Tracker will return for a third season on October 19, 2025. Big changes are happening in the cast. Some characters are leaving and others are coming back. Colter Shaw will have to deal with secrets about the death of his father for most of the story.
Fans can also look forward to seeing his brother, Russell, come back for more action. This blog has the most recent information on the show’s cast, plot, release date, and how it’s changing.
What’s the Latest on Tracker Season 3?
Image © 2024 CBS Studios / Elwood Reid / Justin Hartley
Tracker‘s third season is now being made and will start airing on CBS this fall. The story keeps following the titular tracker, Colter Shaw, played by Justin Hartley, as he takes on new cases all over the country.
This season goes into Colter’s family history more deeply and reveals secrets about how his father died. Fans can look forward to new episodes, more changes, and the return of important characters.
Plot and Production Developments
The first episode of season 3 is called “The Process.” It’s mostly about Colter trying to deal with the shocking truth about his dad, Ashton Shaw.
As more clues come in, Colter’s brother Russell Shaw (Jensen Ackles) teams up with him and lawyer Reenie Greene (Fiona Rene) to find a missing wife and daughter. An underground operation that is very dangerous is linked to this case.
- Main storyline: While looking into a new case, Colter struggles with the death of his father.
- Russell returns: Russell, Colter’s brother, joins him in the search for the truth.
- Supporting roles: Fiona Rene plays Attorney Reenie Greene, a lawyer who backs up the investigation.
- Family angle: Season looks at how the Shaw family’s problems affect their relationships.
Behind-the-Scenes: Cast Energy and On-Set Teasers
In an Instagram video, Justin Hartley confirmed Tracker returns. Fiona Rene, Jensen Ackles, and other actors are in it with him and are excited about filming. These updates made streaming viewers and die-hard fans very happy, especially those who have been waiting for new episodes since season 2 ended.
- Fan reactions: Fans liked how active the cast was and shared pictures from the set as a tease.
- Production update: The filming really started in August.
- Hartley’s role: As the lead and executive producer, Justin Hartley does a great job.
- Returning cast: Jensen Ackles and Fiona Rene have both agreed to be in early episodes.
Will There Be a Tracker Season 3 Release Date?
Image © 2024 CBS Studios / Elwood Reid / Justin Hartley
Yes, CBS has officially announced when season 3 of Tracker will start. The show will air at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 19, 2025. This October 19, 2025, Sunday slot makes it ready to attract both old fans and people who have never watched it before.
CBS Confirms Season 3 Premiere Date
Tracker season 3 is set to come out in the fall and try to pick up where the last season left off. CBS has also stepped up its marketing for the show ahead of time, hinting at some very dramatic scenes.
- Air date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
- Time slot: 8 p.m. ET on CBS
- Network focus: Set up as a main drama for CBS’s schedule
Season Structure: Number of Episodes & Format
CBS hasn’t said how many episodes there will be in season 3, but the premiere will be a two-hour special with Jensen Ackles. This points to a stronger focus on family drama and a more focused story.
- Premiere format: Night one had two episodes.
- More Russell: Jensen Ackles is in both of the premieres.
- Expected arc: Pay attention to emotional stakes and telling stories in a series.
Who Is Leaving Tracker Season 3?
Image © 2024 CBS Studios / Elwood Reid / Justin Hartley
Some of the original cast members will not be back for season 3. Bobby Exley was played by Eric Graise, and Velma Bruin was played by Abby McEnany. They will not be there in Season 3. These departures make the season 3 cast smaller, but they make room for deeper stories.
Original Cast Members Not Returning
Eric Graise and Abby McEnany’s departures leave just two core characters: Fiona Rene as Reenie Greene and Justin Hartley as Colter. Hartley’s conversations with Elwood Reid showed a move away from “phone-in” roles.
- Leaving the show: Eric Graise and Abby McEnany
- Previous absence: While Bobby Exley was away for a few episodes in season 2
- Reduced focus: After Velma Bruin’s story ended, McEnany’s part became less important.
- Creative direction: Hartley agrees that repeated phone scenes slowed things down.
Why They’re Gone: Creative Vision Behind Departures
Elwood Reid, who runs the show, wanted Tracker‘s season to focus more on direct interactions. Season 3 gets rid of the “helper” characters and adds new ones.
- New energy: Chris Lee comes back to play Bobby’s cousin Randy.
- Fresh tone: More actions in person and less talking from afar.
- Departures confirmed by: Both IMDb and TVLine.
Will Jensen Ackles Be in Season 3 of Tracker?
Image © 2024 CBS Studios / Elwood Reid / Justin Hartley
Russell Shaw is back for season 3 of Tracker, and he stays longer this time. Fans were let down by his short appearance after being teased about him all through season 2. CBS now says for sure that Jensen Ackles will be back for at least two full episodes.
He works with Colter Shaw to solve a big case that has something to do with the secret past of their family. Russell Shaw is very important in bringing up long-buried truths as Colter deals with the death of his father.
Russell Shaw’s Role in the Premiere Arc
Russell Shaw helps Colter look for missing people in Echo Ridge in the first episode of season 3. This makes both brothers face the murder of their father for the first time. There is also Fiona Rene as Attorney Reenie Greene and Mary Dove Shaw, Colter’s mother, in the case.
- Return confirmed by CBS: In the two-hour season 3 premiere, Jensen Ackles is seen.
- Family focus: Colter tries to deal with the shocking truth about Ashton Shaw’s past.
- Team dynamic: Russell teams up with Colter Shaw and Reenie Greene.
Potential for a Bigger Family Plotline
Tracker changes from being a lone wolf to exploring families in more depth. Even though McEnany’s characters and Robin Weigert are leaving, Hartley and Reid told the press that they wanted this season to have more personal stakes.
- Broader arcs: Focus goes beyond one-time cases.
- Deeper ties: Looks into the noble rot in the Shaw family history.
Final Thoughts
After the shocking truth about Colter’s father’s death, Justin Hartley leads a deeper story in Tracker season 3. This season brings big changes after season 2. Russell teams up with Colter Shaw in the season 3 premiere, which raises the emotional stakes.
Russell Shaw is played again by Jensen Ackles, and Reenie Greene is played very well by Fiona Rene. Reid warned fans that things would be different from the past, and McEnany’s characters are no longer a part of Tracker.
FAQs
Did the Tracker get canceled?
No, Tracker is not canceled. Tracker season 3 is confirmed and premieres on CBS with Colter grappling and Russell joining forces in a new arc.
Why did Eric Graise leave Tracker?
Eric Graise, who played Bobby, exited before season 3 for personal goals beyond acting, and season 2 showed less of him.
Who is Colter Shaw in real life?
Colter Shaw is played by Justin Hartley, who leads Tracker season 3 with Jensen Ackles and Fiona Rene as Reenie Greene.
Did Eric leave the Tracker?
Yes, Eric left Tracker before season 3. Bobby was written off after season 2, and Russell Shaw became more involved.
Is Bobby off Tracker?
Yes, Bobby Exley is gone from Tracker. He was not included in the season 3 premiere and left after season 2.