The hit CBS action-drama series Tracker is making an epic comeback, and fans are buzzing with excitement. The show has officially been renewed for Season 4, set to premiere in the 2026-2027 broadcast season—likely kicking off in the fall of 2026. Star and executive producer Justin Hartley has teased that the upcoming season will deliver everything viewers crave: bigger stakes, badder threats, and even more emotional depth. Get ready for a rollercoaster of high-octane action mixed with heartfelt moments that are sure to bring tears.
Tracker, which first premiered in February 2024 following the Super Bowl, has quickly become CBS’s top-rated scripted series and one of the most-watched shows on television. The series follows Colter Shaw (played by Hartley), a skilled survivalist and reward-seeker who travels the country using his tracking expertise to solve missing persons cases and uncover hidden truths. Drawing from the character created in Jeffery Deaver’s novels, the show blends procedural mysteries with ongoing personal drama tied to Colter’s troubled family history.
The renewal announcement came on January 22, 2026, as part of a major CBS wave that included hits like Matlock, Elsbeth, Fire Country, and others. Sources confirm Tracker’s dominance in ratings—Season 3’s premiere drew massive multi-platform viewership—made the decision a no-brainer. As TV’s #1 entertainment series, the network is clearly investing heavily in Colter’s continued adventures.
Justin Hartley, known for his emotional roles in This Is Us and his earlier soap opera days, has been vocal about the show’s evolution. In recent interviews and social media teases surrounding Season 3’s midseason return (which resumes March 1, 2026), Hartley hinted at the direction ahead. While specific Season 4 quotes like “bigger, badder, and more emotional” capture the spirit of his comments on escalating dangers, deeper family revelations, and intensified personal stakes, the actor has emphasized how the series balances thrilling action with genuine character growth. He has described Colter facing more perilous situations—pushed by network executives to put the hero in real jeopardy—while exploring heartfelt apologies, family reckonings, and alliances that test loyalties.
Season 3 has already ramped up the intensity. The fall finale left Colter framed for murders, injured, and cut off from key allies like Reenie (Fiona Rene) and Randy, forcing him to rely on Billie (Sofia Pernas, Hartley’s real-life wife) in high-stakes scenarios. Upcoming episodes promise underground secrets, revenge plots, and emotional confrontations. With recurring additions like Kathleen Robertson and Mark Engelhardt, and departures of some cast members in prior seasons (such as Abby McEnany and Eric Graise), the show keeps evolving its ensemble while centering Hartley’s commanding performance.
What makes Season 4’s return so anticipated is the promise of even greater ambition. The series has shifted from purely episodic cases to more serialized storytelling, delving into Colter’s past—including the lingering mystery of his father Ashton Shaw—and building genuine consequences for his choices. Hartley has spoken about the emotional weight these arcs carry, blending “less crying” action (a playful nod to his tearful This Is Us days) with meaningful drama that leaves viewers invested. Expect more bar fights, chases through rugged terrain, moral dilemmas, and those signature moments where Colter’s instincts clash with his heart.
Fans on social media and forums are already losing it over the news, with many praising Hartley’s dual role as star and executive producer (alongside Ken Olin, Elwood Reid, and others at 20th Television). The renewal solidifies Tracker as a cornerstone of CBS’s lineup, proving network procedurals with heart and grit can still dominate in a streaming-heavy era.
As production gears up for the 2026-2027 season, details on premiere dates, guest stars, and major plot twists remain under wraps—but if Hartley’s teases are any indication, Season 4 will push Colter further than ever. Bigger threats. Badder villains. More tears amid the triumphs. Action that keeps you on the edge of your seat, paired with emotional payoffs that hit hard.
Tracker isn’t just returning—it’s leveling up. Mark your calendars for fall 2026: Colter Shaw is hitting the road again, and this time, it’s going to be unforgettable. Stay tuned to CBS and Paramount+ for all the updates as more details emerge.