Tracker is likely going through some cast reconfiguration in season 3, but which fan-favorite characters are returning — and which aren’t?
Since Tracker premiered in February 2024, viewers have become accustomed to watching their favorite fictional survivalist Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) travel the country to help solve various missing persons cases with help from his team: handler Velma (Abby McEnany), hacker Bobby (Eric Graise) and attorney Reenie (Fiona Rene). “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. “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.”
Keep scrolling to see which Tracker characters are returning for season 3 — and which aren’t: There would be no Tracker without Hartley’s character, but is there a chance Colter could die later in the series? “I don’t want our audience to forget that this man is mortal, he’s not a superhero. He can die!” Hartley told The Hollywood Reporter in April. “The things he is doing are very, very dangerous.”
Reid elaborated to Us one month later, saying, “There’s the physical element of it. But then there’s also — which I think we’ve seen a few times during the season — there’s the emotional thing that gets to him. I continue to remind ourselves, the writers, that he’s human, he can die and he can get hurt.”
He continued: “Justin is always pitching that we see an episode where Colter is almost dead in the middle of the show and we go back. He’s got all kinds of crazy ideas, but I think that’s what makes the show fun. The minute he becomes like Superman, he is out. That’s not what Justin wants to play — and I don’t think that that’s what the character is.”
The world of Tracker is evolving. As CBS gears up for Season 3, fans are buzzing with questions: Which beloved characters will return? Who’s been written out? And what does this mean for the show’s future? Let’s delve into the cast reconfiguration and what it means for the upcoming season.
The Return of Colter Shaw: Justin Hartley Leads the Way
Justin Hartley, the heart and soul of Tracker, is confirmed to return as Colter Shaw. His portrayal of the lone-wolf survivalist has been central to the show’s success. With Season 3 promising deeper character exploration, fans can expect Colter to face new challenges that test his skills and morality.
Reenie Greene’s Return: Fiona Rene’s Hints at More Backstory
Fiona Rene, who plays attorney Reenie Greene, has expressed her desire to delve deeper into her character’s past. In a March 2025 interview, she hinted at exploring Reenie’s upbringing and family dynamics. If these storylines come to fruition, Season 3 could offer fans a richer understanding of Reenie’s motivations and complexities.
Bobby Exley: Eric Graise’s Status in Season 3
Eric Graise’s portrayal of hacker Bobby Exley has been a fan favorite. However, his future on the show is uncertain. While some reports suggest a return, others indicate that Bobby’s role might be reduced or restructured. Fans will have to wait for official announcements to know Bobby’s fate in Season 3.
Velma Bruin: Abby McEnany’s Potential Return
Abby McEnany’s character, Velma Bruin, has been a steady presence in Colter’s operations. While there hasn’t been official confirmation of her return, the show’s history of reintroducing characters suggests that Velma might make an appearance in Season 3, especially if her storyline intersects with Colter’s new cases.
Russell Shaw: Jensen Ackles’ Role in Season 3
Jensen Ackles’ portrayal of Colter’s estranged older brother, Russell Shaw, added depth to the family dynamics in Season 2. Given the unresolved tensions and family mysteries, it’s plausible that Russell will return in Season 3 to further explore these relationships.
Dory Shaw: Melissa Roxburgh’s Return as Colter’s Sister
Melissa Roxburgh’s character, Dory Shaw, brought emotional depth to the series. While her return hasn’t been confirmed, the show’s focus on family narratives suggests that Dory might reappear in Season 3, especially if her storyline is pivotal to Colter’s journey.
Leo’s Potential Reappearance: Pej Vahdat’s Character
Pej Vahdat’s character, Leo, was introduced in Season 2 as a client with a complex case. While his storyline concluded, the show’s tendency to revisit past characters means that Leo could return in Season 3, especially if his case has lingering implications.
Teddi Bruin: Robin Weigert’s Departure
Robin Weigert’s character, Teddi Bruin, was a key figure in Season 1. However, she did not return for Season 2, and there has been no official explanation for her departure. It’s unlikely that Teddi will return in Season 3, but the show’s ability to bring back characters leaves room for surprises.
Camille Picket: Floriana Lima’s Role
Floriana Lima’s character, Camille Picket, had a significant arc in Season 2. While her return hasn’t been confirmed, the unresolved aspects of her storyline suggest that Camille might reappear in Season 3 to address these lingering threads.
Keaton’s Status: Will He Return?
Keaton, a retired cop who teamed up with Colter in Season 2, left the series after his case concluded. While his return isn’t certain, the show’s history of bringing back characters means that Keaton could make a comeback if his storyline aligns with the new season’s direction.
Character Departures: Teddi Bruin and Others
Several characters, including Teddi Bruin, have exited the series without clear explanations. While some departures are due to creative decisions, others may be influenced by actors’ availability or interest in pursuing other projects. The show’s evolving narrative may lead to further changes in the cast.
Fan Reactions: Speculations and Expectations
Fans have been vocal about their hopes and concerns regarding the cast changes. Many express a desire to see familiar faces return, while others are excited about the potential for new characters and storylines. The show’s ability to balance continuity with innovation will be key to maintaining its fanbase.
Conclusion: What to Expect in ‘Tracker’ Season 3
Season 3 of Tracker promises to be a pivotal chapter in the series. With returning characters, potential new faces, and evolving storylines, fans can look forward to a season that deepens the show’s emotional and narrative complexities. Stay tuned for official announcements and prepare for an exciting new season.
