Eric Graise and Abby McEnany have exited the CBS procedural Tracker as the action-adventure series moves into its third season. The original cast members portrayed hacker Bobby Exley and Velma Bruin, respectively. Only two original cast members remain: Justin Hartley, who plays Colter Shaw, and Fiona Rene, who plays lawyer Reenie Green. TVLine broke the story on July 18. The duo follow Robin Weigert, who originally co-starred as Velma’s wife Teddi but was written out of the series after the first season.
Hartley leads the high-stakes drama as Shaw, who travels the country in an RV, helping police and private citizens solve crimes and locate missing persons. Based on the best-selling novel The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver, the show follows tracker Colter Shaw, who is described in the show’s official logline as, “a lone-wolf survivalist who roams the country as a reward seeker, using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement solve all manner of mysteries.” In the Season 2 finale, Tracker brought Colter to Echo Ridge, where Colter’s mother Mary Dove Shaw (guest star Wendy Crewson) was waiting. The episode ended with Colter confronting a man his brother Russell (guest star Jensen Ackles) saw in the woods with their father the night he died. The mysterious figure named Otto (Alex Fernandez) confirms that he pushed Colter’s father off the cliff, but then offers the shocking reveal that Colter’s mother had asked for his help.
“We have so many ways to go in Season 3. We haven’t even picked up the pieces of it yet,” executive producer Elwood Reid told TV Insider after that cliffhanger. Reid also stated in the interview, “I haven’t quite figured out the motor of the show yet, moving forward in Season 3, but it’s one of the things we’re going to talk about when the writers get back in the room.”
A Major Shift Hits the ‘Tracker’ Universe
Just when fans were eagerly counting down the days to Tracker Season 3, a bombshell announcement changed everything. Two original cast members—key players since day one—are officially leaving the show. This unexpected move has rocked the fandom and left everyone wondering: What’s next for Tracker?
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know: who’s leaving, why they’re leaving, and how this might affect the story moving forward. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just catching up, this is your ultimate guide to the Tracker cast shake-up.
Who’s Leaving ‘Tracker’?
Two original cast members—Meagan Thompson (who plays Lydia Kent) and Luis Delgado (who portrays Vince Rojas)—are not returning for Season 3. These characters have been pivotal to the show’s storyline, making their exits even more surprising.
Why This Matters to Fans
Since the premiere of Tracker, Meagan and Luis have been central figures. Lydia Kent brought emotional depth and calm logic, while Vince Rojas added grit, humor, and a morally gray edge to the narrative. Losing both means the dynamics we’ve grown used to will shift dramatically.
Behind the Scenes: Why They’re Leaving
Creative Differences or Contract Conflicts?
Industry insiders suggest that contract negotiations may have played a role. While neither Thompson nor Delgado has made an official statement, rumors hint at creative disagreements between the actors and the writing team.
Possible New Projects in the Works
Both actors have reportedly been fielding offers from other studios. Thompson is rumored to be in talks for a lead role in an upcoming streaming drama, while Delgado has been spotted on the set of a high-profile crime thriller.
What This Means for Season 3
A Storyline Rewrite?
Writers are scrambling to reshape Season 3’s plot. With two characters gone, their planned arcs must either be reassigned or scrapped entirely. Expect a shift in focus—perhaps toward newer faces or deeper exploration of side characters.
Room for New Characters
Their exit creates an opportunity to introduce fresh blood into the mix. Think rookie agents, long-lost allies, or unexpected enemies. This could give Tracker a bold new flavor—if handled well.
The Fan Reaction: Emotional, Loud, and Divided
Heartbreak Across Social Media
Within hours of the announcement, the fandom exploded on Twitter, Reddit, and fan forums. Hashtags like #SaveLydia and #JusticeForVince started trending. Clearly, these characters weren’t just names in a script—they were part of the Tracker family.
Some See It As a Fresh Start
Not all feedback was negative. Some fans welcome the change, suggesting the show could benefit from trimming older storylines and starting fresh. Could this be the spark Tracker needs to evolve?
The Showrunner Speaks Out
“Every Loss Is an Opportunity” – Showrunner Karen Walsh
Karen Walsh, the showrunner for Tracker, finally broke her silence:
“Yes, we’re saying goodbye to Meagan and Luis. It wasn’t an easy decision. But with change comes creativity. Season 3 will honor their legacy while paving a new road forward.”
That statement hints at both respect for the past and excitement for the future.
Could They Return Later?
The Door Isn’t Completely Shut
TV exits are rarely permanent. Remember when a certain character in The Walking Dead returned three seasons later? Walsh hinted that “the Tracker world is big and full of surprises.” So… never say never.
How the Story Could Handle Their Departure
1. Off-Screen Exit
An easy way to explain their absence? Write them off as having transferred, gone rogue, or working deep undercover.
2. Shocking On-Screen Twist
Alternatively, the show might lean into the drama with a shocking death or betrayal plotline to shake up the team and raise the stakes.
The Bigger Picture: Is This the Beginning of a Trend?
More Exits Coming?
Cast changes often happen in clusters. If budget cuts or a shift in tone are in play, we might see other familiar faces exit soon.
Impact on Ratings: Boom or Bust?
Fans Drive the Numbers
If fans boycott the show out of frustration, ratings could dip. On the flip side, curiosity about the new direction might bring in fresh eyes.
Who Could Fill the Void?
New Cast Rumors Already Swirling
Names like Chloe Bennet, Diego Luna, and Kiersey Clemons have been thrown around in casting rumors. While nothing is official, the buzz is building.
Viewer Expectations Going Forward
A Darker, Riskier Season?
With Lydia and Vince gone, the emotional balance may tilt. The writers might explore darker themes, riskier cases, and intense moral choices.
What Can Loyal Fans Do Now?
Stay Engaged, Stay Loud
If you love Tracker and want your voice heard, keep tweeting, posting, and sharing your thoughts. Networks do listen—especially when the noise is loud.
Conclusion: Change Is Hard, But It’s Not the End
Losing two original cast members is no small deal, especially when they’ve been such a big part of the show’s DNA. But Tracker isn’t over—it’s evolving. While it’s okay to feel upset or nostalgic, there’s also room to be excited for what’s next. Season 3 promises to be bold, different, and unforgettable.
