Tracker fans were paying close attention to Eric Graise‘s character Bobby — so of course they noticed when he went missing for multiple episodes for no apparent reason before officially leaving the show for good.
The hit CBS series, which premiered in February 2024, is centered around a survivalist named Colter (Justin Hartley) who travels the country helping to solve a variety of mysteries. Based on Jeffery Deaver‘s novel The Never Game, Tracker follows Colter week to week as he works on cases with help from Teddi (Robin Weigert), Velma (Abby McEnany), technology genius Bobby (Graise) and personal attorney Reenie (Fiona Rene).
“We do have a running joke though, of how many times Colter has broken the law. Our grips department put together a list and it’s ridiculous. My idea was to have, maybe at the end of season 2, my wrap gift to everyone be a hoodie that lists all of the things that he’s done,” Hartley joked with The Wrap in May 2024. “Like assault, breaking and entering, kidnapping, all that stuff. But it’s a long list already. Every episode, he’s doing something illegal, right?”
It wasn’t Colter’s shenanigans that caught the audience’s attention in season 2. Just as Tracker was in the middle of the season, Graise was nowhere to be found. Instead, Bobby’s cousin Randy (Chris Lee) took over in his place for seven consecutive episodes. Bobby ultimately returned in an April 2025 episode — but not before Graise’s absence sparked online concerns. By season 3, it was confirmed that Graise wasn’t returning for more episodes.
Keep scrolling for what to know about Graise after he played Bobby since season 1 on Tracker:
What Projects Was Eric Involved in Before ‘Tracker’?
In addition to Tracker, Graise has appeared on Step Up: High Water, Locke & Key, Queer as Folk, The Tomorrow War, Teenage Bounty Hunters, Dynasty and The Walking Dead.
Graise, who is also a dancer, directed a 2018 short film titled Limited Space.
How Did Eric Help Evolve Bobby on ‘Tracker’?
“The character was initially written as a very rigid kind of suit and tie type of guy, very posh — and then they met me,” Graise told Ebony in August 2024. “Bobby’s a witty, smart kind of guy. I identify a lot with that. I was excited to bring a little more of myself to the role.”
Graise went on to point out that Bobby was located in Chicago — while he was born in Illinois. “They didn’t even know that,” he added.
How Does Eric Relate to His ‘Tracker’ Character on Screen?
Over the years, Graise has discussed having a double leg amputation as a child, telling Ebony in August 2024, “I think what’s fun for me with disabled characters is that I like to see them be a vital part of the story line. But at the same time, it’s the norm … [Bobby is] just like everybody else.”
Graise has been an advocate for representation since being in the public eye. He spoke at the White House during the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act event in 2015 alongside Marlee Matlin, Camryn Manheim and Ali Stroker.
Justin Hartley‘s CBS series Tracker has won over its audience because of the intriguing cases — and the impressive guest stars. Tracker, which premiered in February 2024, is centered around a survivalist named Colter (Hartley) who travels the country helping people and law enforcement tackle a variety of mysteries. As the series unfolds, viewers learn […]
What Does Eric Want to Explore Professionally Outside of Acting?
Graise has opened up about his interest in screenwriting, telling Amplitude in 2020 that he was “writing a pilot” for a series.
“[It’s] been kicking around for three years now. The pilot is basically finished, and I’m working on the story bible right now. It has a lot of backstory to it and tons of family heritage, and I need to know all of that heritage,” he explained at the time. “When I’m writing, I’m writing a character with a disability. I’m not writing the disability, and I’m not writing a character. I’m writing a character with a disability.”
Graise continued: “I think able-bodied writers and actors have a hard time putting the two together. Either they’ll create a character where their whole world is defined by their disability, or they’ll create a character that’s completely devoid of their disability. Neither one is really true to life.”
Why Was Eric Missing From 7 Episodes of ‘Tracker’ in Season 2?
Fans started to grow concerned during the back half of season 2 when Graise’s prolonged absence wasn’t addressed for five consecutive episodes. There was a development during a March 2025 episode of the hit CBS series when Colter and Randy confirmed that Bobby was going to his “friend’s funeral.”
Graise ultimately returned after a seven-episode absence. “I am taking it one day at a time,” he said in an April 2025 episode. “But I had to come back and fix this mess.” He left the show officially by season 3.
