The much-anticipated Tracker Season 3 officially premiered on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, marking the return of Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw. The latest season dives deeper into Colter’s complicated family past while introducing intense new mysteries and emotional storylines.
Tracker Season 3 Premiere and Schedule
Tracker Season 3 returns to its signature Sunday night slot at 8 p.m. ET, keeping its strong position in the CBS primetime lineup. The series continues to stream the following day on Paramount +, giving U.S. viewers the flexibility to watch either live or on-demand.
The Season 3 premiere episode, titled “The Process,” launched with a dramatic two-part special. It picks up immediately after last season’s shocking cliffhanger, setting the tone for a darker, more personal chapter in Colter Shaw’s story.
This season will feature a full 22-episode order, the longest yet for the series, signaling CBS’s continued confidence in the show’s strong ratings and growing fanbase.
Cast Updates and Character Changes
Justin Hartley returns in his leading role as Colter Shaw, the survivalist and expert tracker who uses his unique skill set to help solve missing-person cases across the country.
Joining him again is Jensen Ackles, reprising his role as Colter’s estranged brother, Russell Shaw. Russell’s storyline takes center stage this season, with the brothers teaming up for the first time in years to confront the painful truths surrounding their father’s mysterious death.
Two fan-favorite cast members — Abby McEnany (Velma Bruin) and Eric Graise (Bobby Exley) — have exited the main cast. Their departures streamline the show’s focus, allowing the new season to zero in on Colter’s family drama and the emotional fallout of the Shaw family’s past.
The rest of the returning ensemble includes Robin Weigert as Mary Dove Shaw, Wendy Crewson as the matriarch hiding more secrets than she lets on, and Fiona René as Reenie Greer, a key ally who continues to help Colter navigate dangerous investigations.
Plotline: What Tracker Season 3 Is About
Tracker Season 3 raises the stakes with a new core mystery that ties directly to Colter Shaw’s family history. In the opening episodes, Colter and Russell join forces to investigate the disappearance of a mother and daughter — a case that uncovers an underground organization known only as “The Process.”
As Colter digs deeper, he discovers unsettling links between this group and his late father’s research. The discovery pushes him to question everything he believed about his family’s past, setting up one of the most personal and emotional seasons yet.
Season 3 continues the show’s mix of action, survivalist tactics, and psychological suspense, but this time with higher emotional stakes. Colter’s internal conflict — balancing his duty to help others with the need to uncover his own truth — drives the story forward in every episode.
What Makes Tracker Season 3 Stand Out
Tracker has become one of CBS’s breakout hits since its debut. Its unique blend of outdoor adventure, detective storytelling, and family mystery has earned a loyal following. Season 3 builds on that success by deepening the emotional core of its main character while maintaining the high-intensity procedural format that keeps fans hooked.
Key improvements in Season 3 include:
- Expanded Episode Count: 22 total episodes, allowing for richer story arcs.
- Character Depth: A stronger focus on Colter’s family dynamics and emotional evolution.
- Cinematic Production: More on-location filming and visually dynamic scenes across the U.S.
- Guest Stars: Expect new faces joining throughout the season, bringing fresh perspectives to Colter’s world.
This season also balances its stand-alone weekly mysteries with serialized storytelling. While each episode features a new case, many clues connect back to the overarching “Process” investigation and Colter’s quest for closure regarding his father’s fate.
How to Watch Tracker Season 3 in the U.S.
Tracker Season 3 airs every Sunday night on CBS and is available for streaming on Paramount + the next day. Viewers without cable can also access the show through popular live-TV platforms such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV.
Earlier seasons — Tracker Seasons 1 and 2 — are currently available for streaming on Paramount +, giving new viewers the chance to catch up before diving into the latest episodes.
Viewer Reception and Popularity
Tracker continues to be one of CBS’s most-watched dramas. The show consistently attracts strong ratings, averaging over 17 million combined broadcast and streaming viewers last season.
The chemistry between Justin Hartley and Jensen Ackles has been a major draw for fans. Their on-screen tension and brotherly dynamic add a deeper emotional layer to what could otherwise be a standard procedural drama. Season 3 capitalizes on that connection, making their shared storyline a central focus from the start.
Tracker Season 3 Episode Highlights (So Far)
| Episode | Title | Key Focus Area | Air Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 & 2 | The Process | Colter reunites with Russell to solve a family-linked case | Oct 19, 2025 |
| 3 | Buried Truths | A desert rescue reveals clues to their father’s past | Oct 26, 2025 |
| 4 | The Divide | Colter faces a moral dilemma that tests his code of honor | Nov 2, 2025 |
As the season unfolds, fans can expect every episode to bring new revelations about “The Process” and its connection to the Shaw family’s secrets.
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What’s Next for Tracker Season 3
The creators have hinted that the mid-season finale will deliver a major twist involving Colter’s father’s final days — one that may alter everything Colter thought he knew. Future episodes are expected to blend the show’s signature rugged investigations with psychological depth and family conflict.
With new partnerships forming, old wounds reopening, and the “Process” mystery looming larger than ever, Tracker Season 3 promises to be the show’s most emotional and suspenseful installment to date.
Final Thoughts
For U.S. fans of crime dramas and survivalist storytelling, Tracker Season 3 is shaping up to be one of the must-watch TV events of fall 2025. With its gripping mix of mystery, emotion, and high-stakes adventure, it’s clear that Tracker has firmly established itself as one of CBS’s defining modern dramas.
What do you think of Colter Shaw’s new direction in Season 3? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for the next episode!