Two of Tracker’s original cast members—Eric Graise, who plays tech specialist Bobby Exley, and Abby McEnany, who portrays Colter Shaw’s patron Velma Wiley—will not return for the forthcoming third season of the CBS drama, according to a report published July 18.
Sources close to production described the exits as a creative recalibration rather than a contract dispute, noting that both actors were offered guest appearances should future storylines require their characters. The decision leaves Justin Hartley’s Colter with a slimmed‑down core team as writers map new arcs that focus more heavily on the survivalist’s complicated family history.
Graise, a double amputee who has spoken publicly about on‑screen representation, gained praise for steering Bobby away from hacker stereotypes and toward warm comic relief. McEnany—best known for the Showtime dramedy Work in Progress—brought off‑beat humor to Velma, the Seattle bar owner who bankrolls Colter’s reward‑seeking missions. Neither performer has issued a personal statement, but social‑media posts from crew members thanked them for shaping the show’s first two seasons.
Tracker premiered after the 2024 Super Bowl and quickly became broadcast television’s most‑watched freshman series, averaging 11.5 million Live+7 viewers across season one. CBS locked in a third‑season renewal in February, citing sustained double‑digit lifts in multiplatform viewing and strong international sales. The procedural adapts Jeffery Deaver’s novel The Never Game and films primarily in Vancouver.
Season three starts shooting next month for an October 19 premiere, retaining regulars Fiona Rene and Robin Weigert while introducing yet‑to‑be‑announced recurring players to fill the narrative gap left by Graise and McEnany.
Industry analysts say trimming the ensemble could streamline budgets as location costs rise in British Columbia, though some fans worry the change may dilute the show’s banter‑driven charm. CBS has declined comment on casting but reaffirmed that Hartley remains executive producer alongside showrunner Ben Winters, signalling confidence that the retooled lineup will keep the ratings momentum intact.
