When CBS renewed Tracker for a third season in February 2025, fans cheered—Justin Hartley himself shared heartfelt gratitude on Instagram, thanking the #trackerbackers for making more seasons possible. But even as the show expands, it must move on without two of the original series regulars. Abby McEnany (Velma) and Eric Graise (Bobby) have officially departed the series ahead of Season 3.
A Shift in Emotional and Operational Dynamics
Hartley, who also serves as executive producer, offered one of his rare public takes on the decision. He emphasized that Tracker is built around Colter Shaw’s identity as a lone-wolf operative, meaning a leaner, more mobile cast fits the storytelling style he and the team envisioned.
“They’re incredibly talented… part of keeping the show fresh is being open to evolution,” Hartley noted, reflecting on the characters’ departures. While acknowledging their contributions—particularly to Season 1—he underscored the necessity of staying true to the tone and pace of Colter’s journey.
Pragmatism Meets Emotional Farewells
Both departures, Hartley said, were handled professionally—even if they carried emotional weight. In casting those characters out, he stressed the flexibility of Tracker’s design: “Colter is constantly on the move… that opens the door for more dynamic storytelling,” Hartley explained.
Though no longer part of the regular line-up, Velma and Bobby may still appear in guest or flashback capacities. Hartley expressed that the doors are not closed—only reshaping.
Broader Industry Context: A Familiar Pattern
This isn’t isolated to Tracker. Hartley’s commentary aligns with a broader trend in network series—including Chicago Fire, Law & Order, FBI, and Fire Country—where major cast shifts occur between seasons, often due to budget cuts or creative redirection.
Despite that, the future for Tracker looks secure. With Tracker dominating ratings—including averaging 10.84 million viewers per episode in Season 2—Hartley and the producers remain optimistic about carving new narrative pathways for Shaw’s arc.
What’s Coming in Season 3
After the departures, only Hartley and Fiona Rene (Reenie Greene) remain from the original main cast. The support team has changed: Chris Lee’s Randy—Bobby’s cousin—may return in a larger role; Velma’s contributions may continue behind the scenes; and Reenie’s new law office could become the show’s new narrative hub.
Hartley also teased more involvement from Colter’s family in Season 3, including previously introduced characters like brother Russell and sister Dory, which could add emotional depth while keeping series lean and focused.
A Balancing Act: Evolution, Consistency, and Vision
Justin Hartley’s reflections on the cast changes emphasize intentional creativity: these shifts are not reactionary but aligned with the show’s design. Tracker is a series defined by its dynamic settings, psychological stakes, and standalone case arcs—meaning its structure was meant to flex.
He’s not just the face of the series; he’s shaping its direction.
When asked about losing core members of the Tracker cast, Justin Hartley didn’t shy away. He offered rare insight into a deliberate reconfiguration, noting both emotional appreciation for Abby McEnany and Eric Graise and strategic choices to propel Colter Shaw’s story forward. As Season 3 approaches—premiering in October 2025—Hartley is steering a leaner, sharper version of Tracker that aligns with its origin: a lone tracker navigating a world that’s full of mystery and motion.
Colter’s journey continues—and so does Hartley’s commitment to telling it intentionally.
