The popular thriller-action series Tracker is back for its third season, showcasing a distinct style compared to previous installments. Justin Hartley reprises his role as Colter Shaw, and the story kicks off on October 19, with the premiere episode titled The Process. This time, Colter isn’t the familiar hunter; instead, he’s become the hunted. This shift in character dynamics injects a fresh tension into the series, resulting in a noticeable change in the overall pace of the story.
At the end of the second season, Colter uncovers the truth about his father’s death, triggering a profound transformation in his long-held views about family and self-identity. The first episode of the third season picks up from this pivotal moment, following Colter as he teams up once again with his brother Russell Shaw (played by Jensen Ackles). Together, they delve into the mysteries of their family’s past, unearthing even more far-reaching enigmas. This time, the narrative doesn’t center around standalone cases; instead, it develops around a continuous main storyline, with tighter connections between the chapters.
Despite significant changes in style, Tracker still retains the fundamental structure of mysterious cases in each episode. The story of the season opener The Process is designed in two parts, leading into the next episode Leverage, guiding viewers to further explore the underlying truths. Hartley describes this narrative design as Full of tension, and in an interview, he mentioned that the production team deliberately allowed Colter to The Hunter Becomes the Prey, enhancing the uncertainty and immersive experience of the storyline.
In an interview with Men’s Magazine in June 2025, Justin Hartley pointed out that the success of Tracker lies in the combination of Weekly New Adventures and the ongoing growth of its characters. He emphasized that producer Ken Olin also aims to reinterpret the possibilities of so-called procedural dramas this season, suggesting that even with a weekly format, it is possible to construct a complete narrative arc, allowing audiences to develop a deeper connection with the characters.
Moreover, the third season continues to uphold its high production standards, with the staging and cinematography taking on a more cinematic feel, vividly visualizing Colter’s psychological struggle between crisis and truth. Russell Shaw’s character also sees a significant increase in screen time this season; he transforms from a mere supporting role to a crucial part of the main storyline. Viewers will witness how the brothers work to rebuild their trust through a series of events while uncovering more secrets related to their father’s death.
In terms of the show’s airing schedule, Tracker Season 3 will air every Sunday at 8 PM (Eastern Time) on CBS. If viewers are subscribers to the Paramount+ Premium Plan, they can enjoy early access to the episodes via the streaming platform on the same day; Essential Plan users will need to wait until the following day to watch the new episode. This arrangement allows subscribers at different levels to keep up with the weekly viewing rhythm while maintaining the show’s buzz.
As a series that continuously innovates while retaining its suspenseful essence, Tracker Season 3 undoubtedly offers viewers a tightly paced and progressively layered new experience. Whether for returning fans or newcomers, the changes this season are packed with highlights, and Colter’s transformation will become the central driving force of this season’s plot.
