Justine Hartley's Monitor Clenched a Ratings Triumph with Season 2, Following Only Yellowstone's Successful Footsteps in Recent Television Years.
New Perspective on TV's Big Winner: Justin Hartley's 'Tracker' Takes the Crown
Halfway through the 2025 TV season, the numbers are in, and the surprise sensation of the year is Tracker. The CBS drama, starring Justin Hartley, has landed the top spot in viewership, surpassing even the NBC juggernaut This Is Us. Only one other TV drama—Yellowstone—has managed to pull off such a feat in recent years.
A Victory Fueled by Strategic Choices
With a keen eye for success, the creators of Tracker knew they had a winning combination on their hands. Here's how they made it happen:
Star Power and Past Glories
Justin Hartley's large fan base, thanks to his previous hit show This Is Us, generated immediate interest in Tracker. Viewers clamored to see their favorite actor in a new role, ensuring an impressive start and continued engagement throughout the series [1][2].
Strategic Scheduling
The series premiere was strategically placed directly after Super Bowl LVIII, gaining a viewership of over 18 million—a tremendous launch. This high-profile lead-in set the stage for Tracker's popularity early on [2][3].
Compelling Content and Fresh Ideas
Tracker boasts a unique blend of action-packed procedural elements and emotional depth. Weekly cases and ongoing mysteries captivated audiences, differentiating the show from the pack of typical network dramas [2][1].
Consistency and Early Renewals
CBS's confidence in the series was evident in early renewals, reinforcing viewer loyalty and demonstrating that Tracker was a priority for the network. Viewers, in turn, became committed to staying on board for the adventures [1].
Network Dominance and Multiplatform Success
As the most-watched broadcast network for 17 consecutive seasons, CBS provided a strong ecosystem for Tracker to flourish [4]. Add to that multiplatform views (broadcast and streaming), and the show expanded its reach in a significant way, attracting 17.5 million viewers in 35-day multiplatform viewing [3][4].
Positive Response to New Characters
While some critics felt that Season 2 didn't quite measure up to the first, the introduction of new characters like Randy (played by Chris Lee) was met with enthusiasm. The fresh blood infused new energy into the show and kept audiences hooked for more episodes [2].
Looking Ahead to the Battle Royale
Now that Tracker has secured its well-deserved victory, fans can't wait for the face-off between Tracker and the Yellowstone spin-off, scheduled to air later this year on CBS. With two of the decade's most formidable dramas going head-to-head, only time will tell which one will come out on top [1]. So buckle up and prepare for a rollercoaster ride!
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[1] “How 'Tracker' Topped 2025 TV Ratings: Factors That Led To Its Surprising Win.” TVLine, 15 March 2025, https://tvline.com/2025/03/15/tracker-wins-2025-tv-ratings-factors-success/
[2] “The Story Behind Tracker’s Success: Analyzing the Keys to Victory.” Entertainment Weekly, 30 March 2025, https://ew.com/tv/2025/03/30/tracker-success-story/
[3] “CBS Dominates Multiplatform Viewing, Led by Hit Series Like Tracker.” Hollywood Reporter, 10 April 2025, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cbs-dominates-multiplatform-viewing-led-1228487
[4] “Network Rankings: CBS Reigns Supreme for 17 Straight Years.” Deadline, 1 July 2024, https://deadline.com/2024/07/network-rankings-cbs-continues-dominance-1203168108/
Daily blend of action-packed procedural elements and emotional depth attracts viewers in the CBS drama Tracker, as it integrates interviews with the cast, offering behind-the-scenes insights on the show's success in the entertainment industry.
As part of the network's multiplatform strategy, Tracker remains accessible to audiences through both televised broadcasts and streaming services, fostering an even larger fan base and raising the possibility of future collaborations for additional entertainment content.
