Justin Hartley’s Uncommon Insights on Tracker’s Missing Cast Members
CBS’ popular series Tracker has seen three cast members depart before its third season — but what has the lead and executive producer Justin Hartley said regarding these changes?
Hartley drew many fans to Tracker when it debuted in February 2024. After six successful years on NBC’s This Is Us, Hartley landed his own series, which features the fictional survivalist Colter Shaw as he journeys across the country to help resolve various missing persons cases.
A subplot has since developed, delving into Colter’s family background, particularly the mysterious circumstances surrounding his father’s death, possibly at the hands of an acquaintance. While the narrative primarily follows Colter’s adventures, viewers have also embraced his team: handlers Teddi (Robin Weigert) and Velma (Abby McEnany), hacker Bobby (Eric Graise), and attorney Reenie (Fiona Rene).
Imagine Us‘ shock when Weigert exited before season 2 began filming. Consequently, season 2 introduced Chris Lee‘s character, Randy, to fill the void left by Graise, who missed six episodes. Graise and McEnany were ultimately confirmed to be the next principal cast members to exit before season 3.
“Actor availability is always a factor. There are instances where audiences don’t even notice if a character is missing,” executive producer Elwood Reid told Us Weekly in May 2025, just before news of Graise and McEnany’s exits emerged. “Randy brought a different dynamic to the show, providing warmth and fun that we were missing at times. He was immediately a joy to have on set.”
Reid added: “These dynamics and shifts will continue in season 3 as we evolve the storyline. We plan to reintroduce some characters from seasons 1 and 2 — we’ll see more of them. There are some entertaining characters from Colter’s world that I believe viewers will enjoy seeing again.”
He also emphasized that Tracker has “no rigid rules,” stating, “The only guideline I have for the show is that each week, Colter will arrive at a new location with a new case to solve. The ways he uncovers answers and the resources he employs are all flexible. We’ll try to introduce more local oddities as the season progresses. Watching Colter interact with these guests is something we hope to explore further.”
In contrast, Hartley has been more reserved regarding the onscreen transitions. Keep reading to find his rare insights on how Tracker will adapt with these changes:
Adjusting to the Changes
Following Weigert’s exit, Hartley hinted at the adjustments for season 2, remarking to TV Insider in September 2024, “At the end of last season, Reenie decides she’s leaving her firm to operate independently. It marks a significant life change, and she eventually collaborates with Velma, showcasing a fascinating dynamics between them.”
He continued: “[Reenie and Velma] share common goals but approach their work very differently. Bobby, our tech expert, is still hacking away. And we have some exciting surprises lined up for Reenie.”
Focusing on Colter
Hartley expressed to The Hollywood Reporter in April 2025 that he aims to ensure Tracker “doesn’t fit the mold of a typical procedural show.”
“With each job Colter undertakes and the people who come and go in his life, it’s crucial that his character shows growth and evolution,” he remarked about Colter’s interactions with new characters each week. “If viewers watch episode 10 of season 1 and then episode 10 of season 2, it’s important to illustrate that this character has matured and learned.”
The actor indicated that Tracker holds “many more stories to share.”
“We’re entering new territory now. We have several ideas, including exploring Colter’s myriad skills as a survivalist. He is adept at being alone and skilled at locating people; he’s also an excellent listener,” he explained. “It would be intriguing to see him set up… I’d love to incorporate elements involving his family background and government interactions. We’re considering a plethora of ideas while maintaining the core trajectory of our storyline.”
Shaking Things Up
After the season 2 finale, Reid discussed how they ensure Tracker doesn’t become “stagnant.”
“I want to avoid the show feeling too routine. I find that can grow tiresome, and Justin constantly challenges me over it. He often questions, ‘Do we need to do this? Should I reach out to Bobby every time? Can I handle this differently?’,” he mentioned to Us in May 2025 about Hartley’s perspective. “Colter doesn’t always have to consult everyone. Sometimes he talks to Velma briefly or has a quick call with Bobby. The show flourishes because viewers are drawn into Colter’s journey.”
