How will Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) go about processing the fact that his mother (Wendy Crewson) seemed to have a major role in his father’s death? That’s what he’s facing when Tracker Season 3 premieres on Sunday, October 19. Maybe his brother Russell (Jensen Ackles, back for the two-part premiere) can help. We’ll have to see how he reacts when Colter tells him about the conversation he had with the man Russell saw with their father the night he died, Otto (Alex Fernandez), who confirmed he pushed their dad off the cliff, and how their mother had asked for his help.
Elwood Reid: A couple weeks. Colter’s kind of fallen off the grid a little bit, and it’s no surprise that who comes and finds him is his brother, played by Jensen Ackles. That conversation continued after the cliffhanger, and we’ll learn some of the contents of that conversation when he speaks to his brother in the opening of this season.
No, we won’t. We may go back to see parts, flashes of it later in the season, or we may go back to Otto. But what’s more important, I think, is just because it was a pretty heavy bomb we dropped, hearing what Colter thinks that bomb means and then hearing what his brother Russell thinks it could mean, and then you kind of put these two things together. It was just a way to make it more active for Colter with someone who — remember for a long time, he kind of blamed his brother with having something to do with it. So, I’m really proud of this scene and I’m really proud of, it’s just two guys in this little tiny set in the Airstream talking and it’s very tense. It’s an interesting scene for our show.
The long wait is finally over! ‘Tracker’ Season 3 is on its way, and fans can’t stop buzzing about the newly dropped trailer that confirms the return of Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw. The teaser promises an explosive new season packed with mystery, brotherhood, and that signature heart-pounding action that keeps viewers glued to their screens. Let’s dive deep into everything we know about ‘Tracker’ Season 3 — from the trailer breakdown to cast updates, plot teasers, and why the Ackles-Hartley reunion might be the best thing to happen to TV this year.
What the ‘Tracker’ Season 3 Trailer Reveals
Jensen Ackles Makes a Triumphant Return
If you thought Season 2 ended with a bang, Season 3 looks set to blow it all up — in the best way possible. The trailer opens with Jensen Ackles reprising his role as Russell Shaw, Colter’s enigmatic brother. His reappearance hints at deeper family secrets, emotional tension, and possibly, a powerful new alliance.
Ackles, best known for his iconic portrayal of Dean Winchester in Supernatural, brings his trademark mix of grit and charm, making his return one of the trailer’s biggest highlights.
Colter and Russell Team Up — Finally!
Fans have been begging to see the Shaw brothers work side by side, and ‘Tracker’ Season 3 finally delivers. From what the trailer shows, Colter (Justin Hartley) and Russell are teaming up for a dangerous mission that challenges both their survival skills and their fractured bond.
It’s not just about tracking down fugitives or solving cases — this season dives into their shared past, hinting at unresolved family drama that could redefine their relationship.
Breaking Down the Plot — What’s Season 3 About?
A New Mission, A New Mystery
Season 3 takes Colter Shaw into darker and more personal territory. The trailer teases a missing person case that hits close to home, forcing him to face painful truths about his family and himself. Every clue seems to lead back to Russell — and perhaps, something bigger lurking beneath the surface.
The Emotional Core of the Story
While ‘Tracker’ has always been an action-packed drama, Season 3 appears to double down on its emotional storytelling. The tension between Colter and Russell is palpable — two men shaped by the same father but scarred in different ways.
The trailer’s closing line — “We’ve been running from the same ghosts, brother.” — perfectly sums up the emotional intensity fans can expect.
Why Jensen Ackles’ Return Changes Everything
The Ackles-Hartley Chemistry
It’s no secret that Ackles and Hartley have instant on-screen chemistry. Their scenes crackle with energy, a blend of rivalry and brotherly affection that feels raw and real. With Ackles’ Russell now taking on a more active role, the show gains a deeper emotional layer that could redefine its future.
From Guest Star to Game-Changer
In Season 2, Russell’s appearances were limited, leaving fans wanting more. Season 3, however, positions him as a major player. The trailer hints that his arc could even rival Colter’s in significance — perhaps leading to a spinoff or extended storyline.
Behind the Scenes — The Making of Season 3
Filming Locations and Visual Upgrades
Shot across stunning landscapes from Montana to New Mexico, ‘Tracker’ Season 3 looks more cinematic than ever. The sweeping drone shots, dynamic chase scenes, and gritty atmosphere make it feel like a blockbuster series.
New Directors and Fresh Creative Energy
The new season brings in top-tier directors known for their work on Yellowstone and True Detective. This creative shift is already visible in the trailer’s tone — darker, more emotional, and loaded with tension.
Supporting Cast Updates and New Faces
Who’s Returning?
Aside from Justin Hartley and Jensen Ackles, familiar faces like Robin Weigert (as Mary Dove Shaw) and Fiona Rene (as Reenie Greene) are back. Their storylines promise to dig deeper into the complex Shaw family dynamics.
Who’s New?
Rumors point to a few new additions joining the cast — including a mysterious antagonist who seems to have ties to both brothers. The trailer gives us just a glimpse, but fans are already theorizing who it might be.
Fan Reactions — The Internet Is Losing It
Twitter Erupts Over Jensen’s Return
Minutes after the trailer dropped, “#JensenAckles” and “#TrackerSeason3” started trending worldwide. Fans celebrated Ackles’ comeback with memes, edits, and pure excitement — many calling this “the comeback TV needed.”Why Fans Are Hyped
Beyond nostalgia, fans are genuinely thrilled to see ‘Tracker’ evolving into a deeper story about family and redemption. The Ackles-Hartley duo is everything they hoped for — and then some.
What to Expect From Colter and Russell’s Relationship
Brotherhood and Betrayal
Expect plenty of tension — the brothers may be teaming up, but trust doesn’t come easy. The trailer hints at betrayal, perhaps even conflicting motives behind their mission.
A Journey of Redemption
Both Colter and Russell are haunted by their father’s legacy. This season could finally give fans the closure they’ve been waiting for — or open new wounds that will shape future storylines.
Could ‘Tracker’ Expand Into a Shared Universe?
With ‘Tracker’ becoming CBS’s breakout hit, there’s growing speculation that the show might spin off into a larger “Shaw Universe.” Given Ackles’ increasing involvement, fans are already dreaming of a prequel exploring Russell’s past or a future series focusing on the brothers’ adventures.
Release Date and Streaming Details
The official release date hasn’t been confirmed yet, but sources suggest ‘Tracker’ Season 3 will premiere in early 2026 on CBS and Paramount+. Expect the first trailer drop to be followed by teaser clips and interviews leading up to the premiere.
Why ‘Tracker’ Season 3 Might Be Its Best Yet
Between the upgraded visuals, deeper storytelling, and powerhouse performances, Season 3 feels like ‘Tracker’ leveling up in every way. Jensen Ackles’ full-time return gives the series new heart — and fans can’t wait to see how far the brothers will go together.
Conclusion
‘Tracker’ Season 3 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling seasons yet. With Jensen Ackles officially returning as Russell Shaw and teaming up with Justin Hartley’s Colter, fans are in for a wild, emotional, and action-packed ride. The trailer promises family drama, redemption arcs, and a brotherly bond that will push both men to their limits.
If this teaser is anything to go by, ‘Tracker’ isn’t just back — it’s about to dominate television once again.
