Tracker Season 2 will debut on CBS sooner than expected. The second installment of the popular action drama will hit screens on Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
According to Variety, Tracker was originally set to premiere on Oct. 27 following two NFL games. However, the network had a change of heart and bumped up the show by two weeks. The series, starring Justin Hartley, will serve as the lead in for the Big Brother season finale. Crime drama The Equalizer is also moving up the release schedule to Oct. 20 at 9:30 p.m. before moving back to its regular 9 p.m. time slot on Nov. 3.
Tracker is based on Jeffery Deaver’s 2019 novel called The Never Game. Adapted for television by Ben H. Winters, the series follows highly skilled tracker and surveillance specialist Colter Shaw (Hartley), who makes a living by helping private citizens and police officers to locate various individuals. The overarching plot centers on Colter trying to solve the mystery surrounding his father’s death. His elder brother Russell (Jensen Ackles) was initially a suspect, but was later exonerated.
The primary cast also includes Robin Weigert as Teddi, Abby McEnany as Velma, Eric Graise as Bobby, and Fiona Rene as Reenie. Winters and Hilary Weisman Graham serve as showrunners. The debut season of Tracker quickly established itself as a quality series, bringing in 6.9 million, 7.1 million, and 7.4 million viewers for Episodes 2, 3, and 4 respectively. The series premiere, which aired directly after the Super Bowl, attracted 18.4 million viewers.
Jensen Ackles Will Return For Season 2
Ackles will reprise his role as Russell Shaw when Season 2 hits screens in Oct. The news was confirmed by Hartley during the Tracker presentation at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour. “We got him, he’s coming back,” the actor said. “We’re having fun with that, it’s a great story.” Ackles will appear in more than one episode, which likely means that his character will be part of a multi-episode story arc.
“I’ve worked with Jensen previously and Justin’s friends with him,” showrunner Elwood Reid said, referring to their work on the ABC drama Big Sky. “It’s like family. When we text him [he says], ‘Tell me where and tell me when,’ and he shows up. He’s just that kind of guy.” Ackles made his debut as Russell Shaw in the penultimate episode of Tracker Season 1, titled “Off the Books.”