Justin Hartley’s acclaimed drama series Tracker is poised for a seismic shift in its third season, as it bids farewell to half of its regular cast—Velma and Bobby. Speculations swirl regarding their exits, but will we see them again?
Addressing these transitions, showrunner Elwood Reid shared insights with TV Insider on Friday, September 26, stating, “There’s a possibility [of their return], but for now, in this first installment, it’s a no.”
The third season, which premieres on October 19, will navigate the abrupt absence of Colter’s (Justin Hartley) handler, Velma (Abby McEnany), and hacker Bobby (Eric Graise). Reid teased that “Velma is leaving to reunite with Teddi [Robin Weigert, who exited after season 1] due to established troubles, which will be explained in the first episode. Meanwhile, Bobby will pursue an intriguing job opportunity, revealed in the season opener.”
Reid further elaborated that a core objective for this season is to “broaden the landscape of Reenie’s [Fiona Rene] office.” He confirmed the introduction of Randy [Chris Lee], a compelling character returning from last season to offer his expertise in Denver.
The narrative will draw extensively from key events in season 2 which are set to shape Reenie’s storyline and character development. Reid mentioned, “[She is] navigating through a tough phase—her boyfriend has been shot, her company is facing existential threats, and there was a security breach that has rattled her.” With Randy’s support, the two are expected to embark on a journey that deepens their relationship while also addressing the emotional aftermath of prior traumas.
As the narrative unfolds, Reid hinted at venturing beyond mere plot mechanics to explore the emotional dimensions of Reenie’s character, suggesting, “It’s essential that we showcase the realities of her challenges, as they shape her professional life. Given her ordeal last season, it’s realistic to expect long-term effects on her character. We’ll start developing her persona beyond being the supportive lawyer waiting for Colter’s call—because, quite frankly, that’s hardly the full spectrum of what these characters experience.”
Tracker, which debuted in February 2024, has continuously surprised viewers by shedding core characters over its two-season run. Reid previously scrutinized the reasons behind these casting changes, arguing that they aren’t inherently negative for the show’s evolution. “It’s about reinventing the dynamics,” he argued, dismissing the notion of predictable storytelling.
Reid stated, “The core expectation of the show is for Colter to navigate new situations each episode while encountering fresh cases and peculiar characters, fostering an opportunity for both humor and drama.” As we gear up for an exciting season, Tracker is set to return on CBS on Sunday, October 19, at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes streaming the following day on Paramount+.
