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.
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.”
If you’ve been following CBS’s hit drama Tracker, you probably didn’t expect the big shakeup coming before Season 3 even airs. Fans were left stunned after news broke that two original cast members are officially leaving the series. With Justin Hartley still leading as Colter Shaw, the exit of these familiar faces raises one major question—what does this mean for the show moving forward? In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know: who’s leaving, why it happened, and how it could impact Tracker’s future.
The Rise of ‘Tracker’: A Quick Recap
Before getting into the departures, let’s rewind a bit. Tracker premiered in early 2024 and quickly became one of CBS’s most-watched shows. Inspired by Jeffrey Deaver’s The Never Game, the show follows Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist who uses his unique skills to solve mysteries and track missing people.
With its mix of action, suspense, and emotional storytelling, the series struck a chord with audiences. But now, as Season 3 gears up, fans are facing the reality of change.
Who Are the Two Cast Members Leaving ‘Tracker’?
So, who’s leaving? Reports confirm that two of the original cast members who were part of Tracker since its beginning will not return for Season 3. While CBS hasn’t dropped every detail, industry insiders suggest that the departures were a mix of creative decisions and actor opportunities elsewhere.
These exits are particularly shocking since both actors had built strong connections with audiences, making their absence a big adjustment.
Why Did They Leave? Behind the Scenes Reasons
Cast departures usually come down to a few key reasons:
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Creative changes: Writers may want to shift the story in a new direction.
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Contract negotiations: Sometimes, deals don’t line up between the network and the actors.
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New opportunities: With Tracker’s success, it wouldn’t be surprising if the departing cast members got offers for new projects.
At the end of the day, the decision often comes down to both the network and the actors wanting different things for the future.
How Will This Impact Season 3’s Storyline?
Now, this is the big question. Losing two original cast members is no small thing, especially since Tracker relies heavily on character-driven storytelling.
The writers will need to carefully reframe the narrative to fill the gaps left behind. This could mean:
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Introducing new recurring characters.
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Shifting focus more heavily onto Colter’s solo adventures.
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Bringing in guest stars who could become permanent additions.
Fans should brace for a slightly different tone, but CBS is confident that the show’s core—Colter’s unique tracking abilities—will keep audiences hooked.
Justin Hartley’s Role Becomes Even More Crucial
With two main actors gone, Justin Hartley’s role as Colter Shaw becomes even more important. He’s already the face of Tracker, but Season 3 will likely lean on him more than ever.
Think of him as the anchor holding the ship steady during rough seas. No matter who leaves, as long as Colter is there, fans still feel connected to the story.
Fan Reactions to the News
Unsurprisingly, social media exploded when the news dropped. Fans expressed disappointment, sadness, and curiosity about the show’s future.
Some worried that losing familiar characters might weaken the dynamic, while others argued that change could breathe new life into the storyline. It’s a mix of heartbreak and cautious optimism.
What History Tells Us About Cast Shakeups
This isn’t the first time a hit series has lost core actors. Just think of shows like Grey’s Anatomy or The Walking Dead—both had constant cast changes, yet they kept going strong.
Sometimes losing familiar faces can actually push writers to get creative, leading to surprising new directions. The same could happen with Tracker.
Possible New Cast Members in Season 3
While nothing has been confirmed, there’s buzz about potential new characters joining in Season 3. Networks often bring in fresh talent to replace exiting actors and keep things exciting.
A younger tech-savvy partner? A rival tracker? Maybe even a new long-term antagonist? The possibilities are endless, and CBS has a track record of making smart casting choices.
The Importance of Character Evolution
One thing Tracker has always done well is character development. Losing cast members may be tough, but it also creates room for new arcs, deeper emotional storylines, and fresh interactions.
Think of it like pruning a tree—sometimes branches have to go for new ones to grow stronger.
Will Ratings Be Affected by These Departures?
This is the million-dollar question. Cast shakeups can either hurt or help ratings depending on how the network handles them.
If fans feel the story loses heart, numbers could dip. But if CBS introduces exciting new characters and keeps Colter front and center, Tracker could maintain or even grow its audience.
Colter Shaw’s Future: A Lone Wolf or Team Leader?
With fewer familiar allies around, will Colter become even more of a lone wolf? Or will the writers evolve his character into more of a leader figure, guiding new recruits?
Either way, this transition period will shape how fans see him moving forward.
What This Means for Long-Term Fans
For die-hard fans, these exits are bittersweet. On one hand, it’s tough to say goodbye to characters we’ve grown attached to. On the other, it’s exciting to think about where the show could go from here.
Sometimes, change is exactly what a show needs to stay fresh.
Industry Experts Weigh In
TV critics suggest that while losing original cast members is always risky, Tracker has the advantage of a strong lead and a flexible format. Since each episode often focuses on new cases, the show can adapt without losing its identity.
What to Expect From Tracker Season 3
Here’s what we know so far about Season 3:
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New cases, new challenges, and higher stakes.
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A slightly restructured cast lineup.
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A bigger focus on Colter’s personal journey.
Fans can expect the unexpected—but isn’t that what makes Tracker so addictive?
Final Thoughts
The exit of two original cast members is a big shakeup, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road for Tracker. In fact, it could open the door to exciting new storylines, deeper character growth, and fresh dynamics that keep fans invested.
