Tracker Season 2: Everything You Need to Know About CBS’s Hit Show

After a blockbuster first season, Tracker is set to make a grand return, leaving fans eager to find out what Season 2 has in store. With Tracker quickly climbing the ranks as CBS’s top show in 2023-2024, it’s no surprise the network has high expectations for its second season. After all, Tracker became the most-watched scripted series of the year, without even tossing a football although premiering right after the Super Bowl certainly didn’t hurt. Now, as Season 2 looms closer, CBS is confident it will keep its winning streak. With an earlier return date and a longer episode count, Tracker is gearing up for an even bigger and more intense season.

So, what can we expect from Tracker Season 2? Let’s break down the details, from its release date to the new characters and storylines that will keep you glued to your screen.

The Story So Far: Recap of Tracker Season 1

In Season 1, Tracker introduced us to Colter Shaw, a man with an uncanny knack for tracking down missing people. Played by This Is Us star Justin Hartley, Colter uses his talents to help law enforcement and private citizens alike, all in exchange for reward money. While Tracker is very much a procedural drama, it’s far from your typical case-of-the-week show. Colter Shaw is a more complicated hero than viewers are used to, and the cases often connect back to the unresolved mysteries in his own family life. That’s where Season 2 will dig even deeper.

What to Expect in Tracker Season 2

More Episodes, More Action
One of the biggest changes for Season 2? There’s going to be a lot more of Tracker to go around. After a 13 episode first season, Season 2 will feature a whopping 22 episodes. CBS is clearly betting big on its newest hit, giving it a full-length season to expand the storylines and dive deeper into the characters.

Expect each episode to build on the momentum of the first season while still delivering the signature “case-of-the-week” style that fans love. If Season 1 was just an appetizer, Season 2 is shaping up to be the full-course meal.

Colter’s Family Drama Takes Center Stage
While Colter’s tracking skills keep the episodes moving, the heart of Tracker lies in its exploration of family dynamics especially the fractured Shaw family. As executive producer Elwood Reid revealed, Season 2 will peel back even more layers of Colter’s past, particularly focusing on his dysfunctional upbringing and the secrets surrounding his father’s mysterious death.

Reid hinted that the Shaw family’s history is far from straightforward. “Everyone has their own version of reality,” he noted, adding that Colter has shouldered much of the family’s burden. Expect more revelations about his relationship with his sister, as a secret from the Season 1 finale suggests she may hold vital information about their father’s fate. Family conflict and unresolved questions will continue to fuel the drama this season, as Colter wrestles with both his personal and professional challenges.

New and Returning Characters

The Big Question: Will Jensen Ackles Return?
Yes, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Jensen Ackles, who plays Colter’s older brother Russell, is confirmed to be returning for multiple episodes in Season 2. Ackles’ performance was a fan favorite in Season 1, and his return is expected to add even more tension and intrigue to the family drama. While producers haven’t revealed exactly how many episodes he’ll appear in, expect Russell to play a pivotal role in helping Colter unravel their family’s tangled past.

More Shaw Siblings to Watch For
Melissa Roxburgh, who portrays Colter’s younger sister Dory, is also coming back for Season 2. While Dory had limited screen time in the first season, she’ll likely have a much larger role in the upcoming episodes. Roxburgh’s return has fans buzzing about the possibility of a full Shaw family reunion, something we’ve only seen in brief flashbacks so far.

New Faces, Familiar Feelings
Season 2 won’t just focus on the Shaw family; other characters will get their time in the spotlight, too. For instance, Velma (played by Abby McEnany) will take on a bigger role, and we’ll also see more development with Reenie (Fiona Rene), who may be branching out on her own. There’s a lot of buzz about where these character arcs will go, but one thing’s for sure Tracker is only getting more complex.

Unfortunately, one familiar face won’t be returning. Robin Weigert, who played Teddi, Colter’s handler, is not coming back for Season 2. Her absence will leave a noticeable gap, but it also opens the door for new characters to step up and fill the void.

When and Where Can You Watch Tracker Season 2?

Mark Your Calendars: October 13, 2024
Season 2 of Tracker will officially premiere on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 8/7c. CBS is sticking with its winning strategy by leveraging its NFL broadcasts to promote its scripted shows, meaning football fans will get plenty of exposure to Tracker promos leading up to the premiere.

After October 20, Tracker will be followed by a new season of The Equalizer, creating a powerhouse Sunday night lineup for CBS. And if you prefer streaming, you can catch Tracker on Paramount+, where all the episodes will be available after they air.

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team

A Book-Based Adventure
If you’re a fan of the books that inspired the show, you’ll be glad to know that Tracker is based on The Never Game, a novel by best-selling author Jeffery Deaver. In fact, The Never Game is just the first in a series of four books, so there’s plenty of source material for future seasons. The show was originally titled after the book but was rebranded as Tracker to appeal to a broader audience.

Expanding the Universe
In addition to the core storyline, Tracker is poised to explore new themes and ideas in Season 2. Reid hinted that the show might pivot slightly, especially with Velma and Reenie’s characters taking on new roles. We could see more workplace dynamics and possibly even new cases that push Colter out of his comfort zone.

What’s Next for Tracker?

With more episodes, deeper character development, and plenty of family secrets yet to uncover, Tracker Season 2 promises to deliver the same thrilling experience that made Season 1 such a hit. Whether you’re in it for the intense case-solving or the emotional family drama, there’s something for everyone this season.

As we await the premiere, one thing is clear: Tracker is more than just a procedural it’s a show about relationships, truth, and the lengths people will go to find both. So, buckle up, because Season 2 is going to take you on one wild ride. Stay tuned for trailers, more news, and updates as we get closer to the October premiere!