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Justin Hartley’s Tracker continues to reshape itself on screen, and the show’s rotating slate of guest stars is part of its DNA. As season 3 approaches, actors who popped up in earlier episodes are talking about their time on set. Their comments, plus new casting moves, hint at a series that’s changing faces while keeping Colter Shaw front and center.
Guest stars share what it’s like working with Justin Hartley
Michael Rady, who plays Elliot, posted images from the Tracker set and celebrated the series as season 3 airs on CBS. He noted his character weathered a difficult season 2, but the actor said he enjoyed his time on the production.
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Other visitors to the show have expressed similar praise. Actor Lachlan Quarmby described Hartley as a steady, hands-on lead who sets a professional tone. Quarmby also said he had fun tackling an accent and playing against type in a role he didn’t expect to get.
Guest players repeatedly point to the cast and crew’s camaraderie. That energy makes recurring returns feel natural for some performers.
Why Tracker keeps bringing in new faces
The show’s format—each episode follows Colter Shaw to a new town—lends itself to fresh characters. Producers use that setup to introduce local players who complicate or enrich the case of the week.
Creative approach to recurring roles
Executive producers have said they don’t want the series to rely on constant phone calls to the same supporting characters. Instead, the writers aim to keep the focus on Shaw and let him interact with a rotating cast.
That strategy gives the lead room to carry scenes and allows guest actors to make memorable impressions in a few scenes.
Who left, who returned, and who’s joining for season 3
The first two seasons saw several regulars depart. Actors who previously assisted Colter are no longer on board. At the same time, the show has benefited from a steady stream of high-profile guest turns.
- Departures: Robin Weigert, Abby McEnany, and Eric Graise are among the actors who exited during seasons one and two.
- Notable recurring guests: Jensen Ackles, Sofia Pernas, Melissa Roxburgh, and Jennifer Morrison have all made standout appearances.
- Returning guest actors: Michael Rady has returned, and other one-episode players have spoken warmly about their Tracker experiences.
New additions to watch in season 3
Season 3 expands the roster with two new recurring players.
- Kathleen Robertson will play Maxine, described as a polished attorney from a big firm. She recruits Reenie under the guise of routine legal prep, but her motives may be more complicated.
- Mark Engelhardt joins as Emile Lang, a character cast as cold, precise, and driven by his own ethical code.
How the writers are reshaping relationships on the show
Showrunners say they don’t want Tracker to fall into a repetitive pattern. Rather than making Colter dial the same contacts every episode, they’re trimming back routine check-ins.
That choice nudges the camera closer to Shaw’s perspective. Viewers spend more time with Justin Hartley’s lead and less with repeated exposition calls. The result is a tighter, more character-driven hour.
What fans can expect from season 3’s story beats
Producers hint at local oddballs, unusual towns, and fresh moral puzzles. The core rule remains: Colter arrives in a new place each week to hunt for missing people.
How he finds answers and which allies he taps for help will change from episode to episode. That variance keeps the mysteries unpredictable and gives guest actors big moments.
Where and when to watch
Tracker returns to CBS on Sunday, March 1, at 9 p.m. ET. New episodes promise a rotating gallery of characters and continued spotlight scenes for Colter Shaw.
