In a surprising twist in the television landscape, Justin Hartley’s Tracker has officially lost its crown as the most-watched show on network TV. After a triumphant return to the small screen as Colter Shaw, a survivalist tracker, Hartley’s series has been dethroned by none other than Taylor Sheridan’s Marshals, starring Luke Grimes.
Tracker burst onto CBS in 2024, capturing an impressive 18 million viewers during its Super Bowl LVIII lead-in. The show, based on the novel “The Never Game,” follows Colter Shaw as he uses his unique skills to locate missing persons, often working solo with a remote support team. Despite a strong start and a loyal fanbase, the viewership numbers have seen a decline as the 2025-2026 TV season progresses.
Recent Nielsen ratings reveal that Tracker has fallen to 16.4 million viewers, ranking it seventh overall. In a stunning turn of events, Marshals has surged ahead with 20.7 million viewers, placing it in the third spot, just behind Netflix’s mega-hits Stranger Things and His & Hers. What’s particularly remarkable is that Marshals premiered later in the season, debuting in March with a concise 13-episode run that concluded in late May.
The success of Marshals can be attributed to its connection to the Yellowstone franchise and the creative prowess of Taylor Sheridan. Both shows have been competing fiercely on Sunday nights, often trading places in the ratings. While Tracker still boasts solid numbers, it has experienced a notable drop, raising questions about its future.
As Tracker gears up for its fourth season this fall, changes are reportedly in the works to reinvigorate the series and keep its audience engaged. CBS is undoubtedly pleased to have both Tracker and Marshals in its lineup, ensuring a strong two-hour block on Sunday evenings.
With the rivalry heating up, fans are left wondering: can Tracker reclaim its status, or will Marshals continue to dominate the ratings?
