Season 3 Officially Greenlit — Premiere Set for October 2025
CBS formally renewed Tracker on February 20, 2025, acknowledging its strong performance—averaging over 17 million viewers per episode. Recently, the network confirmed that Season 3 will premiere on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. The series will anchor CBS’s fall lineup and continue its primetime return.
Major Cast Departures and New Additions
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Departing Series Regulars:
Eric Graise (Bobby Exley) and Abby McEnany (Velma Bruin) have exited the show, joining Robin Weigert (Teddi Bruin) who left before Season 3. Their absence marks a clear change in the series’ core team structure. -
Returning Key Figures:
Only Justin Hartley (Colter Shaw) and Fiona Rene (Reenie Greene) remain confirmed as returning regulars. Reenie’s role is expected to expand significantly. -
Jensen Ackles Set to Return:
Ackles will reprise his role as Russell Shaw, Colter’s estranged brother, confirmed in an Instagram video filmed on set. His presence suggests that early episodes may revolve around unresolved family tension.
Storyline Direction: Emotional Depth & Serialized Format
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Sharper Psychological Stakes:
Justin Hartley revealed in interviews that Season 3 will explore the implications of Colter learning Otto (not Russell) was responsible for their father’s death—under orders from their mother, Mary. The story will also examine whether Colter becomes framed, leading him to evade law enforcement while pursuing the truth. -
From Procedural to Serialized:
Insiders report that Season 3 will lean toward a serialized narrative structure—moving away from standalone episodes and introducing emotional arcs that span multiple installments.
Season 3 Snapshot
| Topic | Update |
|---|---|
| Renewal Date | February 20, 2025 |
| Premiere | October 19, 2025, 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS |
| Leaving Cast | Bobby (Eric Graise), Velma (Abby McEnany), Teddi (Robin Weigert) |
| Returning Regulars | Colter (Justin Hartley), Reenie (Fiona Rene), Russell (Jensen Ackles) |
| Story Focus | Shaw family mystery, emotional trauma, serialization |
| Tone | Darker, more introspective, character-driven |
What This Means for the Show
With longtime cast members gone and tension around the Shaw family rising, Season 3 promises to be Tracker’s most emotionally charged chapter yet. The return of Russel Shaw injects familial conflict into Colter’s life, while Reenie’s expanded presence offers continuity amid change. The move toward serialized storytelling also opens opportunities for deeper narrative payoffs and character arcs.
CBS appears committed to maintaining the series’ momentum and legitimacy amid significant changes—promising a season that’s both grounded in personal stakes and visually bold.
