Thankfully, CBS Starts Tracker’s Course Correction Before It’s Too Late

Tracker starts its much-needed course-correction before things get worse for the Justin Hartley-led series. Ever since it debuted in 2024, the CBS procedural shot up the ratings and became broadcast’s most-watched show. Amid a series of cast changes, including the departure of all members of Colter Shaw’s original team, it has been able to maintain its standing. For the 2025-2026 TV cycle, Hartley’s survivalist has fully revamped its support squad with Reenie taking on a bigger role, leading Randy and even Mel.

For the most part, Tracker still lives and dies with Colter, as the series sticks to its original premise. Considering how successful the show has been, it’s understandable that there has been no sense of urgency to make major changes to how it has approached its storytelling. That said, as Tracker season 3 finally has a worthy competition in Taylor Sheridan’s first network TV play in Marshals, Hartley’s show needs to make some tweaks to how it is handling the series.

Tracker Season 3 Finally Reunites Colter With Reenie & Randy

CBS

Luckily, CBS didn’t wait until it’s too late to make some positive changes to its premier procedural. As beloved as Colter is, Tracker is wasting storytelling potential by keeping him separated from his biggest allies. While being on the ground on his own is part of the show’s DNA, as it’s supposed to highlight how self-sufficient Hartley’s character is, it limits the show’s ability to develop permanent dynamics in the series. Colter does coordinate with Reenie and Randy every episode remotely, but nothing compares to having them share the screen.

That’s exactly what happens in Tracker season 3, episode 15, “No Good Deed,” when Colter’s case involves a personal favor for Randy, whose friend becomes the subject of the weekly case. Throughout the outing, the pair is able to work together in the field. Sure, it puts Randy’s life at risk compared to when he’s only digging for information and behind the computer, but this type of case allows Tracker to establish a stronger connection between Colter and him.

As if that wasn’t enough, Tracker season 3, episode 15 also reunites Colter and Reenie at the end of the hour. Coming together doesn’t have anything to do with the case, which makes it more special. Instead, it’s Colter’s way of personally checking up on her friend and most loyal ally following a particularly harrowing year. Their short reunion in “No Good Deed” is a good reminder that their relationship goes beyond their professional partnership.

Why Tracker Needs To Develop Colter’s Personal Relationships Before Season 3 Ends

Because of the procedural’s unique set-up, the show wasn’t even able to get all of Colter’s original team in one room before Teddi, Velma, and Bobby left Tracker. Fans weren’t even able to see him interacting personally with all of them, which leaves a major hole in its storytelling, considering that the squad was already fully established when the series started. As Tracker crosses its third year, CBS would need a deeper exploration of the project’s characters to ensure its sustainability.

It’s clear that viewers are invested in Hartley’s character and, so far, he has been able to primarily carry the series. However, if Tracker has a chance to be on broadcast TV for a long time, it needs to go beyond its weekly cases and even the Shaw family mystery. Diversifying its storytelling by developing Randy and Reenie’s respective stories, as well as evolving their relationship with Colter adds value to the show, as the public has overarching narratives to follow.