As anticipation builds for Tracker Season 3, CBS has confirmed two major cast exits—Abby McEnany (Velma Bruin) and Eric Graise (Bobby Exley)—marking a bold creative shift for the series. Here’s what fans need to know, why they’re leaving, and what it means for Colter Shaw’s journey.
Who’s Exiting and Why It Matters
According to TVLine and industry reports, both Velma and Bobby, who served as Colter’s logistical handler and tech hacker respectively, will not return for Season 3. Their departures follow a previous exit by Teddi (Robin Weigert) in Season 2.
While CBS hasn’t provided a full explanation, sources indicate it’s a creative reshaping of the series—trimming the supporting cast to place greater focus on Colter Shaw’s internal and emotional journey.
The Creative Pivot: From Team to Solo Focus
With only Justin Hartley (Colter Shaw) and Fiona Rene (Reenie Greene) confirmed as regulars, Season 3 appears set to embrace a leaner, more introspective narrative. As showrunner Elwood Reid told TV Insider:
“We’ve done episodes where Colter is entirely on his own—and those work really well, too.”
This signals a deliberate choice to explore Colter’s emotional arc with fewer distracting subplots—intensifying the personal stakes while reshaping the team dynamic.
Fans React and What’s Next
On Reddit, fans expressed mixed emotions. Some lamented the loss of Velma and Bobby’s familiar energy and banter; others welcomed the shift and speculated that Randy (Chris Lee)—introduced as Bobby’s cousin—might step into a more prominent role.
TV Insider suggests supporting roles like Velma and Bobby may shrink but not vanish entirely—some aid might still reach Colter off-screen, or be delivered through new recurring characters.
What This Could Mean for Tracker Season 3
This cast overhaul is creating space for deeper emotional storytelling. Colter may operate with more isolation—only Reenie by his side—bringing his trauma, mistrust, and survival instincts into sharper focus. At the same time, Jensen Ackles is confirmed to return as Russell Shaw, further driving family drama and emotional complexity.
Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast Departures | Abby McEnany (Velma) & Eric Graise (Bobby)—confirmed not returning |
| Creative Shift | Move toward a tighter, emotionally driven focus on Colter and Reenie |
| Potential New Roles | Randy and other recurring characters may fill support gaps |
| Fan Sentiment | Mixture of disappointment and optimism for a new direction |
| Russell Shaw Return | Jensen Ackles confirmed for Season 3 |
Velma and Bobby’s departures mark a bold new chapter for Tracker. Their absence allows Colter Shaw’s emotional and narrative journey to take center stage—potentially making Season 3 the show’s most character-driven and emotionally resonant season yet.
Tracker Season 3 premieres Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Stay tuned.
