AceShowbiz - Every Sunday, viewers tune in to CBS expecting to watch their favorite shows like Tracker, Marshals, and Watson at scheduled times—8 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10 p.m. ET respectively. However, these programs frequently start later than planned. This consistent delay is primarily due to CBS's commitment to live sports broadcasts, notably NFL games, and special programming such as 60 Minutes.

The network’s Sunday night lineup is heavily influenced by the unpredictability of live events. NFL games often extend beyond their allotted time, which consequently pushes back the start of the 60 Minutes special that follows the game. Since 60 Minutes airs right before the evening dramas, every subsequent show is delayed, creating a ripple effect that shifts the entire primetime schedule later than advertised.

This scheduling challenge is not new for Tracker. During its first season, the show faced frequent delays caused by live events like March Madness and the CMT Music Awards. Despite these setbacks, Tracker managed an impressive debut, being hailed as the most-watched broadcast premiere since the finale of NCIS starring Mark Harmon in September 2021. According to Paramount+ and broadcast metrics, the series averaged 18.2 million viewers per episode in its initial season, solidifying its popularity.

Variety’s annual report on the most-watched primetime broadcasts of the year showed that episodes of Tracker earned 15 spots among the top telecasts. Although CBS made fans wait 11 weeks between new episodes, the show’s second season premiere attracted 8.3 million viewers. This marked a nearly 10 percent increase from the season one finale and was the highest audience Tracker had seen since its February 2024 debut following the Super Bowl.

The series centers on Colter, played by Justin Hartley, a survivalist who travels across the country solving mysteries. Hartley recently shared his thoughts on the show’s success and its impact on his career. He explained to The Hollywood Reporter that the project has become a “cool show” and credited long-standing professional relationships for the strong ensemble cast, which includes familiar faces like Jensen Ackles and his wife, Sofia Pernas.

Hartley explained, "I think they trusted me knowing I'm not going to call them and ask them to do something, or invite them to do something unless I think it's really cool and fun and would be good for them as well." This trust helped create an environment where the show attracted a wide range of talent, contributing to its success and appeal.

Looking ahead to the season finale, Hartley promised viewers some exciting developments. He teased that the final five episodes would be like “five separate movies,” gradually unraveling the mystery surrounding Colter’s father. Questions about how his father died, whether there was foul play or an accident, and the presence of another man in the woods will all come to light as the season concludes.

As the story builds toward its climax, fans can expect intense revelations that deepen the intrigue around Colter’s family and past. These elements have kept audiences engaged and eager to see how the series wraps up its current arc.

Beyond the current season, Hartley confirmed that discussions are underway for a potential third season. He revealed there are several ideas in play, including scenarios where Colter might be “set up” and forced to use his survival skills while evading authorities. This new direction would maintain the show’s core themes while exploring fresh narrative territory.

He elaborated, "We have the underlying theme of what we're going to do next year, while not really changing the direction of where our story is going." This balance aims to keep fans invested in the ongoing storyline while expanding Colter’s world and challenges.

Meanwhile, Marshals continues to air on CBS Sundays at 8 p.m. ET, followed by Tracker at 9 p.m. ET and Watson at 10 p.m. ET. For viewers who want to watch episodes without delay, new installments become available the next day on Paramount+.

Overall, the delays experienced by CBS’s Sunday lineup are a byproduct of the network’s dedication to live sports and special broadcasts. While these interruptions can be frustrating for viewers eager to see their favorite dramas on time, they also underscore the importance CBS places on delivering high-profile live events to its audience.

Despite these scheduling challenges, shows like Tracker have thrived, proving their ability to captivate large audiences even with unpredictable start times. The series' continued success highlights CBS’s strategy of cultivating strong spinoffs and expanding its television universes, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.