Tracker Season 3, set to premiere on CBS on October 19, 2025, is poised for a dramatic transformation with the departure of two series regulars, Eric Graise and Abby McEnany. With Justin Hartley and Fiona Rene remaining as the core original cast, these changes signal a bold shift in the show’s direction. While fans may miss familiar faces, the evolving cast dynamics promise a revitalized narrative, sharper character focus, and heightened emotional stakes.
A New Chapter for Tracker
The upcoming season of Tracker marks a pivotal moment for the series, which follows Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist played by Justin Hartley. The exits of Graise, who portrayed hacker Bobby, and McEnany, who played handler Velma, address longstanding issues with the show’s ensemble chemistry. Their departures allow the series to streamline its storytelling, focusing on Colter’s gripping investigations and personal journey while introducing fresh dynamics to keep viewers engaged.
Why the Cast Changes Make Sense
In its first two seasons, Tracker faced challenges in balancing its ensemble cast. Bobby and Velma, while talented, often felt underutilized, their roles limited to brief phone interactions with Colter. These scenes, though functional, lacked the emotional depth needed to connect with audiences. The writing struggled to integrate them fully into Colter’s world, making their characters feel more like plot devices than integral team members.
Season 2’s “The Mercy Seat” episode highlighted these issues, with a forced subplot that failed to enhance Colter’s central narrative. Graise’s absence in six episodes and McEnany’s diminished role after the exit of Teddi (Robin Weigert) in Season 1 further underscored the narrative disconnect. By letting go of these characters, Tracker Season 3 frees itself from the burden of justifying their presence, paving the way for a more cohesive story.
Chris Lee’s Randy: A Game-Changer for Tracker
One of the most exciting developments for Season 3 is the expanded role of Chris Lee as Randy, a character introduced in Season 2. Randy’s vibrant energy and natural charisma have already won over fans and critics alike. Showrunner Elwood Reid, in an interview with Us Weekly, praised Lee’s ability to bring a fresh dynamic to the series, breaking away from the repetitive “phone-a-friend” format that limited earlier seasons. Randy’s hacking expertise makes him a seamless replacement for Bobby, while his lively presence adds a new layer of excitement to the show.
Randy’s chemistry with Hartley’s Colter is undeniable, creating compelling on-screen moments that elevate the series. This dynamic allows Tracker to move away from its earlier ensemble-heavy approach and focus on a tighter, more engaging narrative centered on Colter’s investigations and personal arc.
A Sharper Focus on Colter Shaw
Tracker Season 3 is doubling down on its greatest asset: Justin Hartley’s portrayal of Colter Shaw. The show is shifting toward a single-protagonist focus, emphasizing Colter’s skills as a survivalist and tracker. This leaner approach highlights his lone-wolf persona while deepening the exploration of the Shaw family mystery, which ended Season 2 on a gripping cliffhanger.
Fiona Rene’s Reenie remains a key player, her sharp wit and strong rapport with Colter adding depth to their scenes. Though Reenie and Randy may appear less frequently, their moments are designed to carry greater impact, ensuring every interaction resonates with viewers. Reenie’s new law firm storyline also promises to add a fresh dimension to her character, blending personal growth with the show’s action-packed investigations.
What to Expect in Season 3
The cast changes allow Tracker to refine its storytelling, focusing on Colter’s strengths while introducing diverse guest stars to maintain representation and variety. The show’s creators are leveraging Randy’s charisma and Reenie’s dynamic presence to craft a tighter, more compelling narrative. By trimming underutilized characters, Tracker can explore deeper personal arcs and deliver emotionally resonant moments.
The Season 2 cliffhanger, centered on the Shaw family mystery, sets the stage for a thrilling new chapter. With a streamlined cast and renewed focus, Tracker Season 3 is poised to deliver its most engaging season yet, blending heart-pounding action with rich character development.
