Though Jensen Ackles has several projects in the works, he’s already planning his return to CBS’ Tracker. “We are discussing that as we speak,” Ackles said of appearing on the show’s upcoming third season in an interview with Collider published on Thursday, June 19. “That is being talked about, so yeah, I would hope so.” Calling it a “fun thing” to act alongside his “dear friend” Justin Hartley, he added, “There are talks of bringing me back. To what capacity, I’m not sure yet.”
Ackles has guest-starred on two episodes of the CBS drama as Russell Shaw, the estranged older brother of Hartley’s Colter Shaw. Not only did Ackles’ character remind fans of his iconic Supernatural character, Dean Winchester, but he also played a role in one of the show’s biggest mysteries. In Season 1, it was revealed that Colter believed Russell was responsible for pushing their father off a cliff to his death. Russell denied doing so, instead claiming someone else was in the woods with them that fateful night.
Colter found more answers in the show’s Season 2 finale last month, as he learned that it was Otto (Alex Fernandez) who Russell saw the night of their father’s death. Otto confesses to killing his dad, but not before revealing he did so after being asked for help from Colter’s mother (Wendy Crewson). “We have so many ways to go in Season 3. We haven’t even picked up the pieces of it yet,” Tracker executive producer Elwood Reid exclusively told TV Insider of the finale cliffhanger. “I remember being in that room with Justin when he pulled the gun on the guy, and Justin was right on the edge. He was so emotional. He knew what that moment was. We only did two takes of it. Usually on something like that, I do 20 takes. He did two takes, that was it. He’s like, ‘That’s it, we’re done.’ He was ready. He’s been waiting the whole season for this.”
Teasing how the reveal will play into Season 3, Reid added, “I think one of the things that Justin and I wanted to do was ring out with him where we really leave a lot of unanswered questions and I think they’ll continue into next season.” Reid also weighed in on Ackles’ potential return as Russell. “I love the guy. I text him all the time. I’m like, I’ll take three hours of you,” he told TV Insider. “He’s very busy as you know in The Boys universe. So when we can get him, we can get him.” Ackles will appear next in the new Prime Video series Countdown, which premieres on Wednesday, June 25. He will also reprise his role as Soldier Boy on the fifth and final season of The Boys, as well as the show’s upcoming prequel, Vought Rising.
What Did Jensen Ackles Just Reveal?
If you’re a die-hard Jensen Ackles fan or obsessed with the hit show Tracker, brace yourself—because the Supernatural star just gave us an update we didn’t see coming. Whether you’ve been glued to every episode or casually curious, Ackles’ latest revelation about Tracker Season 3 is sending ripples through the fandom.
Let’s break it all down.
What Is ‘Tracker’ and Why Is It So Popular?
The Premise of ‘Tracker’
Tracker follows Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist who uses his skills to solve missing person cases for reward money. Each episode is action-packed, emotionally rich, and full of mystery.
Why Fans Can’t Get Enough
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Strong storytelling
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Twists and turns every episode
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A-list casting (hello, Justin Hartley!)
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The surprise appearance of Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw
And that last point? Yeah, it’s a game-changer.
Jensen Ackles: The Scene-Stealing Surprise of Season 2
Jensen Ackles wasn’t just a guest star—he owned the screen. Playing Colter’s estranged brother, Russell Shaw, Ackles brought intensity, charm, and a whole lot of baggage to the role.
His dynamic presence left fans demanding one thing: “More Russell!”
The Big News: What Ackles Said About ‘Tracker’ Season 3
During a recent interview, Jensen Ackles dropped the bombshell:
“I had a blast playing Russell, and if the story allows, I’d love to step back into his boots.”
Whoa. That’s not a flat-out yes—but it’s definitely not a no.
Behind the Scenes: Why Ackles’ Return Isn’t Guaranteed Yet
Scheduling Conflicts?
Ackles has a packed calendar. From voice work to other TV projects, his schedule might be the biggest obstacle to returning full-time.
Writers Are Still Crafting the Season
Tracker Season 3 is still in early development. According to show insiders, scripts are being shaped—and Russell’s arc is under discussion.
How Russell Shaw Could Shape the Future of ‘Tracker’
Jensen Ackles’ character brought layers to Colter Shaw’s backstory. Reintroducing Russell could mean:
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Deeper family drama
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Flashbacks and emotional showdowns
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A possible team-up or major betrayal arc
It’s fertile ground for storytelling—and fans know it.
Audience Reaction: The Internet Can’t Keep Calm
Social Media Explosion
Once Ackles made his statement, hashtags like #RussellShawReturns and #JensenOnTracker started trending.
Fans posted:
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“Please bring back Jensen Ackles in Season 3 or I riot.”
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“Tracker is cool. Tracker WITH Jensen Ackles? Instant classic.”
Fan Theories Are Flying
Twitter and Reddit are full of predictions:
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Will Russell take over a case?
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Could he become an antihero?
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Is a Shaw family reunion (or face-off) on the horizon?
A Closer Look: What Showrunners Are Saying
While no official word confirms Ackles’ return, executive producers have hinted at “exploring more of Colter’s family.”
That’s basically code for “we’re not done with Russell yet.”
What Could Season 3 Look Like With (or Without) Ackles?
With Ackles In
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Explosive brother dynamic
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More layered plots
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An emotional tug-of-war between duty and family
Without Ackles
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Colter goes solo again
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More mystery-of-the-week format
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A potential slow burn until Russell returns later?
When Will Season 3 Air?
CBS hasn’t confirmed a premiere date, but Season 3 is expected to drop sometime in mid-to-late 2025. The writers’ room is active, and casting calls are already happening.
So we might not have to wait too long.
Ackles’ Career: Why This Role Mattered
Jensen Ackles is no stranger to TV fame—Supernatural, The Boys, Big Sky. But Tracker offered something unique:
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A modern Western vibe
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A morally gray character
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Room to evolve without a supernatural twist
Fans and critics both praised his grounded, rugged performance.
Will CBS Make the Call to Bring Him Back?
If fan demand means anything (spoiler: it always does), CBS knows bringing back Jensen Ackles is smart business. Viewership spikes. Social engagement soars. Buzz builds.
All signs point to: they want him back.
Our Prediction: Will Jensen Ackles Return?
Let’s be real—Ackles’ return is likely, but conditional.
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If schedules align
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If the story makes sense
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If negotiations go well
Odds? We’d say 80% chance you’ll see Russell Shaw in Tracker Season 3.
What This Means for Fans (and the Show’s Future)
Bringing back Ackles isn’t just a win for fans—it’s a narrative goldmine. It deepens the lore, boosts ratings, and brings undeniable chemistry to the screen.
Season 3 could be the show’s best yet if Russell returns.
Final Thoughts: Stay Tuned, Tracker Fans!
Jensen Ackles has lit the fuse. Whether or not Russell Shaw explodes back onto our screens in Season 3, one thing’s for sure—the fandom is fired up, and the creators are definitely listening.
Grab your popcorn. The tracker trails aren’t cold yet.
