Fans of Tracker can mark their calendars: Jensen Ackles is officially coming back as Russell Shaw in Season 4, and the news comes straight from the show's leading man, Justin Hartley. The confirmation arrives after a season finale that left viewers on the edge of their seats, and now we know the beloved brotherly duo will reunite sooner rather than later.
Ackles first stepped into the role of Russell in April 2024, making his debut in the penultimate episode of Season 1, "Off the Books." That episode saw Russell seeking Colter's help to find a missing former Army buddy, all while their complicated family history—and the shadow of their father's death—hung over their reunion. Since then, the brothers have navigated a rocky path, but their bond has grown stronger.
In the Season 3 finale, "The Best Ones," which aired on May 24, 2026, Russell shielded Colter from a devastating truth about their father's past actions. That mystery will carry into the new season, but Hartley assures fans that the brothers are in a good place when we see them next.
Speaking with TV Insider, Hartley revealed that Ackles is already on set, saying, "Well, right now he is about probably 100 meters away from me. He’s in at least one [episode], and we’ll have him back when we can. I think probably in the new year, we’ll have him back for a few."
When Russell returns, he won't be bringing answers about that mysterious file. Instead, he'll come to Colter for help. According to Hartley, a friend of Russell's is in serious trouble—"not a self-inflicted thing," but something unexpected. So Russell reaches out to his brother, knowing Colter is the one person who can help. "So, he reaches out, and, of course, Colter's willing to help, and it reunites the two brothers, and they go on this pretty epic journey," Hartley added.
While the brothers have mended fences, Hartley hints that Colter still harbors a lingering suspicion that Russell is keeping something from him. "I don’t think necessarily he’s suspecting anything new. I also think that he always assumes that his brother is keeping something from him," Hartley explained. That dynamic will likely continue to simmer beneath the surface.
Tracker, inspired by Jeffery Deaver's novel The Never Game, follows Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist who uses his tracking instincts to find missing people. The series premiered on February 11, 2024, to critical acclaim, holding an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season. It was renewed for Season 4 on January 22, 2026.
Season 4 of Tracker premieres on October 4, 2026, on CBS, with the premiere also streaming on Paramount+. For more on what's coming, check out our list of shows to watch while you wait.
