CBS’s hit procedural Tracker is about to welcome back a familiar face. Following a major cast shakeup ahead of Season 3, the network confirmed that Brent Sexton will reprise his role as Keaton, Coulter Shaw’s trusted ally from Season 2.
The announcement comes just before the show’s midseason finale on December 14, which is set to deliver one of the series’ most intense episodes yet. With Tracker now holding the title of CBS’s most-watched series of the 2025–2026 season, producers are using fan nostalgia and high-stakes storytelling to keep audiences hooked.
As Coulter (Justin Hartley) embarks on a new case in “Good Trouble,” the upcoming episode will not only reintroduce Keaton but also set the stage for big changes in the show’s next chapter — including a new Sunday night time slot when Tracker returns in 2026.
Series Overview: CBS’s Tracker
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Tracker |
| Season | 3 |
| Network | CBS |
| Genre | Action / Crime Drama / Procedural |
| Created By | Elwood Reid |
| Based On | The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver |
| Season 3 Premiere | September 2025 |
| Midseason Finale | December 14, 2025 |
| Time Slot Change | Moves from 8 p.m. ET → 9 p.m. ET on March 1, 2026 |
| Episode 9 Title | “Good Trouble” |
| Episode 9 Air Date | December 14, 2025 |
| Director | Jeff T. Thomas |
| Writers | Elwood Reid & Sharon Lee Watson |
Brent Sexton’s Keaton Returns in “Good Trouble”
After months of speculation, CBS confirmed that Brent Sexton will return as Keaton, a survivalist and ally first introduced in Season 2. His comeback happens in Tracker Season 3, Episode 9 — titled “Good Trouble” — which will serve as the final episode before the show’s winter hiatus.
Keaton originally appeared in three episodes during Season 2 — “Trust Fall,” “Reckoning,” and “The Disciple” — where he became one of Colter’s most trusted partners in the field. His dynamic with Colter quickly became a fan favorite due to their shared code of honor and moral complexity.
In “Good Trouble,” Keaton reunites with Colter under dangerous circumstances. According to CBS’s official synopsis:
“When Colter’s old friend Keaton asks for help finding his former partner, the pair uncover a trail of bodies and a conspiracy that runs deeper than they could’ve imagined.”
TV Pulse Magazine shared exclusive first-look photos showing Colter and Keaton navigating forest terrain and tense standoffs — suggesting that this episode will lean heavily into the show’s survivalist roots.
“Keaton was one of those characters we always intended to bring back,” showrunner Elwood Reid told TV Pulse. “He mirrors a lot of Colter’s moral compass, and this episode tests how far both men are willing to go when the line between good and evil blurs.”
Why Keaton’s Return Matters?
Keaton’s reappearance fills a major emotional and narrative gap in Tracker’s third season. Following the departures of Abby McEnany (Velma) and Eric Graise (Bobby), the show introduced new team members Fiona Rene (Reenie) and Chris Lee (Randy) to fill the void.
However, viewers noted that the chemistry between Colter and his previous allies was a defining strength in earlier seasons. Reintroducing Keaton provides an opportunity to restore that dynamic.
| Departing Characters (Season 2–3) | Replacement Characters (Season 3) |
|---|---|
| Abby McEnany as Velma | Fiona Rene as Reenie |
| Eric Graise as Bobby | Chris Lee as Randy |
| Robin Weigert (Season 1) | Brent Sexton returns as Keaton |
Fans on social media have celebrated the news, with one X (formerly Twitter) user writing:
“Keaton and Colter were the perfect duo — brains and instinct. Bringing him back was the smartest move CBS could make.”
Behind the Scenes: The Making of “Good Trouble”
The midseason finale episode, directed by Jeff T. Thomas, marks his third collaboration with the Tracker team after helming “First Fire” earlier this year.
According to CBS, the episode blends intense physical action with emotional depth — as Colter faces not just the dangers of the wild, but the ghosts of his past partnerships.
“Jeff [Thomas] knows how to balance the tension and heart of the series,” producer Sharon Lee Watson shared. “This episode will feel like both a thriller and a homecoming.”
Tracker’s Dominance on CBS
Since its debut in 2022, Tracker has become a ratings juggernaut for CBS, consistently ranking as one of the network’s top scripted series.
| Season | Average Viewers (Millions) | CBS Ranking | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 (2022–23) | 6.4M | #3 | Breakout freshman hit |
| Season 2 (2024–25) | 7.8M | #2 | Expanded fanbase, critical praise |
| Season 3 (2025–26) | 8.5M (to date) | #1 | Most-watched CBS series this season |
Part of its success stems from its Sunday night slot, which has proven to be a reliable audience magnet for procedural dramas.
Tracker Season 3 Midseason Finale Plot: “Good Trouble”
The upcoming episode promises to intertwine suspense, conspiracy, and redemption — core themes that have defined Tracker since the beginning.
“When Colter’s old friend Keaton asks for help finding his former partner, the pair uncover a trail of bodies and a conspiracy that runs deeper than they could’ve imagined.”
With both men operating outside the law, the episode is expected to push Colter’s moral boundaries as he uncovers corruption linked to a government contractor operating in the shadows of rural Montana.
New Time Slot and 2026 Return
Following its December 14 midseason finale, Tracker will go on hiatus until March 1, 2026. When it returns, CBS will move the series from its current 8 p.m. ET slot to a new 9 p.m. ET–10 p.m. ET window.
The shift is part of CBS’s broader effort to restructure its Sunday lineup while giving Tracker a “prime showcase” following 60 Minutes.
“Tracker has proven it can lead the night,” a CBS spokesperson said. “Moving it to 9 p.m. allows more flexibility for storytelling — and capitalizes on its broad appeal.”
Why Tracker Remains a CBS Powerhouse?
Tracker’s success lies in its unique mix of standalone cases and serialized storytelling, allowing new viewers to jump in while rewarding long-term fans with layered character arcs.
Its blend of survivalism, emotional depth, and mystery has drawn comparisons to series like Reacher and True Detective — though Justin Hartley’s grounded portrayal of Coulter Shaw gives it a distinctly human core.
“Colter is part lone wolf, part moral compass,” said showrunner Elwood Reid. “Every episode asks the same question: How do you stay good in a world that keeps rewarding bad?”
Conclusion
Brent Sexton’s return as Keaton gives Tracker the emotional boost fans have been craving since his last appearance in Season 2. As the series heads into its midseason finale, CBS is proving it knows how to balance change with nostalgia — keeping its top-rated procedural fresh and unpredictable.
With a new time slot, a growing audience, and its strongest storyline yet, Tracker continues to blaze its own trail through primetime television — one case, and one moral test, at a time.
FAQs
The finale airs December 14, 2025, with Episode 9, titled “Good Trouble.”
Brent Sexton returns as Keaton, reuniting with Coulter Shaw (Justin Hartley).
The show resumes March 1, 2026, with a new 9 p.m. ET time slot.
Abby McEnany and Eric Graise departed, replaced by Fiona Rene and Chris Lee.
Jeff T. Thomas, known for his work on First Fire and Fringe, directs “Good Trouble.”
