‘Tracker’ Season 2 Completely Dominates CBS Viewership
Tracker is pulling in millions of viewers, according to CBS’s recent viewership numbers. The network has released its list of the highest-rated original shows across multiple platforms, and it’s no surprise that the Justin Hartley-led action series is at the top, and by an impressive margin. The list, dubbed the “CBS 10 Million Viewers Club,” includes shows that reached more than 10 million views in the Live Plus 7-day multiplatform viewing period from September 15 to October 21. Eight shows made the list, with Tracker leading the way with 15.2 million viewers. Matlock followed closely behind in second place with less than 2 million views at 13.2 million.
Tracker’s first episode hit 8.3 million viewers in its first week, surpassing Matlock’s premiere to become CBS’s highest-viewed premiere, retaining the title from last season. Weeks later, the series has held steady and is leading with no major competition in sight. Given last season’s numbers, Tracker Season 2’s numbers were expected to increase, but new seasons of other fan favorites like Fire Country were expected to provide stiff competition, but neither show came close. The Max Thieriot-led series also broke into the 10 million viewer club, but lagged far behind at No. 7. During the count, both Tracker and Matlock aired two episodes, giving them a slight advantage over the other six shows that only aired their first episodes. Other shows that made the elite list were FBI (11 million), Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage (10.7 million), NCIS (10.5 million), Elsbeth (10.5 million), Fire Country (10.3 million) and Blue Bloods (10 million). Just short of that were 60 MINUTES (9.3 million), Survivor (9.0 million) and NCIS: Origins (8.9 million).
These latest stats show a significant increase in 7-day multi-platform viewership compared to the Season 1 Tracker. The Tracker is seeing an 18% improvement, and while that’s impressive, Elsbeth posted a higher 26% increase, suggesting that more people are tuning in to the spin-off, which could be due to its growing cast of guest stars, which includes big names like Emmy-winners Laurie Metcalf and Eric McCormack.
Tracker’s increased viewership was helped by the positive critical reception of Season 2, which even outperformed Season 1. Michael John Petty of Collider, in his review of the second season, wrote: “With Season 2, Tracker is better than ever, adding a new layer of intrigue to the show’s elusive mythology. If you enjoyed Season 1, Hartley’s second turn as Colter Shaw will pull you back in and leave you begging for more…… If it can continue to maintain the same level of quality going forward, it wouldn’t be surprising if the series lasted a decade on the channel. It really is that good.”
