What Tracker Is and Why It Appears on CBS
Tracker is an action-adventure series starring Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, a skilled operative who works as a government agent and private contractor. The show joined the CBS lineup in early 2024, bringing a serialized, mission-driven format to the network’s schedule. Episodes typically run about 42 minutes, blending tactical operations, dramatic stakes, and character-driven storytelling. CBS airs the series as part of its broader effort to refresh its drama roster with midseason-friendly, fan-friendly content.
Standard CBS Broadcast Schedule for Tracker
On most CBS affiliates, Tracker airs in the 10:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) timeslot, following NCIS: Los Angeles in many regions. This pattern holds during the original broadcast on linear television, where new episodes debut weekly at the same local time on the scheduled air date. Local stations can vary by market, so the clock time may shift by an hour earlier or later depending on the affiliate and time zone. Check your station’s listings or the network’s schedule page for exact local timing in your location.
- Typical national start on CBS: 10:00 PM ET
- Local clock time can vary by market and time zone
- Regular timeslot helps viewers build a consistent viewing habit
How to Find Your Local Tracker Start Time
Because CBS affiliates can rearrange schedules or share broadcast rights, it’s best to confirm the exact local start time for Tracker in your area. Use the network’s schedule tool, your TV provider’s guide, or the station’s website to check your market. Streaming services and cable systems may also list the episode with a slightly different local time stamp if they carry network feeds. Being a few minutes early can help you tune in without missing cold opens or key setup scenes.
Steps to Check Your Station’s Schedule
- Open your web browser or TV guide app.
- Search for CBS and your local station call letters.
- Select the day of the week Tracker is scheduled.
- Look for the 10:00 PM ET entry or the listed local start time.
CBS Streaming and On-Demand Options for Tracker
In addition to linear broadcast, Tracker is available on Paramount+, CBS’s streaming platform. Episodes typically appear on Paramount+ the morning after their original air date, allowing cord-cutters and delayed viewers to catch up. Live streaming through the CBS app or compatible smart TV apps lets you watch the episode at its scheduled local time if you have an active Paramount+ subscription with ads or the higher-tier commercial-free plan. This flexibility reduces the impact of time zone differences and conflicting commitments.
Streaming Access Points
- CBS Broadcast: Local station with an antenna
- Paramount+ with Ads: Live stream of CBS feed
- Paramount+ Premium: Commercial-free same-day access
- On-Demand: Available after initial broadcast
Time Zone Considerations and Delays
Time zones can shift the apparent start time for Tracker depending on where you watch. Viewers on the West Coast see episodes one hour earlier in Pacific Time, while those in the Central Time zone see them an hour earlier than Eastern. Cable or satellite providers may also introduce brief delays due to local commercial insertion or technical overrides. If a station runs longer news blocks, Tracker may start slightly later. When in doubt, check the network or streaming guide minutes before the expected air time.
| Region | Typical Local Start Time | Time Zone |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast | 10:00 PM | Eastern Time (ET) |
| Central | 9:00 PM | Central Time (CT) |
| Mountain | 8:00 PM | Mountain Time (MT) |
| Pacific | 7:00 PM | Pacific Time (PT) |
Episode Release Cadence and Break Patterns
Tracker usually follows a weekly release schedule during its primary season, with new episodes dropping once per week on the same night and time. Breaks can occur during major holidays, preemption windows for special programming, or when the show moves between seasons. Summer reruns and holiday schedules may shift the pattern, so it’s helpful to verify before planning to watch live. When the series returns from a hiatus, CBS typically announces the new premiere date and time through press releases and on-air bumpers.
Staying Updated on Tracker Air Changes
To avoid missing an episode, use a few simple habits. Set a reminder in your calendar for the regular timeslot, enable push notifications in the Paramount+ app if available, and follow CBS and the show’s official social channels for announcements. Subscribing to TV listings in your guide or using third-party tracking tools can also alert you to schedule changes, preemptions, or moves to streaming-only windows. These steps are especially useful when the show transitions between seasons or moves to a new night.
Tracker vs Other CBS Drama Slots
Compared to long-running CBS dramas, Tracker occupies a newer, more flexible slot that can change with network strategy. Established series often keep fixed times for years, while newer entries like Tracker may shift between midseason periods or promotional windows. This means the start time you rely on today could adjust later, especially if CBS reshuffles its fall or midseason schedules. Always confirm the current slot when a new season begins, even if prior seasons followed a dependable pattern.
Summary
Tracker on CBS generally starts at 10:00 PM Eastern Time, with local variations by time zone and market. The show is also available on Paramount+ the morning after its live airing, giving you flexibility if you cannot watch at the scheduled local time. To stay current, check your station’s listing, enable app notifications, and verify the slot when a new season begins.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does Tracker always start at the same time on CBS?
Mostly yes. Tracker usually airs at 10:00 PM ET on CBS, but local markets can shift it. During schedule changes or holidays, the time can move or the episode can be preempted.
Can I watch Tracker live if I use streaming?
Yes. With Paramount+ and a live TV stream that includes CBS, you can watch the episode as it airs locally, matching the same start time in your time zone.
What if my station delays Tracker?
Some stations run longer local news or sports, pushing the start later. Check your on-screen guide or the network’s schedule if the episode doesn’t begin on the usual clock time.
When are Tracker episodes available on demand?
Episodes typically appear on Paramount+ and on-demand through your provider the morning after the live broadcast, letting you catch up at your convenience. Possible but not guaranteed. CBS sometimes shifts newer series to optimize the schedule, so it’s wise to confirm when the next season is announced.