Why There's No New Tracker Tonight (Jan. 26) & When Will Season 2, Episode 9 Release?

Bad news Tracker fans — Justin Hartley's hit TV show isn't new tonight, Sunday, January 26, but the wait for season 2's return is almost over. The CBS action drama series, created by Ben H. Winters, revolves around Hartley as Colter Shaw, an expert survivalist and, as the show's name implies, a renowned tracker. In every episode, Colter accepts a random job from anywhere in the country to find missing people (and other things). However, the Tracker character is also plagued by his mysterious past, which includes the unsolved death of his father and a complex relationship with his brother.

Tracker season 2 will contain 22 episodes, nine more than season 1's episode count.

In the first half of Tracker season 2, Colter continued his episodic work. One of his former cases that he never solved resurfaced during the premiere, though, revealing itself to be Colter's white whale. The mystery of Gina Picket's disappearance has overshadowed Tracker's overarching story behind who killed Colter's father in season 2 so far. However, the second half will likely (and hopefully) circle back around to the show's most significant puzzle, while still featuring Colter attempting to solve Gina's cold case.

Why There's No New Tracker Tonight (January 26, 2024)

The CBS Series Is Still On Its Midseason Break

Following the premiere of Tracker season 2, episode 8, on December 1, 2024, the CBS series went on a hiatus, like most other network TV shows. So, ever since December, Tracker hasn't aired new episodes. The action drama has been on its midseason break for almost two months as of the writing of this article, building up the anticipation for episode 9. However, the show didn't need much fuel after the development in Gina's case in episode 8, leaving viewers to wonder what happens next and if Colter will be able to solve the mystery.

Tracker Season 2 Cast	Role
Justin Hartley	Colter Shaw
Abby McEnany	Velma Bruin
Eric Graise	Bobby Exley
Fiona Rene	Reenie Greene
Jensen Ackles	Russell Shaw
Floriana Lima	Camille Picket
Sofia Pernas	Billie Matalon

Instead of a new Tracker season 2 episode, CBS will be in the midst of airing an NFL Playoff game on Sunday, January 26, at 8 pm ET. After beating the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoffs on January 19, the Buffalo Bills will face off against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs (who won against the Houston Texans in their AFC Divisional Playoff game) on January 26 in the AFC Championship. The game begins at 6:30 pm ET and will run over into Tracker's time slot. Whoever wins advances to Super Bowl LIX on February 9.

When Will Tracker Season 2, Episode 9 Release?

Tracker Comes Back In February

Fans must wait three more weeks for new content from Justin Hartley's CBS show as Tracker season 2 returns with episode 9, "The Disciple," on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 8 pm ET on CBS. Not only will the NFL Playoffs postpone new Tracker episodes, but the 67th Grammy Awards and Super Bowl LIX are also delaying its return. The Grammys air on CBS on February 2, while Super Bowl LIX is scheduled for February 9 on Fox.

Yes, the NFL championship game isn't on CBS. However, other networks don't want to compete with the Super Bowl, which garnered 123.7 million viewers in 2023, making it the most-watched program in the history of American TV. As a result, Tracker season 2 won't return until one week after the big game. It's ultimately for the best if fans don't have to choose between watching Super Bowl LIX or Tracker. The CBS action drama will undoubtedly have higher ratings during the airing of season 2, episode 9, as opposed to if it dropped during the same time as the Super Bowl.

What To Expect From Tracker Season 2, Episode 9

Jensen Ackles Will Reprise His Role As Russell Shaw

The good news is there is much to look forward to when Tracker season 2 returns. According to TVLine, Colter will continue investigating Gina's disappearance (even though Camille broke up with him, wanting to move on from her sister's cold case). He likely won't solve it until later in the season, though. Meanwhile, many former guest actors are expected to appear, including Jensen Ackles as Russell, Jennifer Morrison as Lizzie, and Melissa Roxburgh as Dory, suggesting Colter circles back to his father's murder case. Reenie and Velma will also continue building their new law firm when Tracker season 2 makes its midseason premiere.