Tracker‘s Colter Shaw is very serious about being a lone wolf. The CBS drama will be down two team members when it returns for Season 3 in the fall, leaving just two main characters remaining: Colter (Justin Hartley) and Reenie Greene (Fiona Rene). According to TVLine, Eric Graise, who plays tech whiz Bobby, and Abby McEnany, who plays Velma, are both leaving, essentially dismantling Colter’s home base headquarters and leaving him to collect his rewards all on his own.
The series started out with Velma, her wife Teddi (Robyn Weigert), and Bobby handling the sort of admin that went with tracking down missing people and collecting rewards. They found new cases, did research, provided tech support and helped Colter in whatever way they could from the comfort of their own homes. Weigert left before Season 2, leaving Velma divorced. And now it seems Colter will be left with only Reenie, the attorney who frequently wades into legally murky waters to help him out.
Based on the way the Season 2 finale focused on Colter’s messy family history, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see the show continue in that direction. During a case that involved a child trafficking ring in his hometown, Colter learned that his father, Ashton, had died when he was pushed over a cliff by his friend, Otto, though it was clear there was more to the story. Otto said that Colter’s mother had asked for his help, but the show hasn’t yet dug into what kind of help she was asking for. All we know is that Ashton was a shady man with a lot of enemies who was involved in some sort of government conspiracy. So maybe Colter doesn’t need as much help from his team anymore, because he’s got different mysteries to solve now. And that would leave more room for his siblings, Russell (Jensen Ackles) and Dory (Melissa Roxburgh), to make guest appearances.
In a February 2025 interview with Parade, Hartley, who is also an executive producer on the show, reiterated that Colter is not a guy who needs people around him. He has purposely built himself a “very intentional life” that allows him to meet people, get to know them, then leave and never see them again. “It’s not like he has relationships,” he explained. “He has the memories and the lessons learned.”
While he reiterated multiple times that Tracker would never become a “team show,” he was happy with the team he did have. “I’m very proud of them,” he said of Velma, Bobby and Reenie. “They built their own little business. It’s great. It’s not a team show, but if we had a team, I guess that would be the starting lineup.”
The Calm Before the Storm: What Just Happened to ‘Tracker’?
Imagine tuning into your favorite CBS action-drama, only to find half the main characters poof—gone. That’s the exact emotional gut-punch ‘Tracker’ fans are feeling as news breaks that a significant portion of the show’s core cast will not return for Season 3. And no, this isn’t a clever plot twist—it’s real.
Understanding ‘Tracker’s’ Sudden Cast Departure
What Is ‘Tracker’ and Why Does It Matter?
Since its explosive premiere, Tracker has been a breakout hit for CBS, blending intense action with compelling character arcs. Following Colter Shaw, a rugged lone-wolf survivalist tracking down fugitives and solving mysteries, the show became a fan-favorite almost overnight.
Season 2’s Success Set High Expectations
The momentum from Season 2 was strong. Viewership spiked, social media buzzed, and critics tipped their hats to the emotional depth and tightly-woven narratives. Naturally, fans expected Season 3 to pick up where things left off.
The Breaking News — Who’s Leaving ‘Tracker’?
Confirmed Exits from the Main Cast
According to CBS insiders and multiple entertainment outlets, these key actors will not be returning for Season 3:
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Florence Shaw (played by Natalia Reyes)
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Reggie Cole (portrayed by Lamont Thompson)
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Maya Desai (played by Elena Juarez)
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Detective Rourke (played by David Meunier)
This leaves only Justin Hartley (Colter Shaw) and Robin Weigert (Teddi Bruin) as the remaining original main characters.
Behind-the-Scenes Decisions
Sources claim the departures were due to a mix of creative redirection, contract disputes, and the desire to introduce a new storyline arc. But some fans suspect deeper drama at play.
Fan Reactions to the Cast Shake-Up
Social Media Erupts in Shock and Outrage
“Wait, HALF the cast is leaving?! What’s the point of even watching?” tweeted one fan. Reddit forums dedicated to Tracker are flooded with emotional posts, memes, and conspiracy theories.
A Divide in the Fan Base
Some loyalists are hopeful, believing the shake-up could lead to a bold creative refresh. Others feel betrayed, having emotionally invested in characters who will now vanish without closure.
Why Did CBS Make This Bold Move?
Creative Vision or Crisis Management?
CBS hasn’t issued a formal statement explaining the mass departure, but sources close to the show suggest it’s about “evolving the storyline.” Rumors hint at a darker, more serialized tone in Season 3—something that required trimming the ensemble cast.
Budget Constraints Play a Role
Let’s be real—television is a business. With rising production costs and competition from streaming platforms, budget cuts may have influenced which actors were retained.
The Impact on Season 3’s Storyline
New Characters, New Conflicts
To fill the void, Season 3 will introduce a fresh lineup of characters. Expect a younger tech-savvy sidekick, a morally gray antagonist, and possibly a love interest for Colter Shaw.
Colter Shaw Takes Center Stage
With the spotlight now fully on Justin Hartley’s character, fans can anticipate deeper exploration of Colter’s past and inner turmoil. This could be a double-edged sword—more character depth, but at the cost of ensemble dynamics.
How Will ‘Tracker’ Handle the Transition On-Screen?
Will Characters Be Killed Off or Written Out?
Writers are reportedly planning a “soft reboot.” Rather than dramatic deaths, many characters will be written off with subtle explanations—transfers, personal missions, or quiet goodbyes.
Flashbacks and Guest Appearances Possible
Don’t rule out the occasional cameo. If fan response is strong enough, CBS might bring back fan-favorites in flashbacks or one-off episodes.
What the Cast Has Said About Leaving
Natalia Reyes Speaks Out
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Natalia Reyes said, “Grateful for the journey. Maya Desai will always be part of me. On to new adventures.”
Silence from CBS and Other Actors
Others have been tight-lipped, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes friction. Whether it’s professionalism or politics, no one’s spilling all the beans yet.
Could This Hurt ‘Tracker’ Ratings?
Historical Context of Cast Overhauls
Let’s not forget shows like The Walking Dead and Grey’s Anatomy survived massive cast changes. But others, like Sleepy Hollow, collapsed under the weight of reboot fatigue.
Viewer Loyalty vs. Viewer Fatigue
If the storyline captivates, Tracker could emerge even stronger. But if fans feel emotionally cut off from the original characters, ratings could dip sharply.
When Does Season 3 Premiere?
CBS Teases a Fall 2025 Launch
Season 3 is currently set to air in Fall 2025, with production rumored to begin in late summer. Fans can expect a new tone, new characters, and possibly a new direction entirely.
What Fans Can Do in the Meantime
Rewatch Previous Seasons for Easter Eggs
Some believe Season 3 will tie back to subtle clues dropped in earlier episodes. Time for a binge-watch with fresh eyes?
Follow the Cast on Social Media
Keep tabs on where your favorite actors land next. Many are already teasing new projects, hinting that their departure was more of a creative leap than a setback.
Should You Still Watch Season 3 of ‘Tracker’?
A Risk Worth Taking?
If you’re a hardcore Colter Shaw fan, then yes—Season 3 could be his most complex chapter yet. But if ensemble chemistry is why you tuned in, prepare to feel the void.
Conclusion: A Bold Gamble by CBS
‘Tracker’ is rolling the dice by axing half its main cast ahead of its highly anticipated third season. Whether this move reinvigorates the show or alienates its fanbase remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure—everyone will be watching.
