If you’ve been watching Tracker lately, you’ve probably noticed the "man in the chair" has been missing. Or, more accurately, he's been replaced. For a show that relies so heavily on Colter Shaw’s ability to find people, it’s a bit ironic that fans are now having to track down one of the main cast members themselves.
Eric Graise, who plays the tech genius Bobby Exley, basically vanished from a huge chunk of Season 2. And then, just as we thought things were back to normal, the news dropped that he’s not coming back for Season 3 at all.
Honestly, it’s a bummer. Bobby was one of the few people Colter actually seemed to trust. So, what actually happened? Let’s get into the weeds of the on-screen excuses, the behind-the-scenes shakeups, and what this means for the show moving forward.
The On-Screen "Family Stuff" Mystery
The weirdness started midway through Season 2. One week, Colter calls Bobby for a digital favor, and instead of the usual banter, some guy named Randy (played by Chris Lee) answers the phone.
Randy introduces himself as Bobby’s cousin. He tells Colter that Bobby is "dealing with some family stuff" and taking some personal time. At first, it felt like a one-off thing. Maybe Graise had a scheduling conflict? But then one episode turned into two, then four, then six.
By Episode 15, "The Grey Goose," the story changed a little. Randy tells Colter that Bobby is actually away attending a funeral for a very close friend—someone who was "like a brother" to him.
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Why the absence felt so weird
The show tried to play it off like Bobby just needed a break, but Colter—and the audience—didn't really buy it.
- The Silence: Bobby wasn't just away; he was ghosting Colter.
- The Replacement: Randy wasn't just a temporary fill-in; he was doing everything Bobby used to do.
- The Vibe: Bobby finally popped back up in Episode 16, but he seemed... different. Less cheerful. More weighed down.
While he briefly returned to help out in the final stretch of the season, the writing was already on the wall. The synergy was off.
Why Eric Graise is Leaving Tracker for Good
Here is the part that sucks: Eric Graise has officially exited the series. In July 2025, it was confirmed that both Graise and Abby McEnany (who plays Velma) would not be returning as series regulars for Season 3. This wasn't just a rumor; it was a major cast "restructuring" reported by outlets like TVLine and Collider.
So, why the sudden exit?
1. Budgetary "Consolidation"
TV is a business, and CBS has been tightening the belt across almost all its procedurals. We saw this with NCIS and Blue Bloods before it. By cutting down the "series regular" count, the network saves a massive amount of money. Since Tracker is essentially a show about a lone wolf, the producers decided Colter didn't need a four-person support team.
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2. A Shift in Storytelling
The showrunners, including Justin Hartley himself, have been vocal about the fact that Tracker was never meant to be an "ensemble" show. It’s not Criminal Minds where the whole team flies on a private jet together. Hartley told Parade that Colter is meant to meet people, solve their problems, and move on. Keeping Bobby and Velma in fixed locations didn't always fit that "nomadic" vibe.
3. The Randy Factor
Let’s be real: Chris Lee’s Randy was a hit. Fans liked his energy, and from a production standpoint, having a recurring guest star is cheaper than paying a series regular for 22 episodes. By bringing Randy in, the writers proved they could provide the "tech" side of the story without needing Bobby on the payroll full-time.
What Happens to Bobby Exley Now?
If you're worried they killed him off, don't be. The writers gave him a "happy" exit, even if it was off-screen.
In the Season 3 premiere, the show finally cleared the air. Randy informs Reenie (Fiona Rene) that Bobby officially quit his job at the repair shop. He didn't just leave; he leveled up. Apparently, Bobby took a high-paying job as an encryption specialist for a new tech startup.
Randy joked that between the salary and the stock options, Bobby is finally "bringing home the bacon." It’s a clean break. It leaves the door open for a guest appearance down the road, but for now, Bobby is out of the reward-seeking business.
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Why This Change Matters for Fans
Losing Eric Graise is a hit to the show’s soul. Bobby wasn't just a hacker; he brought a specific representation to the screen as a double amputee playing a character where his disability wasn't the entire plot. That’s rare, and Graise played him with such a cool, effortless confidence.
The dynamic between Colter and Bobby felt like a genuine friendship, whereas the new setup feels a bit more transactional.
What to expect in Season 3
- More Reenie: With Velma and Bobby gone, Fiona Rene’s character is taking on a much larger role. She’s basically becoming the primary point of contact for Colter.
- Lone Wolf Vibes: Expect Colter to be more isolated. Without his "mothers" (Velma and Teddi) or his best friend (Bobby), he’s back to being the guy who only relies on himself.
- Occasional Randy: Chris Lee will likely still pop up when Colter needs a firewall bypassed, but he won't be in every episode.
Next Steps for Tracker Viewers
If you're missing the original crew, the best thing you can do is keep an eye on Eric Graise’s social media or his IMDb. He’s a phenomenal talent, and while he doesn’t have a massive project announced yet for 2026, he’s definitely not going to stay quiet for long.
You can also go back and re-watch Season 1 episodes like "Chicago" to see Bobby’s backstory and the moment he saved Colter’s life—that’s the version of the character we should probably remember.
The show is pivoting to focus on Colter’s family trauma—specifically his mother’s involvement in his father’s death—and clearly, the producers felt they needed to clear the deck to make room for that drama. It’s a new era for Tracker, even if it’s a lonelier one.