Tracker Season 3 EP reveals why multiple cast members are leaving the series, says “Justin has to carry so much of the show”

Tracker Season 3 has already become one of the most talked about returns on CBS for not just for its thrilling mysteries, but also for the sudden exit of multiple familiar cast members/characters.

Executive Producer Elwood Reid recently explained the reasoning behind these exits, and yes, it all comes down to Justin Hartley’s incredible load as Colter Shaw. In his exclusive chat with Us Weekly, Reid admitted,

“Justin has so much of the show to carry... The challenge in Season 3 has been how do we build actual good story out of it.”

This pretty much sums up why the show’s world looks so different this season.

Why Tracker Season 3 is saying goodbye to fan favorites

Fans of Tracker Season 3 were left stunned when Velma (Abby McEnany) and Bobby (Eric Graise) were confirmed to be leaving before Season 3 began. These characters had been part of Colter’s team, helping him as he chased missing person cases across the country. So when the news dropped, fans instantly wondered why now?

Reid, speaking to Us Weekly, cleared the air. He said that the decision was never about drama behind the scenes, but rather about keeping the show’s storytelling fresh.

“Justin has to carry so much of the show...”

He explained and emphasized that the goal for Tracker Season 3 was to make sure the other characters weren’t just “phone-a-friend” moments who popped up when Colter needed some quick help.

In his interview with TVLine, Reid gave more context. Velma’s exit also ties into her personal life as she’s “going off to be with Teddy,” her wife, played by Robin Weigert, who left the show back in Season 1.

Bobby, meanwhile, took on “a good opportunity,” though Reid was quick to say that doesn’t mean fans won’t see him again. He said,

“That doesn’t mean these people can’t come back...”

Building new dynamics while Justin carries the story

Even with all the exits, Tracker Season 3 is far from slowing down. Reid pointed out that Reenie (Fiona Rene) and Randy (Chris Lee) are still very much a part of the story, taking on more pressure than before.

Reenie is still processing the fallout from Season 2, while Randy steps in to help her rebuild her office and strengthen her security team. Reid teased that this new pairing adds a surprising spark, saying that their scenes together are “so much fun” and bring “a little bit of lightness” into Colter’s heavy and stressful world.

And while fans might miss Bobby and Velma, these new changes make Colter’s calls feel like “he’s calling into something already in motion.” Not to miss out on the news about Jensen Ackles also being back for a short role in Season 3.

Change isn’t always easy, especially in a fan-favorite show like this. But as Reid put it, the only person truly safe is Justin Hartley. He said;

“It is Tracker and he’s on the poster...”

This is Colter Shaw’s story, and Tracker Season 3 is giving him the space to grow while keeping the world around him just as alive. With some old faces and newer stories, the season is shaping up to be one of the show’s boldest yet.

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