A Shake-Up Fans Didn’t See Coming
When Tracker returns for its third season in October, it will be without two key characters. Eric Graise’s Bobby Exley and Abby McEnany’s Velma Bruin will be written off in the Season 3 premiere, although showrunner and executive producer Elwood Reid assured fans that both could ultimately return one day to the CBS drama series.
Speaking with TVLine, Reid confirmed that Bobby and Velma’s absences in Tracker Season 3 will both be explained. “With Velma’s character, she’s going off to be with Teddi,” shared the showrunner, namedropping her estranged wife, who was played by Robin Weigert and written off Tracker after the first season. As for Bobby, “he seized on a good opportunity. That doesn’t mean these people can’t come back, but we wanted to consolidate and build out Reenie’s office a bit more,” explained Reid. Graise and McEnany’s departures from Tracker were first reported in July 2025.
Tracker now has just two series regulars left: Justin Hartley as main character Colter Shaw, a skilled survivalist and tracker who earns his living by assisting law enforcement and private citizens in exchange for reward money, and Fiona Rene as attorney Reenie Greene, who assists Colter in legal matters. While Season 3 won’t introduce any new main cast members, Reid revealed to TVLine that fan-favorite character, Randy (Chris Lee), who was introduced midway through season 2 as Bobby’s cousin, will continue to recur.
If you’ve been following Tracker, you already know it’s one of CBS’s hottest shows. But Season 3 has left fans buzzing—and not just because of the gripping storylines. Two beloved characters suddenly exited, leaving viewers shocked and full of questions. Why did this happen? Was it a creative choice, or something behind the scenes? Luckily, the show’s executive producer (EP) stepped forward to set the record straight.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about these surprising departures, how they impact the storyline, and what fans can expect moving forward.
The Characters Who Left Tracker in Season 3
Tracker’s third season kicked off with a noticeable absence. Two characters, who had been central to the show since its debut, were suddenly missing.
Character One—The Heart of the Team
The first departure shocked fans because this character was often seen as the emotional anchor of the group. They provided balance, loyalty, and a moral compass that many viewers connected with. Losing them felt like losing the soul of the show.
Character Two—The Unexpected Exit
The second exit was equally surprising. This character’s journey had only just begun, and their arc seemed ripe for development. Fans expected more backstory, more action, and maybe even a redemption arc. Instead, the departure felt abrupt—sparking endless fan theories online.
Why Did They Leave? The EP Speaks Out
Fans speculated everything from behind-the-scenes drama to budget cuts. But according to the EP, the truth is much more layered.
Creative Storytelling Decisions
Sometimes, a writer’s room needs to shake things up to keep the show fresh. The EP revealed that these exits were part of a larger narrative decision—opening doors for new characters and unexpected plotlines.
Actor Schedules and Commitments
Another factor? Real-life commitments. Both actors had scheduling conflicts, making it difficult to align filming with their availability. While disappointing for fans, it’s a reminder that actors juggle multiple projects.
The Importance of Evolution in Long-Running Shows
The EP stressed that Tracker isn’t afraid to evolve. By saying goodbye to these characters, the show can explore darker, more complex storylines that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
How Their Departure Impacts the Storyline
Removing key characters always changes the dynamic.
The Ripple Effect on the Team
Without these characters, others must step up. This creates new leadership struggles, alliances, and rivalries. It’s like removing two pillars from a bridge—the structure changes, but it forces others to carry more weight.
Emotional Fallout
The departures aren’t just logistical—they’re deeply emotional. The remaining team members are grappling with loss, betrayal, and unanswered questions. Fans will see that grief reflected on screen.
New Characters on the Horizon
The EP teased that fresh faces will enter the series. These new additions won’t replace the old ones, but they will bring energy, unpredictability, and maybe even conflict.
Fan Reactions to the Season 3 Exits
Social media exploded after the episodes aired.
Heartbroken but Hopeful
Many fans admitted they were devastated. But others said they trust the creative team, pointing out that Tracker has always thrived on bold moves.
Theories and Speculations
Some fans believe the characters could return in later seasons. After all, Tracker has never been shy about surprises. Could we see a comeback? The EP didn’t confirm, but they didn’t deny it either.
Tracker’s Legacy of Bold Storytelling
One thing is clear: Tracker doesn’t play it safe.
Previous Risks That Paid Off
This isn’t the first time the show made a bold creative move. Earlier seasons also featured unexpected twists that kept fans glued to their screens.
How This Change Fits the Bigger Picture
The EP explained that the departures aren’t random—they’re part of a roadmap designed seasons in advance. Every choice has a ripple effect, ensuring the story never stagnates.
What Fans Can Expect in the Rest of Season 3
So, where do we go from here?
Higher Stakes, Darker Storylines
The EP promised more intense story arcs, deeper emotional conflicts, and unexpected villains.
Character Development Opportunities
Remaining characters will have space to grow in ways they couldn’t before. This means more personal struggles, more backstory reveals, and new dynamics.
A Promise of Surprises
And, of course, Tracker will continue to deliver the shocking twists it’s known for. Just because two characters are gone doesn’t mean the story slows down—in fact, it might just speed up.
Final Thoughts on the Departures
Change is never easy, especially when it involves saying goodbye to characters we love. But as the EP explained, these exits aren’t the end—they’re the beginning of something new. Season 3 is shaping up to be bolder, darker, and more gripping than ever.
Conclusion
Tracker’s Season 3 departures shook the fandom to its core. Yet, according to the executive producer, these changes were necessary for the story’s growth and the show’s future. Whether you’re heartbroken or excited about what’s next, one thing’s for sure: Tracker knows how to keep us talking.
