With Tracker losing three main cast members before season 3, there is potential for new — and even some familiar faces — to join Justin Hartley’s show. Tracker, which debuted in 2024, introduced Us to survivalist Colter Shaw (Hartley) as he travels the country to help find missing people, track down information on criminal cases and more. The procedural quickly found success after being coined the most-watched broadcast premiere since NCIS’ final episode with Mark Harmon in September 2021. Its average viewership was reported to be 18.2 million per episode, according to Paramount+ and broadcast measurements.
Before Tracker returned for season 2, Robin Weigert exited the show. It was later confirmed that Abby McEnany and Eric Graise would be leaving the show as well. Executive producer Elwood Reid previously teased onscreen changes in the show’s future. “I do think it’s evolving. If I can’t evolve those characters — Randy or Reenie or Bobby — they’re not just people that just pick up the phone and go, ‘OK, here is the answer.’ That’s when the show is phoning it in,” he explained to Us Weekly in May 2025. “The challenge is when you got to learn about them, which I thought was interesting.
That’s the challenge of the show is not having it fall into a formula.” “The only rule I really have of the show is each week Colter is going to come to a new place and there’s going to be a new case. How he gets those answers and what he uses on the team, that’s all something that’s up for grabs,” Reid teased. “Meeting these [local] weird characters is something we’re going to try to do more of as the season goes on. Just Colter coming in and interacting with other characters. That’s fun to see Justin flex those muscles with really good guest cast members.”
The world of television is unpredictable, and CBS’s hit series Tracker, starring Justin Hartley, is no exception. After multiple surprising cast exits, fans are left wondering: who should step in to fill the void? Could real-life wife Sofia Pernas be a perfect fit? Could Jesse Lee Soffer, known for his charisma and on-screen presence, bring the right energy to the show? In this deep dive, we’ll explore fan-favorite casting ideas, strategic casting moves, and what the series needs to thrive in future seasons.
The Changing Landscape of “Tracker”
Why “Tracker” Needs a Strong Supporting Cast
Justin Hartley is undeniably the heart of Tracker, but no series survives on a lead alone. With several departures shaking up the ensemble, the show’s emotional core and tension could unravel if not quickly reassembled with compelling replacements.
The Shock of Cast Exits
When beloved characters leave, viewers feel it. Whether it’s creative differences, contract disputes, or narrative redirection, exits can send shockwaves through fandoms and disrupt viewer loyalty. For Tracker, the recent changes present both a challenge and an opportunity.
Star Power Needed – Who Could Step In?
Sofia Pernas – The Obvious (and Brilliant) Choice
On-Screen Chemistry with Justin Hartley
Let’s talk real life meets reel life. Sofia Pernas, Justin Hartley’s wife and a seasoned actress (The Brave, Blood & Treasure), brings both talent and instant chemistry. Their undeniable dynamic could electrify Tracker and create emotional depth.
The Backstory Possibilities
Pernas could play a rival tracker, a shadow from Colter’s past, or even a complicated love interest. The possibilities? Endless. The payoff? Huge.
Jesse Lee Soffer – From Cop to Tracker?
Known and Loved from “Chicago P.D.”
Jesse Lee Soffer knows how to command a scene. His intense presence, paired with the ability to portray inner turmoil, could make him the perfect new addition to Tracker’s lineup. He already has a built-in fanbase, which never hurts.
He Could Be the Gritty Partner or the Mysterious Enemy
Soffer’s versatility could allow him to play anything from a rival tracker, an ex-cop turned mercenary, or even Colter’s long-lost brother. Intriguing, right?
Fan-Casting Wishlist – Let’s Get Creative
Aimee Garcia – The Tech-Savvy Sidekick
Known for her quirky brilliance in Lucifer and Dexter, Aimee Garcia could offer the comic relief and intelligence the show needs. A tracker needs tech support, and Garcia could deliver it with style.
Dylan Minnette – The Young Rookie
13 Reasons Why alum Dylan Minnette could portray a younger, eager tracker in training. His wide-eyed wonder would contrast beautifully with Hartley’s seasoned character.
Danai Gurira – The Unstoppable Force
The Walking Dead and Black Panther star Danai Gurira brings fierceness and gravitas. She’d be perfect as a no-nonsense federal agent who doesn’t trust Colter… but needs him anyway.
The Storylines New Cast Members Could Unlock
Expanding Colter’s Past
New characters could dive into Colter’s mysterious background—ex-military contacts, old flames, even a sibling rivalry could reignite emotional tension and drive plot.
Introducing Global Trackers
Why not bring in talent from around the world? Imagine a South African tracker with a totally different code or a Japanese hunter with cutting-edge tech. The diversity could add texture to the series.
What Makes a Perfect “Tracker” Character?
Grit, Wit, and a Hidden Agenda
Every new character needs to challenge Colter, not just support him. Characters who question his morality or compete with his tracking methods can build richer storylines.
A Strong Moral Compass—or Complete Chaos
Let’s face it, we love antiheroes. A new cast member could be unpredictable, morally grey, or even dangerous. That tension keeps viewers binge-watching.
Should CBS Focus on Big Names or Rising Stars?
The Power of Familiar Faces
Big names like Sofia Pernas or Jesse Lee Soffer bring fan loyalty, which translates into ratings. A recognizable face can draw casual viewers who may not normally tune in.
The Allure of Unknown Talent
Alternatively, casting rising stars allows for fresh storytelling. Think of the buzz Stranger Things got with a mostly fresh-faced cast. Tracker could benefit from that kind of energy.
What Fans Are Saying Online
Social Media Fan Casts Are on Fire
Reddit threads and TikTok edits are teeming with ideas. Fans are rallying for Sofia Pernas, Jesse Lee Soffer, and even surprises like Liza Lapira or Manny Montana.
Viewer Loyalty Hinges on the Right Moves
Let’s not sugarcoat it—viewers are watching to see if CBS gets it right. The wrong casting could lose fans. But the right casting? Instant hit.
Could Recurring Roles Save the Show?
Build a Roster of Guest Stars
Instead of locking in full-time cast members, CBS could rotate high-profile guests each episode—à la Law & Order or Criminal Minds.
Keep the Core Lean, Expand the Universe
Let Hartley lead a compact, elite team but explore a wider universe with interesting one-off characters that keep stories fresh.
Timing Is Everything – Cast Now, or Regret Later
Strike While the Ratings Are Hot
With strong early ratings, Tracker has momentum. Capitalizing now with fresh casting could skyrocket viewership and secure its future.
Waiting Too Long Could Hurt the Narrative
Dragging out cast introductions could stall the plot and turn off viewers already adjusting to the exits.
Our Final Take: Make Bold Casting Moves Now
It’s time for CBS to go bold. The cast exits, while disruptive, are a chance to reinvigorate Tracker and draw new audiences. The next additions to the team should bring charisma, conflict, and chemistry.
Whether it’s real-life couple magic with Sofia Pernas, gritty charm from Jesse Lee Soffer, or wild card genius from an unexpected talent, the next casting decision matters more than ever.
Conclusion
Change isn’t always bad—in fact, it could be exactly what Tracker needs. The show is at a crossroads. With Justin Hartley continuing to deliver magnetic performances, adding the right new characters could elevate Tracker into a long-running franchise. So, CBS… who’s next?
