If you’ve got your snacks ready and your remote in hand, I’ve got some bad news. You’re probably staring at a blank spot on your DVR or a "to be announced" slot in the guide. Seriously. If you are asking what time does tracker come on tonight, the short answer is: it doesn't.
Tonight is Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Tracker—the massive CBS hit starring Justin Hartley—is currently in the middle of a brutal winter hiatus. The show isn't just taking a week off; it's practically hibernating.
Colter Shaw is currently on ice.
The Current Status of Tracker Season 3
The last time we saw Colter was back on December 14, 2025. That was Episode 9, titled "Good Trouble." It ended on a cliffhanger that honestly felt like a gut punch. Since then? Radio silence from the CBS airwaves.
CBS has decided to keep us waiting. A long time.
Normally, the show airs on Sunday nights. That’s its home. Its territory. But because it’s mid-January, the network is prioritizing other programming. We’ve got awards season coming up with the Golden Globes and the Grammys taking over those precious Sunday slots.
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Basically, the "lone-wolf rewardist" is being benched for red carpets.
When Is Tracker Actually Coming Back?
Mark your calendar for March 1, 2026.
That is the official return date. But there is a massive catch you need to know about. When it comes back, it isn't coming back to its old 8:00 PM ET home.
The Big Time Slot Shakeup
CBS is doing a bit of musical chairs with their Sunday night lineup. It's kinda frustrating for fans who have their routine down pat. Here is the new reality starting in March:
- 8:00 PM ET: Y: Marshals (The new Yellowstone spinoff starring Luke Grimes)
- 9:00 PM ET: Tracker (This is the new time!)
- 10:00 PM ET: Watson (Moving from its Monday slot)
So, when the show finally returns, it’s shifting an hour later. If you tune in at 8:00 PM expecting Justin Hartley’s brooding face, you’re going to get Kayce Dutton instead. Not a bad trade for some, but definitely not the show you were looking for.
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What Happened in the Last Episode?
If you've forgotten where we left off—and who could blame you with this long break—Colter was in rough shape. He was working with Keaton (Brent Sexton) to find a missing partner, but they stumbled into a conspiracy that went way deeper than a simple missing persons case.
Showrunner Elwood Reid has basically confirmed that the next episode, which should be Episode 10, is going to be a direct continuation. He’s hinted that Colter isn't just going to "dust himself off." He’s in "really bad shape."
We’re also hearing rumors about a new series regular or recurring character joining the fray in Episode 11. Plus, there’s always the lingering question of when Jensen Ackles might pop back up as Russell Shaw.
Honestly, the chemistry between Hartley and Ackles is half the reason people are so obsessed with this show.
Why the Delay is So Long
You might be wondering why a hit show like Tracker—which ended Season 2 as the #1 scripted drama on TV—is being sidelined for nearly three months. It feels like self-sabotage, right?
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Actually, it's a strategy. CBS wants to use Tracker as a "lead-out" or a "tentpole" to help launch their newer shows. By moving it to 9:00 PM, they hope the massive audience following Colter Shaw will stay tuned for Watson at 10:00 PM.
Also, they need to avoid the Super Bowl and other major events that eat up ratings. It’s all a numbers game.
How to Get Your Fix While You Wait
Since you won't find it on the schedule tonight, you have a few options to keep the withdrawal symptoms at bay.
- Paramount+ Binge: All of Season 1, Season 2, and the first nine episodes of Season 3 are sitting there.
- Catch Up on "The Never Game": Remember, the show is based on a book by Jeffery Deaver. If you haven't read it, now is the perfect time to see how the source material compares to the TV version.
- Check Out Justin Hartley's Backlog: If you just miss the lead actor, you can always go back to This Is Us or his early Smallville days.
Actionable Steps for Tracker Fans
Don't get caught off guard when March rolls around. Here is what you should do right now to make sure you don't miss the return.
- Update your DVR settings. Since the show is moving from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, some older DVR systems might get confused if they are set to a specific time rather than "Record all new episodes." Check your "Series Link" settings.
- Set a "March 1" alert on your phone. It's easy to lose track of time during a three-month hiatus.
- Watch the "Good Trouble" (S3E9) recap. About a week before the return, go back and re-watch the midseason finale. The conspiracy plot is getting dense, and you’ll want those details fresh in your mind.
The search for what time does tracker come on tonight might end in disappointment today, but at least now you know the long-game plan. Colter Shaw will be back on Sunday, March 1, at 9/8c. Just hang in there.