CBS Announces Tracker TV Season 3 Will Be Delayed Next Year… and here is why… see more
According to CBS, Tracker season 3 will officially return to primetime on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET during the 2026-2027 television season. However, the main reason for this delay lies in the production team’s ambition to take the series to the next level. According to entert.online, CBS and the producers are taking the time to expand the production scale, in order to bring episodes with more depth in content and image. Unlike the previous two seasons, where episodes were shot on a rushed schedule, season 3 will have a longer production cycle, allowing the creative team to develop more complex emotional levels for the characters, perfect the script, and choose impressive new filming locations.
Justin Hartley, who not only stars but also serves as an executive producer on Tracker, told Variety that season 3 will “dive deeper” into the mysteries surrounding the Shaw family, specifically the question of Colter’s mother, Mary Shaw,’s role in his father’s death. “Every answer will lead to five new questions,” Hartley hinted, leaving fans wondering what’s to come. Showrunner Elwood Reid also revealed that they’re considering a bold storyline where Colter Shaw could become “the hunted,” forcing him to use his survival skills to evade the authorities — a dramatic reversal from his usual heroic image.
Another factor contributing to the delay is the significant changes to the cast for season 3. According to TVLine, two main cast members from seasons 1 and 2, Abby McEnany (Velma Bruin) and Eric Graise (Bobby Exley), will not be returning for the new season. The departure of these two characters – who were once important allies to Colter – took fans by surprise and raised questions about how the series would continue without them. Velma and Bobby not only served as Colter’s technical support and quest-seeking, but also provided him with emotional balance, acting as a surrogate family for a man who was often alone. The departure of these two characters could further isolate Colter, a theme the series seems to want to explore in season 3.
However, it’s not all bad news. Jensen Ackles, who plays Colter’s brother Russell Shaw, has been confirmed to return for season 3, according to a post on X from TVLine. Ackles’ return promises to bring some dramatic moments, especially since the Shaw brothers’ relationship is still very much in flux. Additionally, Fiona Rene, who plays Reenie Greene, is expected to continue to be a central character, with a growing relationship with Colter. These changes suggest that Tracker is restructuring its cast to take a fresh, but risky, direction.
Beyond the creative factor, CBS’s scheduling strategy also played a role in delaying season 3. According to trendingnewsbuzz.com, CBS is being careful with its schedule to ensure Tracker doesn’t compete with other major shows in 2025. With new series announced and major renewals for hit shows like NCIS and Ghosts, CBS needs to ensure Tracker continues to be their No. 1 show. Delaying to fall 2026 or early 2027 also allows the network to create gaps between seasons, keeping viewers engaged with reruns and additional content on Paramount+.
Furthermore, the fact that production has not yet begun is also a key factor. According to gazettely.com, filming for season 3 is expected to begin on July 16, 2026 in Vancouver. With the lengthy post-production period, the earliest it could air is late 2026. This shows that CBS is putting quality first, willing to sacrifice time to ensure that season 3 meets the high expectations of the audience.
