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

The Reason Behind CBS Sunday Night Delays for ‘Tracker’ and ‘Marshals’

CBS viewers eagerly anticipate Sunday night programming, especially hit shows like *Tracker* and *Marshals*. However, many fans have noticed a recurring issue: these shows rarely begin at their advertised times. The primary culprit behind these delays is CBS’s commitment to live sports broadcasts, particularly NFL games, and special programs like *60 Minutes*.

NFL games often run longer than expected due to overtime, extended halftime shows, or other game-day events. Since CBS holds the rights to broadcast these games, the network prioritizes live sports coverage, which inevitably pushes back the start time of subsequent shows. This domino effect means that *60 Minutes*, which typically airs immediately after the games, is delayed, and as a result, *Marshals* and *Tracker* are also pushed back.

How Live Sports Impact CBS’s Sunday Night Schedule

Live sports are unpredictable by nature. Unlike pre-recorded shows, they cannot be paused or cut short to maintain a strict schedule. NFL games, in particular, are known for their potential to extend beyond their allotted time slots. Factors such as game delays, injuries, or overtime periods contribute to this unpredictability.

CBS’s Sunday night lineup is structured around these live events. For example, a typical Sunday night might look like this:

– 7:00 p.m. – NFL Game (live)
– 8:00 p.m. – *60 Minutes*
– 9:00 p.m. – *Marshals*
– 10:00 p.m. – *Tracker*

When an NFL game runs late, *60 Minutes* starts late, which cascades down the schedule, delaying *Marshals* and *Tracker*. This scheduling challenge is a trade-off CBS accepts to provide live sports coverage, which draws massive viewership and advertising revenue.

Other Factors Causing Scheduling Changes

While NFL games are the main reason for delays, other live events and special broadcasts also contribute. For instance, *Tracker*’s first season faced multiple scheduling shifts due to events like March Madness and the CMT Music Awards. These live broadcasts take precedence over scripted shows, causing further delays or rescheduling.

Despite these interruptions, *Tracker* has maintained impressive viewership numbers. The show’s premiere was the most-watched broadcast debut since the final episode of *NCIS* featuring Mark Harmon in 2021, averaging 18.2 million viewers per episode. Its second season continued to dominate ratings, even with an 11-week hiatus between episodes.

What Fans Can Expect From ‘Tracker’ and ‘Marshals’ on CBS

Despite the scheduling challenges, CBS remains committed to delivering quality programming. *Marshals* airs at 8 p.m. ET, followed by *Tracker* at 9 p.m. ET, and *Watson* at 10 p.m. ET on Sundays. New episodes are also available for streaming the following day on Paramount+, providing fans with flexible viewing options.

*Tracker* has been praised for its compelling storyline centered on Colter, a survivalist who travels the country solving mysteries. The show’s lead, Justin Hartley, has expressed excitement about the series’ success and future. He teased that the season finale would reveal key plot twists and that season three might explore new storylines involving Colter being set up and on the run.

Justin Hartley’s Insights on ‘Tracker’s’ Success

Justin Hartley, who plays Colter, recently shared his thoughts on the show’s popularity and the opportunities it has created. He highlighted the strong relationships among the cast and crew, which have contributed to the show’s appeal. Hartley also hinted at exciting developments for the upcoming season, including deeper dives into Colter’s family background and new challenges that will test his survival skills in unexpected ways.

Fans can look forward to a gripping narrative that blends suspense, action, and character-driven drama, making *Tracker* a standout in CBS’s Sunday lineup.

Conclusion

In summary, the reason *Tracker* and *Marshals* often don’t start on time on CBS Sundays is primarily due to the network’s live sports broadcasts, especially NFL games, and special programming like *60 Minutes*. These live events are unpredictable and tend to run longer than scheduled, causing a ripple effect that delays the entire evening’s lineup. Despite these challenges, both shows continue to attract strong viewership and offer engaging content for fans.

If you’re a fan of *Tracker* or *Marshals*, be sure to check out new episodes on CBS Sundays and stream them the next day on Paramount+ to avoid missing any action. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments in your favorite Sunday night shows!