In the ever-evolving world of prime-time television, CBS's Tracker continues to captivate audiences with its blend of mystery and adventure, even as its core cast undergoes significant changes. On Friday, February 20, guest star Michael Rady, who portrays the character Elliot on the show, took to Instagram to share behind-the-scenes photos from the set, offering a glimpse into the production's vibrant atmosphere amid recent cast departures. "Tracker season 3 is airing now on CBS. Elliott had a rough season 2. Michael had a great time," Rady wrote in his post, highlighting his positive experience despite his character's tumultuous arc.
Rady's character, Elliot, was introduced in season 2 as a romantic interest for Reenie, played by Fiona Rene. This revelation comes at a time when Tracker, which premiered in February 2024, has seen several key ensemble members exit after its first two seasons. The procedural drama follows Colter Shaw, portrayed by Justin Hartley, a fictional survivalist who travels across the country solving missing persons cases with the aid of a support team.
The show's ensemble has included handlers Teddi (Robin Weigert) and Velma (Abby McEnany), as well as hacker Bobby (Eric Graise) and attorney Reenie (Fiona Rene). However, Weigert, McEnany, and Graise have all departed the series within the initial seasons, prompting questions about the future direction of the narrative. Despite these changes, the format's case-of-the-week structure allows for a steady influx of new talent, keeping the storyline fresh and dynamic.
Rady is not alone in praising his time on Tracker. Earlier, in August 2025, another guest star, Lachlan Quarmby, who appeared in season 1, shared enthusiastic reflections in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. "Justin is awesome. He’s straight in there. He’s a real captain of that ship. That was a great time," Quarmby said. He also recounted the joy of embodying an unexpected role: "I got to do an Australian accent. I was told when I was at acting school in Australia that I’d never play a surfer since I just don’t have the look. And I got to play a surfer in Vancouver, who was Australian. That was so fun."
Quarmby's comments underscore the collaborative and enjoyable environment on set, particularly under Hartley's leadership. The 49-year-old actor, known for his roles in shows like This Is Us, has been a stabilizing force for Tracker, drawing in high-profile guest stars who frequently return. Notable recurring faces include Jensen Ackles, Hartley's wife Sofia Pernas, Melissa Roxburgh, and Jennifer Morrison, adding layers of star power to the episodes.
Behind the scenes, executive producer Elwood Reid has addressed the cast shifts and the show's evolving structure. In a May 2025 interview with Us Weekly, Reid explained the intentional move away from over-reliance on the support team. "I don’t want the show to be phone-a-friend every week. I think that gets old, and Justin is always challenging me on that. He’s like, ‘Do we need to do this? Do I need to call Bobby all the time? Can I do this?'" Reid recounted. He emphasized focusing more on Hartley's performance: "You don’t [always] see Reenie. He talks to Velma for two seconds. He may talk to Bobby for one phone call. The show works because you are over Justin’s shoulder."
Reid's vision for Tracker prioritizes variety and avoids stagnation. "The only rule I really have of the show is each week Colter is going to come to a new place and there’s going to be a new case. How he gets those answers and what he uses on the team, that’s all something that’s up for grabs," he teased. The producer highlighted an increased emphasis on local interactions: "Meeting these [local] weird characters is something we’re going to try to do more of as the season goes on. Just Colter coming in and interacting with other characters. That’s fun to see Justin flex those muscles with really good guest cast members."
This approach aligns with the show's procedural roots, where each episode introduces fresh challenges and personalities, filmed often in diverse locations like Vancouver, which served as a stand-in for various American settings in Quarmby's episode. Since its debut, Tracker has built a loyal viewership, tuning in weekly to follow Colter's journeys, which blend high-stakes investigations with personal introspection.
The departures of Weigert, McEnany, and Graise have sparked speculation among fans about potential onscreen repercussions, though Reid has hinted at a reconfiguration without delving into specifics. Hartley himself has made rare comments on the matter, focusing instead on the opportunities presented by new talent. The show's success, according to industry observers, lies in its ability to adapt, much like Colter Shaw himself navigating unpredictable terrains.
Looking ahead, season 3, which resumes airing on Sunday, March 1, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, promises further developments with the introduction of new recurring characters. Kathleen Robertson joins the cast as Maxine, described as "a successful attorney at a major firm looking to engage" Reenie in what initially appears to be routine legal work for a class action suit. However, the storyline suggests deeper intrigue: "It quickly becomes clear, however, that ‘Maxine may have an entirely different game that she’s playing.'"
Complementing Robertson's role is Mark Engelhardt as Emile Lang, a figure with "his own moral code." Engelhardt's character is portrayed as "cold, calculating and methodical," adding a layer of tension to Colter's world. These additions signal the producers' commitment to expanding the narrative palette, potentially filling voids left by departing cast members while maintaining the show's episodic momentum.
The influx of guest stars like Rady and Quarmby, combined with these new recurring roles, illustrates Tracker's strategy of leveraging ensemble flexibility. Filming in locations that evoke the vast American landscape allows for authentic storytelling, as evidenced by Quarmby's Vancouver shoot masquerading as an Australian surfer's backdrop. Hartley's central performance remains the anchor, with Reid noting the actor's proactive input in shaping episodes.
As Tracker enters its third season, the positive sentiments from cast members like Rady and Quarmby suggest a resilient production team undeterred by changes. Fans, who have followed the series since its February 2024 launch, can expect more twists in Colter's cases, enriched by interactions with eccentric locals and formidable new adversaries. The show's ability to refresh its roster without losing its core appeal positions it well in a competitive television landscape.
With episodes airing weekly on CBS, Tracker continues to draw viewers into Colter Shaw's nomadic quest for justice. The blend of heartfelt guest appearances and strategic cast evolution ensures that each outing feels vital and engaging. As Reid put it, the focus on Hartley's shoulder-level perspective keeps the audience immersed, promising sustained intrigue through season 3 and beyond.
In summary, while cast exits have marked Tracker's early years, the influx of talented newcomers and the enthusiasm from those who've passed through its sets paint a picture of a show thriving on adaptability and strong leadership. Viewers tuning in on March 1 will see how these elements unfold in the latest chapter of Colter's adventures.