Tracker Season 3 Episode 5 “The Old Ways” Photos & Preview

Tracker Season 3 Episode 5 returns with one of its most atmospheric and unpredictable episodes yet, titled “The Old Ways,” airs Sunday, Nov. 16 (8:30–9:30 PM ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The episode streams next day on Paramount+ for Premium subscribers, and on demand for Essential subscribers the day after.

In “The Old Ways,” four teens vanish while hiking in the Santa Cruz Mountains, leaving behind a mysterious trail of clues that immediately raises red flags. When Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) is brought in to assist, what appears to be a routine search-and-rescue mission quickly becomes something far more sinister. Colter discovers evidence suggesting the group may have been lured—or pushed—into danger by forces they did not fully understand.

As Colter follows the teens’ path deeper into the wilderness, the case takes a shocking turn. His investigation leads him straight to an off-grid community hidden in the mountains—one that thrives on secrecy, strict control, and a deep distrust of outsiders. Their rigid lifestyle, combined with their willingness to protect their way of life at any cost, puts Colter and the missing teens in immediate jeopardy.

Cut off from his team and communications, Colter must rely on his instincts, survival skills, and sheer determination to navigate the group’s unfamiliar rules and uncover the truth behind the teens’ disappearance. The tension rises as he realizes that the community’s leader may be hiding more than just the teens… and that leaving this remote compound with everyone alive may be his most challenging rescue of the season.

The episode features a guest appearance by Emerson Brooks, whose role adds depth and urgency to the unfolding mystery.

Written by Dominique Holmes and directed by Darren Grant, Episode 5 leans into the series’ strengths: rugged landscapes, psychological tension, high-stakes confrontations, and emotional character work. The Santa Cruz setting brings a haunting natural beauty to the hour while emphasizing how easily people can vanish when danger hides in plain sight.

About Tracker

Starring Justin Hartley, Tracker follows Colter Shaw, a skilled survivalist and reward seeker who uses his unique training to locate missing persons and uncover hard-to-find truths. After the life-altering revelations of previous seasons, Colter enters Season 3 more determined than ever to help families find answers while slowly untangling what remains of his own family’s mysterious past.

Supported by allies like Fiona Rene (Reenie Greene) and others who understand the complexities of Colter’s past, he continues navigating a world where every case tests not only his abilities but also his sense of purpose.

Season 3 Episode 5 “The Old Ways” promises a chilling mystery, emotionally charged stakes, and the wilderness-driven suspense that fans return for week after week.