If you’ve been watching Tracker lately and felt like something was missing, you aren't alone. One minute, Colter Shaw is calling his "guy in the chair" for a quick digital trace, and the next, there’s a new face behind the keyboard. Fans immediately started flooding social media with the same question: did Eric Graise leave Tracker?
The short answer is a bit of a rollercoaster. He didn't leave permanently during Season 2, but the news for Season 3 is a lot more definitive. Honestly, the way network TV handles cast departures these days is enough to give anyone whiplash.
The Season 2 Disappearing Act
For a large chunk of Season 2, Bobby Exley—the charismatic hacker played by Eric Graise—was just... gone. No big explosion. No dramatic farewell. He was replaced by his cousin Randy, played by Chris Lee.
The show gave us a pretty thin excuse. They mentioned Bobby was "dealing with some family stuff" and attending a friend's funeral. It felt like a classic TV stall tactic. You’ve probably seen it before: a character is "out of town" for six or seven episodes while the actors handle scheduling conflicts or the network tries to shave a few dollars off the production budget.
In reality, the absence was temporary at first. Eric Graise actually returned in Episode 16, "The Mercy Seat," much to the relief of everyone who missed that specific Bobby-and-Colter chemistry. But that return was a bit of a bittersweet victory.
Why Eric Graise is Officially Out for Season 3
Here is the part that’s tough to swallow for long-time fans. While he finished out the second season, Eric Graise has officially exited Tracker ahead of Season 3. He isn't the only one jumping ship, either. Abby McEnany, who played Velma Bruin, is also out. This follows the earlier departure of Robin Weigert (Teddi), meaning Colter’s original support team has basically evaporated. By the time the next season premieres, only Justin Hartley and Fiona Rene (Reenie) will be left from the original core squad.
Why the sudden exodus?
- Cost-cutting: CBS, like many networks in 2025 and 2026, has been leaning hard into reducing the number of series regulars to keep shows profitable.
- Creative shifts: The writers seem to be leaning into Colter’s "lone wolf" persona. Having a full team of three or four people helping him every week makes him look a little less like a solo survivalist.
- Narrative focus: The show is shifting more toward Colter’s messy family history and his brother Russell (played by Jensen Ackles), leaving less room for the "hacker of the week" subplots.
The Impact of Bobby Exley’s Departure
Losing Bobby is a huge blow to the show's soul. Eric Graise brought a specific energy that Chris Lee’s Randy—as funny as he is—just doesn't quite replicate. Graise famously worked with the creators to make Bobby less of a "rigid suit-and-tie guy" and more of a lived-in, witty personality.
He also brought vital representation to the screen. As a double-leg amputee, Graise has been vocal about playing characters where their disability is just "the norm" rather than the entire plot point. In Tracker, Bobby was just a genius who happened to use prosthetics. Taking that away leaves a gap that won't be easily filled by a new guest star.
What’s Next for the Show?
With Bobby and Velma gone, the dynamic is going to feel very different. We can probably expect to see more of Reenie stepping into a dual role of legal help and logistics. It’s also highly likely that Randy (Chris Lee) might recur, but don't expect him to be a "series regular" in the way Bobby was. The show is thinning out.
If you’re a fan of Eric Graise, keep an eye on his upcoming projects. He’s a talented dancer and actor who has already made waves in Step Up: High Water, and his exit from Tracker likely opens up his schedule for more lead roles where he isn't stuck behind a computer screen for 40 minutes an episode.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the Season 2 Finale: If you haven't seen it yet, go back and appreciate the final moments of the original team before the Season 3 reset.
- Follow the Cast: Eric Graise is active on social media and often shares behind-the-scenes insights into his work and advocacy for disabled actors.
- Prepare for a "Loner" Season 3: Adjust your expectations for the next batch of episodes; it's going to be a much more isolated journey for Colter Shaw.