanded locations confirmed
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Delays were due to strategic and external factors
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It’s going to be bigger, bolder, and more global
Conclusion
We finally have the update we’ve been waiting for. CBS isn’t just bringing Tracker back—they’re gearing up to make Season 3 the best yet. With deeper storytelling, new faces, and the promise of high-octane tracking action, fans have every reason to get hyped.
So dust off your denim jackets, gas up your metaphorical motorcycles, and get ready—Colter Shaw is coming back. And he’s got unfinished business.
