With Tracker heading into its third season amid major cast changes and narrative recalibrations, fans are both anxious and excited about what’s coming next. The departure of several key characters, including fan favorites Bobby and Velma, has left the series at a crossroads—but also wide open for reinvention. As CBS recommits to Tracker, here’s a detailed look at where the story might go and how Colter Shaw’s journey could evolve in Season 3.
The Lone Wolf: Colter Shaw’s Next Chapter
Colter Shaw (played by Justin Hartley) has always walked the line between hero and outsider. With the loss of close collaborators, Season 3 could see Colter becoming even more self-reliant. However, instead of isolating him entirely, the show may lean into deeper psychological exploration. Viewers could see Colter grappling with guilt over the exits of Bobby and Velma or reflecting on the transience of human connections in his nomadic lifestyle.
The writers might also introduce new moral dilemmas. What happens when Colter is offered a case that forces him to choose between justice and loyalty? Expect the series to double down on his internal conflicts, expanding the emotional depth that Hartley has proven he can deliver.
Reenie’s Role Expands
With Reenie Green now the only other remaining regular from the original supporting cast, her presence will likely become more pivotal. We may see her stepping into a more operational role—perhaps even accompanying Colter in the field. Her dynamic with Colter, once defined by distance and practicality, could become warmer, more familial, or even adversarial depending on how the season unfolds.
Additionally, Reenie’s past—largely unexplored—could become a source of mystery or a subplot of its own. Is she hiding something? Could her motivations clash with Colter’s ethical compass? There’s rich potential in giving Reenie more narrative agency and emotional depth.
A New Team, or None at All?
One of the biggest unknowns is whether Tracker will rebuild its ensemble. The show could go in one of two directions:
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Introduce New Recurring Characters: Perhaps Colter meets a young hacker, a hardened bounty hunter, or a skeptical journalist. These figures could fill the void left by Bobby, Velma, and others, adding tension and novelty to Colter’s cases.
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Go Full Lone Operative: Alternatively, Tracker might lean into its “man alone on the road” concept more heavily. This could make each episode feel more like a standalone psychological thriller, akin to The Fugitive or True Detective. In this version, the only consistent voice might be Reenie’s—heard through earpieces, video calls, or brief check-ins.
Both directions offer narrative freedom, but the latter would allow for thematic experimentation and guest stars without the need to establish another core group.
Season-Long Arc: Colter’s Past Revisited?
Season 3 could take a more serialized approach. Instead of just standalone recoveries and investigations, a season-long mystery tied to Colter’s past could unfold gradually. A cryptic letter, a person from his childhood, or the reappearance of a long-thought-dead family member could kickstart a larger conspiracy.
Fans have long suspected that Colter’s family history—particularly involving his father—still has untapped secrets. If the writers want to deepen Colter’s mythos and humanize his relentless drive, tying his present cases to an unresolved personal truth would be compelling.
More Grounded Cases With Emotional Stakes
The nature of Colter’s work—tracking missing persons—has always given Tracker a human element. Season 3 will likely double down on that emotional core. Cases may get darker, more morally gray, and more reflective of current societal issues. Think: a cult where a teenager vanishes, a corrupt sheriff covering up disappearances, or a missing child whose parents don’t want to be found.
Without Bobby’s humor or Velma’s pragmatism to diffuse tension, the show may lean more serious. Justin Hartley has the acting range to carry that emotional load, but the scripts will need to match the ambition.
Setting the Tone: Will Season 3 Be a Soft Reboot?
Given the significant cast shakeups and creative reset, there’s a chance that Season 3 functions as a soft reboot. New location, new tone, new visual style. Maybe Colter starts operating under a new name, or maybe the consequences of a case go public and force him into hiding.
A reboot approach would allow Tracker to retain its core premise while feeling fresh. It would also give the show a chance to rebuild its identity without betraying loyal viewers.
Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead
While fans may grieve the loss of familiar faces, Tracker Season 3 has an opportunity to take bold creative risks. Whether by exploring Colter’s psyche, introducing high-stakes serialized storytelling, or leaning into the show’s noir roots, the path forward is full of potential.
If the writing rises to the occasion—and CBS continues to trust in Justin Hartley’s star power—Tracker could emerge stronger than ever. The road is still open. And Colter Shaw is still tracking.
