'Tracker' season 3 packed with family secrets, new challenges: Check where to watch

CBS’s acclaimed drama 'Tracker' returns this fall with its highly anticipated third season, starring Justin Hartley as lone-wolf survivalist Colter Shaw. This season marks a significant escalation in both storyline complexity and emotional depth, diving into the heart of Colter’s troubled family history while continuing the bread-and-butter mystery-solving that has made it the top scripted series on US television.

Premiere date and viewing options

The third season of 'Tracker' premieres Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on CBS. New episodes will air weekly every Sunday thereafter. Fans can stream the season:

• Live via CBS with cable/satellite subscription.
  
• Paramount++: Premium subscribers can live-stream new episodes as they air on CBS; Essential plan users get access the day after broadcast.
  
• Live TV Streaming Services: Accessible on FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DIRECTV Stream, and YouTube TV.
  
• International Access: In Canada, episodes air on CTV and stream free for a limited time via the CTV website/app; viewers in the UK and Australia can access previous seasons on Disney+, with season 3 expected in early 2026.
  

Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial for new users. The Essential plan starts at $7.99/month (ad-supported), while Premium (ad-free, includes Showtime + local CBS live) costs $12.99/month.

Plot developments and returning cast

Season 3 starts with a two-part episode, ‘The Process,’ swiftly revisiting the high-stakes revelations from last season regarding Colter's father's mysterious death and hinting at his mother’s possible involvement.

This shift places Colter directly in the crosshairs of family secrets, deepening the emotional complexity of the show. Jensen Ackles returns as Colter’s estranged brother Russell, raising the tension within the Shaw family dynamic, while key supporting cast include Fiona Rene (Reenie), Chris Lee (Randy), and Brent Sexton (Keaton).

While some past characters (Eric Graise's Bobby, McEn's Vel Bruin) do not feature heavily in the new season, the narrative focus on family conflict, survival instincts, and dangerous new cases keeps the show’s classic formula alive.

Season 3 will be the show's longest yet, comprising 22 episodes—surpassing previous seasons (13 and 20 episodes, respectively).

Streaming, subscription & catch-up details

• Paramount+ hosts all episodes from Seasons 1, 2, and the new Season 3 for streaming.
  
• Users lacking cable access can stream CBS via apps or sites mentioned above, and new Hulu users get a 30-day free trial on the basic plan ($9.99/month; ad-free, $18.99/month).
  
• Disney+ UK/Australia hosts previous seasons; season 3 expected by early 2026.
  

FAQs

Q1: How did last season’s finale reshape the story?
The Season 2 conclusion revealed dramatic truths about Colter’s father and suggested that Colter’s mother, Mary Dove, may be entangled in past crimes—upending family dynamics and setting up the emotional stakes for Season 3.

Q2: Will favorite characters return?
Key characters such as Colter (Justin Hartley), Russell (Jensen Ackles), and Reenie (Fiona Rene) return. Bobby (Eric Graise) and Vel Bruin (McEn) have more limited roles. The show's ensemble ensures fans still experience the familiar camaraderie and tension.

Q3: Is same-day streaming available for all Paramount+ users?
No. Paramount+ Premium subscribers can access episodes as they air, while Essential plan users get episodes on-demand the day after broadcast.

Q4: Can viewers in Canada and other countries watch at launch?
In Canada, Season 3 airs on CTV and streams free temporarily post-broadcast. UK/AU viewers may have to wait until early 2026 for Disney+ release.