The TV world is buzzing with the latest chatter: CBS’s “Tracker” could be branching out into spinoffs. With its mix of gripping mysteries, unique characters, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling, the hit show has laid a solid foundation for an expanded universe. But the big question is: which characters are compelling enough to lead their own series?
Trackers success on CBS means it could get a spinoff – but which character in particular is in consideration to lead their own series? After the season 2 finale aired on Sunday, May 11, executive producer Elwood Reid exclusively told Us Weekly that expanding Tracker would be a dream, adding, “Come on, you got to tell CBS that.” The show’s creative team isn’t in a rush though – for a very specific reason. “There’s been a lot of shows that spin off incorrectly. The same level of care and craftsmanship that you see in Tracker has to be considered. My first rule of writing any show is, ‘Don’t do any harm to the main show. Don’t siphon something off,'” Reid, 58, hinted. “But at the same time, you have to make whatever you’re doing as good and as thoughtful.”
“Tracker is just one of those weird magic shows that came together. It resonated with people because there’s an emotional accessibility to that,” he continued. “You need that for any spinoff you do. You need someone who’s emotionally there and available. The stories can be surprising and fun.” Reid has spoken to star and fellow executive producer Justin Hartley about branching out, telling Us, “If the right idea comes by, we’ve had some loose ideas for spinoffs. If and when we are lucky enough to be able to do that, we have to do it in a way that is as good – if not better – than the original.” Tracker, which premiered in February 2024, quickly found success after being coined the most-watched broadcast premiere since NCIS‘ final episode with Mark Harmon in September 2021. Its average viewership was reported to be 18.2 million per episode, according to Paramount+ and broadcast measurements.
Variety‘s annual list of the year’s 100 most-watched primetime telecasts revealed that Tracker episodes earned 15 top spots. Despite making Us wait 11 weeks for new episodes, the second season dominated viewership with the season 2 premiere bringing in 8.3 million total viewers – a nearly 10 percent increase in viewership from the season 1 finale. The season 2 premiere also marked the show’s highest audience since the series debuted in February 2024 after the Super Bowl.
