The wait is finally over — Tracker Season 3 is here, premiering on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. The hit series returns with Justin Hartley leading as Colter Shaw, the brilliant tracker who solves missing-persons cases using his survivalist skills and unmatched instincts.
But this time, the stakes are higher than ever. Tracker Season 3 doesn’t just bring back thrilling rescues and adrenaline-fueled cases — it digs deep into Colter’s personal history, forcing him to confront painful family truths and unresolved mysteries from his past.
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Tracker Season 3 Premiere and Schedule
Season 3 of Tracker opens with a gripping two-part premiere titled “The Process,” which immediately sets the tone for the season ahead. The show airs every Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, with episodes available for streaming on Paramount+ the following day.
The new season features a 22-episode order, marking the longest and most ambitious chapter in the show’s history. With CBS backing the series for an extended run, fans can expect more character development, bigger mysteries, and complex emotional arcs that extend across the entire season.
The premiere kicks off with Colter taking on a missing-person case involving a mother and daughter. However, as he dives deeper, the case becomes far more personal — uncovering clues that connect to a secret organization known only as “The Process.”
Returning Cast and Character Changes
Justin Hartley reprises his role as Colter Shaw, the resourceful and intuitive tracker who helps families find their loved ones while wrestling with his own haunted past.
Jensen Ackles returns as Russell Shaw, Colter’s estranged brother. After years of tension, the two are forced to reunite when a new case ties directly to the circumstances surrounding their father’s death. Their reunion is filled with suspicion, regret, and emotional confrontation, setting the foundation for one of the most dramatic storylines of the series so far.
Notably, Abby McEnany (Velma Bruin) and Eric Graise (Bobby Exley) will not be returning as regulars in Season 3. Their exits pave the way for a more streamlined cast, allowing the story to concentrate heavily on the Shaw family’s past and Colter’s journey toward truth.
Fans will still see familiar faces like Fiona René as Reenie Greene, Colter’s trusted ally and tech specialist, and Wendy Crewson as Mary Dove Shaw, the matriarch whose involvement in her husband’s mysterious death becomes a central point of the season.
Plot: What Tracker Season 3 Is All About
Season 3 plunges Colter into his most personal mission yet. While he continues to track missing people across the country, his latest case leads him back into his own family’s history — forcing him to face long-buried secrets.
The central storyline revolves around the shadowy group called “The Process.” As Colter investigates this underground organization, he begins to uncover disturbing connections between its activities and his father’s death.
The emotional weight of the season lies in Colter’s growing realization that the answers he’s been seeking about his family may destroy the image of them he’s held for years. His mother, Mary Dove, becomes an increasingly complex figure — torn between protecting her sons and hiding the truth about their father’s final days.
While the show retains its signature format of standalone weekly cases, Tracker Season 3 introduces a more serialized structure. Each case Colter takes on contributes a clue or piece of information that ultimately builds toward the larger “Process” mystery.
Why Tracker Season 3 Is Different
Tracker has built a loyal following for its mix of action, suspense, and emotional storytelling. Season 3 continues that formula but raises the bar in every category:
- More Emotional Depth: This season focuses more on Colter’s family and his inner conflict, exploring his vulnerability and humanity in ways fans haven’t seen before.
- Expanded Scope: With 22 episodes, there’s more room for multi-episode arcs, character backstories, and unexpected twists.
- Higher Stakes: Colter’s cases no longer just test his physical endurance — they now challenge his beliefs, values, and relationships.
- Tighter Cast Dynamics: By reducing the supporting cast, the writers are able to build stronger, more meaningful connections between the core characters.
- Stronger Visuals: The cinematography and location shooting have been elevated, with more rugged landscapes and intense outdoor sequences that immerse viewers in Colter’s world.
Episode Highlights So Far
| Episode | Title | Description | Air Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 & 2 | The Process | Colter and Russell reunite to track a missing woman and child linked to an underground group. | Oct 19, 2025 |
| 3 | Buried Truths | Colter uncovers evidence that his father’s death wasn’t an accident. | Oct 26, 2025 |
| 4 | The Divide | Colter faces a moral crossroads as his loyalty to his family collides with his duty as a tracker. | Nov 2, 2025 |
These early episodes blend personal conflict with traditional mystery-solving, delivering a fast-paced, emotionally charged tone that keeps viewers hooked week after week.
How to Watch Tracker Season 3 in the U.S.
U.S. audiences can tune in live every Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, or catch episodes on Paramount+ the next day.
For those who prefer live-streaming options, Tracker Season 3 is available on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV.
Seasons 1 and 2 remain available on Paramount+, allowing new viewers to binge-watch the earlier episodes and get fully caught up before diving into the new season.
Viewer Reception and Popularity
Tracker has consistently ranked among CBS’s top-rated dramas since its debut. The combination of survivalist adventure, emotional storytelling, and Justin Hartley’s magnetic performance has solidified its place as one of the network’s most dependable hits.
Season 2 ended with record-breaking numbers for the series, drawing millions of viewers across CBS and streaming platforms. Early feedback for Season 3 has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the fresh focus on Colter’s family and the emotional depth added by Jensen Ackles’ return.
This new direction gives the series longevity and allows it to grow beyond the standard case-of-the-week structure — something that both long-time fans and new viewers are responding to strongly.
What’s Ahead in Tracker Season 3
As Season 3 unfolds, audiences can expect several major turning points:
- The Shaw Family Mystery Deepens: The truth behind the death of Colter’s father will take shocking turns that redefine everything Colter believes about his past.
- The “Process” Conspiracy: The mysterious organization will continue to play a major role, exposing dark connections that could threaten Colter’s future.
- Russell’s Journey: Russell’s return will test his relationship with Colter, raising the question — is he there to help, or does he have his own agenda?
- Moral Dilemmas: Colter faces choices that blur the line between justice and revenge, forcing him to question who he really is.
- Action and Heart: From intense chase sequences to heartfelt family moments, the season balances emotional depth with thrilling storytelling.
Why Tracker Season 3 Connects With Viewers
The appeal of Tracker has always been its humanity. Each episode is about more than just solving cases — it’s about understanding people, loss, and redemption.
In Season 3, Colter’s personal journey mirrors the experiences of those he helps. Every person he finds teaches him something about himself. Every mystery he solves brings him closer to his own truth.
Justin Hartley delivers one of his most compelling performances yet, capturing both Colter’s toughness and his vulnerability. His chemistry with Jensen Ackles adds a new layer to the show, transforming Tracker into a gripping family drama wrapped inside a mystery thriller.
For viewers in the U.S., the show’s Sunday-night schedule is the perfect mix of excitement and heart — a rare combination that makes Tracker Season 3 one of the most talked-about dramas of 2025.
Final Thoughts
Tracker Season 3 takes everything fans love about the series — the suspense, the emotional depth, and the heart-stopping action — and pushes it to new heights. With a powerful mix of family drama, mystery, and survivalist adventure, this season promises to deliver unforgettable television moments week after week.
What do you think of Tracker Season 3 so far? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for the next thrilling episode!
