A Bigger Cast, Higher Stakes
As Tracker gears up for its highly anticipated third season, new casting developments have begun to emerge—hinting at fresh characters, complex alliances, and possibly even new antagonists. With the series’ core cast returning, CBS is ready to shake things up and deepen the dramatic stakes for Colter Shaw and his team.
Justin Hartley returns as Colter Shaw, the morally complex tracker-for-hire whose cases often blur the line between justice and obsession. But this time, he won’t be working alone. CBS has confirmed that three new recurring characters will be introduced in Season 3, and their involvement could change the course of Colter’s journey forever.
New Characters Joining the Series
Among the new additions is María Canales, a sharp FBI profiler with a personal grudge against Colter’s style of rogue justice. Played by Queen Sugar’s Bianca Lawson, María is described as “relentless, calculating, and unwilling to compromise”—a perfect foil to Colter’s instinctual approach. Early scripts suggest she’ll be assigned to monitor Colter’s operations, setting up potential conflicts that could turn hostile.
Also joining is Evan Maddox, a wilderness survivalist and former acquaintance from Colter’s early days tracking in Montana. Portrayed by Longmire alum Zahn McClarnon, Evan is part mentor, part rival, and may harbor secrets from Colter’s past that he’s tried to forget.
Finally, the casting of Jenna Qualls, a mysterious tech-savvy private investigator, has raised eyebrows. Played by Yellowjackets breakout Courtney Eaton, Jenna is rumored to have ties to Bobby Exley’s hacker circles—and possibly his past. Whether she’s friend or foe is still unclear.
Returning Favorites Confirmed
In addition to Justin Hartley, Season 3 will see the return of:
- Robin Weigert as Velma, Colter’s logistical anchor and legal advisor
- Eric Graise as Bobby Exley, the show’s heart and digital brain
- Fiona Rene as Reenie Greene, whose expanded role in Season 2 garnered critical acclaim
- Jennifer Morrison as Vicki Hounsley, who ended last season in a precarious alliance with Colter
Showrunner Elwood Reid hinted that Vicki’s motivations will be “central to at least three major cases” in the new season, suggesting her backstory and potential betrayal arc will take center stage.
Guest Appearances and Crossovers?
Fans are also buzzing about a potential crossover episode with Fire Country, following the runaway success of the CBS franchise model. While not officially confirmed, several cast members—including Max Thieriot—have expressed interest in collaborating, and insiders suggest a shared storyline involving wildfire investigation may already be in early stages of development.
Additionally, a guest spot from Michael Emerson (Person of Interest) is being considered, possibly in the role of a manipulative cult leader—a case Colter is rumored to take on in Episode 4.
Expanding the Universe
With its growing ensemble, Tracker appears to be positioning itself as more than just a case-of-the-week series. Season 3 will reportedly focus on character-driven arcs, deeper emotional stakes, and long-form storytelling. This evolution may bring the series into line with other CBS procedural dramas that blend mystery with serialized drama.
CBS drama executive Amy Reisenbach noted: “Our viewers want depth, not just thrills. Tracker is now at a point where we can take real narrative risks.”
Conclusion
Season 3 of Tracker is shaping up to be the most ambitious yet. With bold new characters, expanding mysteries, and emotionally charged returns, the show is evolving without losing the action and moral complexity that made it a breakout hit. Whether you’re here for Colter’s search for truth, the suspenseful cases, or the ever-complicated relationships—Season 3 promises to deliver more of what makes Tracker irresistible.
Stay tuned as CBS releases more casting updates and teases leading up to the Season 3 premiere in fall 2026.
