“There’s a lot of stuff to uncover there,” Jensen Ackles says of Tracker, on which he recurs as Russell, the brother of Justin Hartley‘s Colter Shaw. Season 2 ended with Colter beginning to get answers about the night of their father’s death. The man Russell had seen that night was Otto (Alex Fernandez), who told Colter that yes, he pushed his father off the cliff, but also revealed that his mother (Wendy Crewson) had asked for his help. The good news is that we’ll get more answers when Season 3 premieres in October — and it sounds like Ackles should be back! While discussing his new Prime Video drama, Countdown, he tells TV Insider there’s “probably a good chance” of a return in Season 3. (He will also be in the final season of The Boys and has the upcoming spinoff, Vought Rising.)
On Tracker, Jensen Ackles is once again playing a complicated dynamic between brothers — but he’s no stranger to that after 15 seasons doing just that as Dean to Jared Padalecki‘s Sam Winchester on Supernatural (celebrating its 20th anniversary this year). “I’m playing the older brother of somebody that I know very well, and I get along with very well. I mean, Justin and I have known each other for over 20 years, and we’ve been buds and we’ve never gotten to work together. So it was really fun for us to get on set,” Ackles says. “But it was also very easy because it’s just hanging out with your buddy and we get to have fun and we get to mix it up. And it’s nice that he’s an executive producer on it so he can be like, ‘Do you like that word? Do you like that line?’ Just change it, whatever you want.’ So it kind gives us a little freedom.”
He also notes that came into play with him knowing the showrunner, Elwood Reid, before, from their days doing Big Sky together. “When he trusts his actors, he encourages that,” he continues. “He’s like, ‘Make it your own.’ He knows me well. He’s obviously Justin’s guy, and it’s made it very easy. So it’s not just Justin that I get to go and work and play with. I get Elwood as well. And there’s some familiar faces in the crew because obviously it shoots up in Vancouver, which I’ve spent some time there, so I know that town very well, and I know a lot of crew members and a lot of crew faces, so it is a little bit kind of stepping back into an old coat.”
The Reunion We Didn’t Know We Needed
When two fan-favorite actors like Jensen Ackles and Justin Hartley finally share the screen, it’s not just another TV season—it’s a television event. In the upcoming Season 3 of “Tracker”, Jensen Ackles makes a highly anticipated return and opens up about working with his real-life friend and fellow CW alum, Justin Hartley. The buzz? Off the charts. The excitement? Absolutely justified. Let’s break down why Season 3 might just be the show’s most electrifying chapter yet.
The Hype Around ‘Tracker’ Season 3
A Show That’s Quickly Becoming A Fan Favorite
Since its debut, “Tracker” has struck a chord with viewers thanks to its gripping storytelling, high-stakes investigations, and deeply layered characters. With Hartley leading the way as Colter Shaw, the show delivers weekly doses of drama, suspense, and raw human emotion.
Why Season 3 Is Different
Season 3 promises something extra special: the return of Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw, Colter’s brother, which adds a whole new dimension to the family saga—and plenty of drama.
Jensen Ackles Returns as Russell Shaw
From Guest Star to Major Player
Ackles made his debut in the Season 1 finale, and fans immediately demanded more. Now, with a multi-episode arc confirmed for Season 3, Russell Shaw is no longer just a mysterious sibling—he’s central to the story.
Ackles Shares His Excitement
In a recent interview, Jensen Ackles said, “It felt like the right time to jump in. And honestly, getting to finally work with Justin? That sealed the deal.”
Ackles + Hartley: A Long-Awaited Collaboration
Friends Off-Screen, Fire On-Screen
For years, fans have been begging to see Ackles and Hartley in the same scene. Their off-screen friendship—shaped during their time on shows like Supernatural and Smallville—adds authentic chemistry to their roles.
The Brotherly Bond Reimagined
Their characters—Colter and Russell—share a complicated past. Expect tension, emotional confrontations, and maybe even a few action-packed scenes. Ackles teased: “There’s a fight scene that’s going to blow people away—emotionally and physically.”
Behind-The-Scenes Stories
On-Set Shenanigans
If you thought they were serious all the time, think again. Hartley and Ackles reportedly brought a lot of laughs to the set. Crew members have described their chemistry as “infectious.”
A Brotherhood Born From Respect
Though the two actors are close, Ackles said it was their shared respect for storytelling that made their scenes really shine: “We were constantly pushing each other to get deeper into the material.”
The Storyline Gets Darker and Deeper
What We Know So Far
Season 3 dives into the darker elements of the Shaw family legacy. Colter is still solving cases—but now, he’s dealing with secrets from his own bloodline. Russell’s return forces Colter to confront the past he’s tried to bury.
Emotional Stakes at an All-Time High
Expect revelations about their father, hidden family trauma, and decisions that could break—or bond—the brothers for good.
How ‘Tracker’ Is Leveling Up
New Locations, New Faces
This season expands its universe. With Ackles joining the team, there’s talk of new recurring characters and unexpected guest stars. Think bigger mysteries and broader landscapes.
H3Cinematic Quality Television
Fans have compared Season 3’s tone to a mini action-thriller series. Thanks to big names like Hartley and Ackles, the production feels more like an HBO drama than a network procedural.
What Fans Are Saying
Social Media Is Exploding
Twitter/X, Reddit, and fan forums are ablaze. One fan wrote, “Justin + Jensen in one show? This is peak television.”
Fan Theories Are Wild
Some think Russell might turn out to be a villain. Others hope for a Shaw brothers spin-off. Ackles didn’t confirm anything, but winked, “Never say never.”
A Career Milestone for Both Stars
Hartley Continues His Hot Streak
After This Is Us, Hartley could’ve taken a break. Instead, he dove into Tracker, proving he’s not just a pretty face—he’s a powerhouse lead.
Ackles Shows His Range
Coming off The Boys and Big Sky, Ackles is proving he can play charming, dangerous, and heartfelt—all in one episode. His Russell Shaw might be his most layered role yet.
Future of the Franchise
Could There Be A Spin-Off?
With Russell Shaw’s character gaining traction, a spin-off series isn’t out of the question. Networks love expanding successful universes, and Tracker has the perfect ingredients.
More Seasons to Come?
Given the ratings and fan engagement, Season 4 feels inevitable. Ackles even hinted that he’s open to returning beyond this arc—if the story’s right.
Final Thoughts from Jensen Ackles
A Role That Just Felt Right
“This isn’t just a guest spot,” Ackles emphasized. “This is a story worth telling, with a character I can really sink my teeth into.”
On Working with Hartley
“We clicked immediately. It’s like we’ve been waiting years for this—and it shows.”
Conclusion: A TV Moment Worth Waiting For
Season 3 of Tracker isn’t just another season—it’s a turning point. With Jensen Ackles stepping in as Russell Shaw and finally sharing scenes with Justin Hartley, we’re witnessing something special. The chemistry is real, the stakes are high, and the fan anticipation? Off the charts. If you’ve been sleeping on Tracker, now’s the time to catch up—because Season 3 is going to be unforgettable.
