The body count on CBS’s hit show Tracker is rising fast, and we aren’t talking about the fictional cases. As the production gears up for Season , the casting sheet is looking lighter than ever following a brutal series of exits that has fans screaming for answers. While the network is popping champagne over renewal numbers, insider whispers suggest a revolving door of chaos behind the scenes that has left the original ensemble in tatters.
Justin Hartley’s survivalist drama is quickly turning into a survivalist reality show for the actors involved. In a shocking shake-up, multiple fan-favorite day-ones have been shown the door, and the explanations coming from the top brass feel more like PR spin than the truth. Is this just creative evolution, or is there a toxic cleanup on aisle four?
We dug into the suspicious timeline of departures, the shady comments from producers, and the bizarre radio silence from the axed stars to figure out who is safe and who is next on the chopping block.
The Producer ‘Shade’ Heard Round The World
The most explosive detail in this casting bloodbath comes directly from Executive Producer Elwood Reid. In an interview that raised eyebrows across Hollywood, Reid seemingly took a swipe at the cast members who were written off, implying that keeping them around would result in lazy storytelling.
Speaking to the press in May , Reid dropped a quote that sounded less like a creative explanation and more like a justification for firing people. He claimed that if he couldn’t “evolve” characters like handlers Teddi and Velma, or tech guru Bobby, they become “just people that just pick up the phone.”
Then came the kicker: “That’s when the show is phoning it in.”
Ouch. Did the showrunner just accuse his departing cast of dead weight? While he claimed the challenge is avoiding “formula,” the aggressive turnover suggests a lack of patience with the original team. Fans instantly picked up on the harsh vibes:
“Did he really just say the OGs were boring? Maybe write better scripts instead of firing everyone!”
“Phoning it in? The actors were doing their jobs. This feels personal.”
RELATED: WHICH ‘TRACKER’ STARS HAVE LEFT JUSTIN HARTLEY’S CBS SHOW SO FAR?
The Suspicious Silence of Eric Graise
The situation surrounding Eric Graise, who played the beloved hacker Bobby, reeks of behind-the-scenes drama. Unlike a standard exit where an actor gets a fond farewell episode, Graise simply vanished. He was noticeably absent from six episodes in Season , sparking immediate rumors that contract negotiations had gone south or personality clashes had erupted on set.
When the news finally broke that Graise—and co-star Abby McEnany—would not be returning, the silence was deafening. Usually, when actors leave a hit show, we get a tearful Instagram post thanking the cast and crew. From Graise and McEnany? Crickets.
Neither actor has broken their silence on their departures. In the entertainment industry, silence usually means one thing: NDAs and lawyers are involved. Was this a mutual split, or were they blindsided by the pink slips? The lack of a “goodbye” statement is a massive red flag that things did not end well.
Robin Weigert’s Blink-and-You-Miss-It Exit
Robin Weigert was the first casualty of this casting curse. After establishing herself as a core pillar of the team in Season , she was unceremoniously written off in the premiere. No fanfare, no dramatic arc—just gone. Sources indicate she isn’t expected to reprise the role, effectively erasing her contribution to the series.
This aggressive “churn and burn” strategy with talent is risky. Reid has gone on record saying the only rule of the show is that Colter (Hartley) goes to a new place every week. “How he gets those answers and what he uses on the team, that’s all something that’s up for grabs,” Reid teased. Translation: Everyone is expendable.
If you aren’t Justin Hartley, don’t buy a house in Vancouver. You might not have a job next week.
Justin Hartley: The Teflon Don
Amidst the carnage, Justin Hartley remains the undisputed king of the castle. Producers have made it crystal clear: Hartley is the “central DNA” of the show. While his co-stars are being picked off one by one, Hartley is securing his bag and his screen time.
However, even the Golden Boy is throwing out some weird vibes. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hartley dropped a bizarre comment about his character’s mortality, reminding everyone, “I don’t want our audience to forget that this man is mortal… He can die!”
Is this a humble brag about the stakes of the show, or a subtle power move to the network? “I’m the franchise, but I can walk away.” It’s a classic lead actor tactic. For now, he is expected to be front and center in Season , likely stepping over the metaphorical bodies of his former castmates to solve the next case.
Fiona Rene: The Sole Survivor’s ‘Evil Plan’
If you’re keeping score, Fiona Rene (Reenie) is the only original cast member left standing beside Hartley. How did she survive the purge? By becoming part of the showrunner’s “evil plan.”
Yes, Reid actually used those words. Discussing the introduction of new cast member Chris Lee, Reid told TVLine, “This is all part of my ‘evil plan’ to use Fiona more.” While it sounds playful, in the context of three other actors losing their gigs, it paints a picture of clear favorites being played in the writers’ room.
Rene seems to have secured her spot by being the most adaptable “pawn” in Reid’s game. “The show always comes back to that,” Reid said, referring to Reenie’s storyline. For now, she’s safe—but looking at the track record, she should probably keep her agent on speed dial.
The Replacements: Fresh Meat or Nepo Babies?
To fill the void left by the mass exodus, Tracker is bringing in fresh blood, but fans are skeptical. Chris Lee was brought in right before Graise’s exit—a classic corporate move of training your replacement before you know you’re fired.
Then there’s the family connection. Sofia Pernas, Hartley’s real-life wife, continues to pop up as his on-screen love interest. While the chemistry is undeniable, critics are side-eyeing the convenience of it. Is the show becoming a family business while other actors are kicked to the curb?
And let’s not forget the stunt casting of Jensen Ackles. The superstar actor pops in to play Hartley’s brother whenever his schedule allows. It’s a blatant ratings grab to keep the supernatural fandom engaged while the core cast disintegrates.
What Comes Next?
With Season on the horizon, the atmosphere surrounding Tracker is tense. The showrunner has proven he has zero loyalty to the ensemble, viewing everyone but Hartley as a “formula” that needs breaking. The remaining cast members are walking on eggshells, knowing that “evolving the story” is just code for “you’re fired.”
Will the new additions stick around, or will they face the same fate as Robin, Abby, and Eric? One thing is for certain: the drama off-screen is officially more suspenseful than the show itself. Stay tuned.
