In a surprising twist for fans of CBS’s hit survivalist drama Tracker, showrunner Elwood Reid has reportedly revealed significant cast changes for the upcoming third season, set to air in the 2026-2027 broadcast season. According to recent buzz, key characters Teddi Bruin and Bobby Exley will not return, leaving Colter Shaw to face his toughest challenges alone. While these claims have sparked heated discussions among fans, they align with the show’s evolving narrative and Reid’s vision for a more intense, character-driven storyline.
Tracker, starring Justin Hartley as the rugged survivalist Colter Shaw, has captivated audiences since its debut, with Season 2’s finale drawing over 18 million multiplatform viewers. The Season 2 finale, written by Reid and directed by Ken Olin, saw Colter return to Echo Ridge, California, confronting family secrets surrounding his father’s death. The emotional weight of these revelations set the stage for Season 3, which Reid has teased will dive deeper into Colter’s personal struggles and professional challenges.
However, the rumored departure of Teddi Bruin (played by Robin Weigert) and Bobby Exley (Eric Graise) has left fans reeling. Weigert’s exit was partially foreshadowed in Season 2, when Teddi and her wife, Velma (Abby McEnany), separated due to family drama involving Teddi’s mother. Reid explained to Entertainment Weekly that the separation was a narrative choice to address Weigert’s absence, but he stopped short of confirming her permanent exit. Now, sources close to the production claim Teddi’s storyline has reached its end, with Colter no longer relying on her as a handler. Similarly, Bobby Exley, the brilliant hacker who has been instrumental in Colter’s missions, is said to be written out, with Reid reportedly wanting to shift focus to Colter’s self-reliance. These changes would leave Velma and lawyer Reenie Greene (Fiona Rene) as Colter’s primary allies, fundamentally altering the team dynamic.
While these departures are unconfirmed by CBS, they fit Reid’s comments about exploring larger, arced storylines. In a recent interview with TV Line, he expressed enthusiasm for revisiting Season 2’s “The Night Movers” arc, hinting at a narrative that pushes Colter into uncharted territory. Without Teddi and Bobby, Colter may face heightened stakes, relying solely on his survivalist skills to navigate dangerous jobs. Fans speculate this could introduce new characters or bring back a mysterious ally from Season 2, adding fresh tension to the series.
The news has divided the Tracker fanbase. On X, some praise the bold move, arguing it will showcase Hartley’s ability to carry the show solo, while others lament the loss of Teddi and Bobby’s chemistry. Reid’s track record suggests he’s unafraid to take risks, as seen in Tracker’s shift toward serialized storytelling, a departure from traditional network TV.
As anticipation builds for Season 3, the absence of official confirmation keeps fans guessing. Will Colter truly go it alone, or will Reid surprise viewers with a twist? One thing is certain: Tracker is poised to deliver another gripping chapter.
