With Season 3 of Tracker on the horizon, CBS has stirred a whirlwind of discussion—and disappointment—among fans by reducing the show’s main cast to just two returning characters. After a strong two-season run, which included intense survival missions, mysterious disappearances, and emotional reunions, the series now finds itself at a surprising turning point. The upcoming season will center almost exclusively on Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) and Reenie Green (Fiona Rene), a bold shift that many fans didn’t see coming.
A Cast Once Full of Life, Now Cut Down to Bare Bones
In its first two seasons, Tracker captivated audiences with its ensemble cast. Characters like Bobby Exley (Eric Graise), the tech-savvy and witty sidekick, and Velma Bruin (Abby McEnany), Colter’s logistics-savvy ally, quickly won over viewers. Their quirky banter, reliable support, and personal subplots gave Tracker its heartbeat. Now, with the announcement that both Bobby and Velma won’t be returning in Season 3, fans are left reeling.
The exit of these beloved characters has been met with an outpouring of frustration and sadness on social media. “The show wasn’t just Colter,” one fan tweeted. “Bobby and Velma brought balance and heart. Without them, it’s just a lonely guy on the road.” Many echo this sentiment, worrying that the absence of these characters will make Tracker feel hollow or overly procedural.
Why Did the Cast Shrink?
CBS has remained tight-lipped about the exact reasons behind the cast shake-up. However, reports suggest a combination of creative direction and budgetary constraints influenced the decision. Sources inside the production hinted that the new season will adopt a more “stripped-down” approach, focusing exclusively on Colter’s solo missions and delving deeper into his personal mythology, especially the unresolved mystery surrounding his father’s disappearance.
While some applaud the idea of simplifying the show and turning it into a psychological journey, others argue that the magic of Tracker lay in the found family dynamic that developed between Colter, Bobby, Velma, and Reenie.
The Weight Now Rests on Justin Hartley’s Shoulders
With only two characters now carrying the narrative—Justin Hartley’s Colter and Fiona Rene’s Reenie—Season 3 faces a heavier burden to deliver. Hartley, already central to the show’s success, will now be more responsible than ever for anchoring both the emotional and narrative arcs. The question remains: Can one man, no matter how charismatic, maintain the momentum of a show that once relied on a full ensemble?
To his credit, Hartley is no stranger to carrying emotional weight, as fans of This Is Us well know. His portrayal of Colter—vulnerable yet resourceful, haunted yet determined—has earned praise. Still, even the most compelling lone wolf can feel adrift without a tribe.
Fiona Rene’s Return Is a Bright Spot
One piece of good news is the return of Fiona Rene as Reenie Green. Her chemistry with Hartley has grown steadily over the past two seasons. Though she was introduced primarily as a supporting character, Reenie has evolved into Colter’s confidante and strategic partner. With her role expanded in Season 3, fans hope she can fill some of the emotional void left by the departed characters.
Rene’s grounded performance, combined with her character’s strong moral compass, has the potential to offer both emotional depth and practical tension. However, whether the show will deepen her backstory or simply use her as a narrative tool remains to be seen.
Can Season 3 Survive the Shake-Up?
For longtime fans of Tracker, the Season 3 reconfiguration is a risky gamble. Some see potential in the new direction—a more personal, focused journey for Colter Shaw, with tighter storytelling and higher emotional stakes. Others fear that without its colorful supporting cast, the show may lose its soul.
CBS has promised “a reinvention” of Tracker in Season 3, but for many viewers, reinvention must include more than just darker storylines and fewer characters—it must also retain the heart that made the show special in the first place.
As fans wait for new trailers, sneak peeks, and eventually the premiere date, one thing is certain: Tracker is entering unfamiliar terrain, and only time will tell whether it can survive—and thrive—with only two main characters steering the ship.
