CBS's captivating procedural series Tracker was an instant hit with audiences when it debuted back in 2024, and its popularity doesn't seem to be slowing down. Despite still being in the middle of the show's second season, the network has already confirmed that it's been picked up for Season 3.
Based on the novel The Never Game by Jeffrey Deaver, Tracker follows expert survivalist Colter Shaw, portrayed by This Is Us and Smallville star Justin Hartley, as he employs his unique skillset to make a living by finding missing people and stolen items for reward money. Even though the series uses an episodic format that viewers have seen several times over when it comes to similar detective dramas, its narrative structure also includes an ongoing storyline surrounding Colter's past — pulling audiences back each week as its mystery slowly unravels.
Akin to Season 1, the show's second, and current, season continues to introduce latent aspects of the Shaw family's muddled history as Colter deals with the recent re-emergence of his estranged brother, Russell, played by Supernatural's Jensen Ackles, and his possible involvement in their father's murder. The synthesis of episodic and serial formatting elevates the series beyond other procedurals past, so it's no wonder why its fresh storytelling has made it such a success.
While fans are waiting for next week's episode along with Season 2's finale, here's everything we know so far about Tracker Season 3.
'Tracker' Season 3 Production and Release Updates
CBS has really established its franchise roster for the next couple of years. Along with eight other series renewal announcements from the network, including a second season for The Big Bang Theory prequel spin-off Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage and Season 23 of the ever-running NCIS saga, Tracker has recently been confirmed for Season 3. With the procedural's high ratings and Season 2 nowhere near wrapping up, this announcement makes it clear that CBS has overwhelming confidence in the series long-term and favors it among other primetime lineup titles.
Overall, Tracker fans can celebrate because it doesn't look like the series will be going anywhere anytime soon. While there haven't been any updates regarding CBS's future plans for the show, it's likely that even more seasons beyond what's been confirmed are on the horizon for Hartley's action-packed series.
Additionally, because Season 2 is currently airing, there haven't been any specific release or production details provided by the network yet. However, fans should keep a lookout in the coming months because CBS wants to make its Season 3 debut in late 2025. Although there may be unexpected delays, so the premiere could be pushed to 2026.
Who's Returning for 'Tracker' Season 3?
It's still early in terms of Tracker Season 3's production, so we haven't heard much when it comes to casting. The series' first two seasons have, like most procedurals, a large ensemble cast of characters that come and go depending on who's needed for each standalone episode. However, since Colter and his team are part of what makes the show so successful among fans, we'll likely see them return, but considering the major changes after Season 1, we can't be entirely certain.
The biggest casting adjustment so far was when Robin Weigert decided not to reprise her role of Teddi Bruin, one of Colter's handlers who search the web for new cases, in Season 2. CBS and Weigert have yet to provide any reason for the actor's sudden departure, but some think it may be because the role was small, only appearing when Colter's getting information about his next job, or due to scheduling conflicts. Additionally, fans were worried that Colter's hacker-star Bobby (Eric Graise) was no longer a part of the show since he'd been noticeably absent in Season 2. However, showrunners have confirmed that Graise will return later on.
Hopefully, Season 3 won't see any other big casting changes that could potentially disrupt Tracker's stride with viewers. If so, fans can look forward to seeing Hartley continue as "rewardist" Colter Shaw, along with his other crew members: Velma (Abby McEnany) and Reenie (Fiona Rene). We may also see some other supporting characters featured, like Colter's brother Russell (Jensen Ackles), his father Ashton (Lee Tergesen), and his mother Mary (Wendy Crewson). Although, since Season 2 is still ongoing, we'll just have to wait and see.
What Can Fans Expect from 'Tracker' Season 3's Plot?
Despite the lack of plot details from showrunners for Season 3, Tracker's procedural structure means that we'll be getting more standalone episodes showing Colter episodically traveling to new cities for new cases and new rewards. However, with the blended overarching mystery surrounding his family and his past, it's hard to predict exactly what a third season will reveal. Plus, Season 2 is still airing, so theorizing about what happens next is dependent on its end and, therefore, nearly impossible to do accurately at this time.
For now, no matter the specifics regarding Colter's upcoming cases or puzzling childhood, we can only assume that Season 3 will be full of weekly mysteries and bits of Colter's strange background explained throughout.
New episodes of Tracker Season 2 air on CBS each Sunday at 8 pm ET. The first season can also be streamed on Paramount+ and Hulu.
