Justin Hartley’s Tracker has quickly become a staple of the CBS lineup, dominating the ratings after two seasons. But fans have been itching to see more of Bobby Exley, Colter Shaw’s go-to tech guy, who has been missing for several episodes. Is Eric Graise’s character coming back to the show? Closer breaks down everything we know so far about his absence and his exciting return.

When Was Bobby Last Seen on ‘Tracker’?

Bobby was last seen in season 2, episode 9, titled “The Disciple.” In the episode, he helped Colter solve his white whale case, tracking down the killer of Gina Picket, a young woman who disappeared after work. Colter was able to crack the case with the help of his team and ex-cop Keaton, taking down a serial killer who called himself “Teacher.”

After that, Bobby was missing from season 2, episode 10. Instead of helping Colter out on his cases, it was Bobby’s cousin Randy who was brought on to assist with all of Colter’s tech needs. Randy, who is played by Chris Lee, is tech savvy like his cousin and previously helped Colter out on a case before in the past.

Bobby’s Offscreen Whereabouts Were Revealed on ‘Tracker’

Randy explained to Colter why Bobby was absent from the show.

“Bobby is dealing with some family stuff, but he wanted to make sure he didn’t leave you hanging,” Randy said during the phone call.

“I remember you. You helped me with that case where you hacked into the police server,” Colter replied.

“Some of my best work,” Randy said. “And for the record, I am the one who showed him how to jailbreak his phone so you are all good.”

Viewers did not immediately learn more about the family issues Bobby was dealing with. Instead, Randy continued to work with Colter on his cases. Bobby also missed episodes 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 of season 2.

It was finally in season 2, episode 15, that Colter and Randy spilled more details about what happened to Bobby. Colter said that he had been texting Bobby and got no response. He said that Bobby had to attend the funeral of one of his friends and was going through a difficult time.

“You know how he gets. He doesn’t like to talk about personal stuff,” Randy said about his cousin.

Colter said that Bobby needed to take some time to manage his grief and understood why he had not yet texted him back.

“I know that is hitting him hard. They were like brothers,” Randy added about what Bobby was going through after suffering such loss.

“He will get back to it — and if he doesn’t then I will make sure he does,” Randy said, hinting at Bobby’s return to Tracker in the future. “No way out but through.”

Fans Questioned Bobby’s Absence From ‘Tracker’

Naturally, curiosity grew as to why Bobby’s character was gone for so long. Social media was full of posts from fans asking about Bobby’s absence from the show.

“Bobby… please come back!!!” one person wrote on X after episode 14 aired on CBS.

“I am enjoying this season of tracker a lot but please give me bobby back?? #TrackerCBS,” another person said.

“WHERE THE HELL DID BOBBY GO?! He was sort of the only reason I kept watching because I love him sm,” another person wondered.

“Where is Bobby? We deserve to know if Eric Graise is coming back,” one person wrote in a comment on the show’s Instagram account.

“They said before in an episode he’s visiting family. I believe he’ll come back soon because of the books!!” someone else pointed out in a hopeful response.

A ‘Tracker’ Star Hinted That Bobby Would Be Back on the Show

Things were looking hopeful that Bobby would return to the show at some point. Eric’s Tracker costar Fiona Rene, who plays lawyer Reenie Greene on the show, hinted that Bobby and Randy would team up together in a future episode.

“I mean, can we just talk about Randy for a second?” she said during a March 2025 interview with TV Insider. “I love Chris Lee with everything in my body. He’s been such a wonderful addition to the Bobby dynamic, and I am very excited to see them together.”

She also was asked if she could picture Randy, Bobby, Velma and Reenie teaming up in the future.

“I don’t know. But we love it. We love to manifest this,” Fiona said. “But other guest stars, I mean, I feel like we’ve just been so lucky with so many talented guest stars, and that’s kind of where our show thrives. And on a business note, right now in the industry, actors need work and people need work. I just realized this the other day when I was watching episode 11, I was like, man, it’s really cool to be a part of a show that every single episode we’re offering new jobs and that it’s not just the same series regulars that are working all the time. Every episode we’re bringing on new talent to sink their teeth into something. It’s actually really beautiful to see that.”

Additionally, Deadline first revealed that Chris signed on in a “recurring role opposite Eric Graise” for season 2 back in February 2025. The outlet did not reveal how many episodes Chris was expected to appear in.

CBS Shares 1st Look at Bobby’s Return to ‘Tracker’ After Hiatus

In April 2025, CBS released photos ahead of season 2, episode 16, of Tracker, sharing scenes from the upcoming episode. In one of the photos, Bobby was seen chatting with Randy, presumably about Colter’s latest case, marking his return to the show after missing multiple episodes. We’re assuming he’ll have some dialogue about his absence during the new episode after it caused a social media frenzy.

The summary of the episode said, “Colter helps an old friend with a search and rescue mission for two missing sisters in the snowy Montana wilderness. Meanwhile, Reenie gets a visit from a new client that challenges her morality.” It did not reveal exactly who the old friend was but Colter has been known to help out people from his past when they’re in need.

Bobby was not featured in the trailer for the episode, but Randy was. This leads us to believe they will both be helping Colter out on the case in some capacity.

Season 2, episode 16, of Tracker marking Bobby’s return will air on Sunday, April 3, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET.