Why Do ‘Tracker’ and ‘Marshals’ Not Start on Time on CBS Sundays?

Understanding the CBS Sunday Night Schedule and Its Delays

CBS Sunday nights have become a staple for viewers who enjoy a mix of drama and mystery with shows like Marshals and Tracker. However, many fans have noticed that these shows rarely start at their advertised times. The primary reason for this consistent delay is CBS’s extensive live sports coverage, especially NFL games, which often run longer than their allotted time slots.

NFL games are a major draw for CBS, attracting millions of viewers every week. Due to the unpredictable nature of live sports—including overtime, reviews, and stoppages—games frequently extend beyond their scheduled end times. This domino effect pushes back the start time of subsequent programs, including the 60 Minutes special that traditionally follows the game. As a result, the entire Sunday night lineup, including Tracker and Marshals, experiences delays.

The Impact of Live Events on ‘Tracker’ and ‘Marshals’ Scheduling

The delays are not limited to football games alone. CBS also broadcasts other live events such as March Madness basketball tournaments and award shows like the CMT Music Awards. These live events can disrupt the regular programming schedule, causing shows like Tracker to be pushed back or rescheduled.

Despite these scheduling challenges, Tracker has managed to achieve remarkable success. Premiering in February 2024, the show quickly became one of CBS’s most-watched broadcasts. Its first season averaged an impressive 18.2 million viewers per episode, making it the most-watched broadcast premiere since the final episode of NCIS with Mark Harmon in 2021. The show’s popularity continued to grow, with the second season premiere attracting 8.3 million viewers—a nearly 10% increase from the season one finale.

Why ‘Tracker’ and ‘Marshals’ Are Worth the Wait

While the delays can be frustrating, the quality and popularity of these shows make them worth tuning in for, even if they don’t start exactly on time. Tracker centers around Colter, a survivalist portrayed by Justin Hartley, who travels across the country solving mysteries. The show’s compelling storytelling and strong cast have earned it a dedicated fanbase.

Justin Hartley has spoken about the show’s success and its impact on his career, highlighting the strong relationships among the cast and crew. He credits the show’s appeal to its unique concept and the talented actors involved, including familiar faces like Jensen Ackles and Sofia Pernas. Hartley also teased exciting developments for the show’s future, promising that the final episodes of the current season would reveal significant plot twists and mysteries about Colter’s past.

How CBS Manages Its Sunday Night Lineup

CBS’s Sunday night schedule typically features Marshals at 8 p.m. ET, followed by Tracker at 9 p.m. ET, and then Watson at 10 p.m. ET. However, the network’s commitment to live sports and special programming means that these times are often flexible. CBS prioritizes live events because they attract large audiences and generate significant advertising revenue.

To accommodate the delays, CBS often streams new episodes of these shows on Paramount+ the following day, allowing viewers to catch up if they miss the live broadcast. This strategy helps maintain audience engagement despite the unpredictable scheduling.

Conclusion

In summary, the reason why CBS’s popular Sunday shows Tracker and Marshals do not start on time is primarily due to the network’s live sports broadcasts and special programming, which frequently run longer than scheduled. While this can be inconvenient for viewers, the high-quality content and engaging storylines of these shows make them well worth the wait. For those who want to avoid the delays, streaming new episodes on Paramount+ the next day is a convenient alternative.

If you’re a fan of gripping mysteries and thrilling drama, don’t miss out on the latest episodes of Tracker and Marshals. Stay tuned to CBS on Sundays and catch up anytime on Paramount+ to enjoy these top-rated shows without the wait!