If you’re here, chances are you’ve finished Tracker Season 2 and are looking for scoop on Season 3. That’s where TVLine comes in! The CBS procedural initially premiered Feb. 11, 2024. Based on the best-selling novel The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver, the one-hour drama stars This Is Us’ Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, “a lone-wolf survivalist who roams the country as a reward seeker, using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement solve all manner of mysteries,” according to the official logline.
In his spare time, Colter must contend with a fractured family — and a potential conspiracy involving his late father, Professor Ashton Shaw. Guest stars Jensen Ackles, Melissa Roxburgh and Wendy Crewson appeared in Seasons 1 and 2 as Colter’s brother Russell, his sister Dory, and their mother Mary, respectively — but will any of them return in Season 3? What follows is a complete rundown of everything we know about Tracker Season 3 — including exclusive casting intel! — as well as a refresher on where we left things in Season 2, which ended May 11.
Get ready, Tracker fans — the heat is back on. Season 3 is officially in the works, and the buzz couldn’t be louder. Between surprise returns, jaw-dropping plot teasers, and the much-anticipated reappearance of Jensen Ackles, things are getting real exciting, real fast. Whether you’re a die-hard Colter Shaw follower or just dipping your toes into the Tracker universe, this guide will break down everything we know so far. Spoilers? A few. Insider scoops? Absolutely. Let’s dive in.
What Is Tracker About, Anyway?
Tracker follows the journey of Colter Shaw, a rugged and resourceful lone wolf who uses his survivalist skills to solve mysteries and track down missing people for cash rewards. Think modern-day bounty hunter meets emotional backstory — and trust us, it works.
Quick Recap – Where We Left Off in Season 2
Before we go full steam into Season 3, here’s a snapshot of how things wrapped up last time:
-
Colter uncovered more layers of his family’s mysterious past.
-
Major tension brewed between Colter and law enforcement agencies.
-
The season ended with a cliffhanger involving a high-stakes hostage situation.
-
Fans were left speculating about Colter’s fate… and that cryptic phone call.
Jensen Ackles’ Return — What We Know So Far
Yep, it’s true. Jensen Ackles — beloved for his role as Dean Winchester in Supernatural — is returning to Tracker in Season 3. Here’s the lowdown:
Who Is Jensen Playing in Tracker?
Ackles plays Russell Shaw, Colter’s enigmatic brother. Their rocky relationship is central to the emotional core of the show.
Why Is His Return a Big Deal?
-
He was last seen in a flashback-heavy arc that added massive depth.
-
Fans begged for more sibling drama — and producers listened.
-
Ackles brings serious star power and a gritty dynamic the show thrives on.
When Is Tracker Season 3 Coming Out?
While an exact premiere date hasn’t been announced, early sources hint at a spring 2026 release window. Filming kicked off in early July 2025, and post-production is rumored to be fast-tracked.
Where Is Tracker Filmed?
Primarily shot in Vancouver and surrounding Canadian landscapes, Tracker takes advantage of sweeping wilderness views that make every episode visually stunning. For Season 3, they’re also scouting locations in Arizona and Utah — hinting at some dry, desert action.
What to Expect from the Season 3 Plot
A Deeper Dive into Colter’s Past
Season 3 will further peel back the layers of Colter’s troubled upbringing, especially with Russell Shaw returning to stir the emotional pot.
New Missions, Same Grit
Expect even more daring cases — missing persons, runaway fugitives, and high-risk rescues. The danger’s getting more intense.
More Psychological Drama
The show’s leaning hard into the mental toll this work takes on Colter. Think therapy sessions, hallucinations, and moral dilemmas.
New Characters Joining the Tracker Universe
While the official cast list isn’t fully revealed, insiders confirmed these new characters:
-
Detective Elena Cross (played by CCH Pounder) – A retired cop turned skeptical ally.
-
Jake Wyatt – A hacker-turned-field agent who may or may not be trustworthy.
-
Dani Vega – A journalist chasing Colter’s story, and maybe his heart?
Returning Cast Members You’ll Definitely See Again
-
Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw
-
Fiona Rene as Reenie
-
Robin Weigert as Colter’s mother, Mary
-
Eric Graise as Bob Exley
Their dynamics are only getting more layered — and personal.
The Themes Season 3 Will Explore
Trust and Betrayal
Colter will have to figure out who’s really on his side.
Survival vs. Morality
What happens when doing the right thing costs everything?
Legacy and Family Ties
The Shaw family history is far from resolved — and this season promises answers.
Is This the Final Season of Tracker?
Not necessarily. CBS executives hinted at future story arcs beyond Season 3, depending on viewership numbers. So if fans tune in, Tracker could easily get a Season 4 (or even 5).
What Are the Showrunners Saying?
In recent interviews:
-
Executive Producer Elwood Reid teased “unexpected reunions and betrayals.”
-
Jensen Ackles called his return “a necessary emotional reckoning.”
-
Justin Hartley hinted that this is Colter’s “most dangerous season yet.”
How to Watch Tracker Season 3
Streaming Options
-
Paramount+ will stream all episodes live and on-demand.
-
CBS All Access for U.S. viewers.
-
Amazon Prime Video (in select international markets).
The Buzz on Social Media
The fandom is lit. #TrackerSeason3 and #JensenIsBack trended within hours of the casting news. Fan theories, Reddit deep-dives, and TikTok breakdowns are already flooding timelines.
Why Tracker Still Has Everyone Hooked
Because it’s not just about solving cases — it’s about healing wounds, facing fears, and chasing more than just missing people. It’s about chasing truth.
Final Thoughts
If you thought Tracker had peaked, Season 3 is here to prove otherwise. With Jensen Ackles stepping back into the spotlight, more intense missions, and deeper emotional arcs, this chapter could be the show’s best yet.
Get your popcorn ready, folks. This ride is just beginning.
