It’s Official: Jensen Ackles Returns for Tracker Season 3 Finale

Alright, CBS just cranked up the hype machine for next season, but one thing jumped out for folks who actually keep up with Tracker: yes, Jensen Ackles is officially coming back. And not in some flashback or dream sequence—this is a full-on, colossally overdue return that’s been teased since pretty much day one.

Yes, Russell Shaw Is Actually Coming Back

If you lost track—pun only kind of intended—Ackles plays Russell, Colter’s estranged brother. CBS confirmed he's back for the Season 3 finale, which now has a title ('The Best Ones'), a synopsis, and even an airdate: May 24. And this isn't just some stunt casting—the episode is about Colter and Russell chasing down a victim of a (naturally) creepy research project.

To give credit where it’s due, the finale’s not being phoned in. The script comes from Elwood Reid and Travis Donnelly, and Ken Olin’s directing. So expect something polished—maybe even meaningful—by network TV standards.

The Road So Far: Russell's Spotty Tracker Run

• Debut: Ackles’ Russell first popped up late in Season 1 (Episode 12, specifically).
• His appearance more or less patched up the whole 'did Russell have something to do with their dad’s death?' storyline. Spoiler: he didn’t. Brotherly angst somewhat resolved.
• He resurfaced for the start of Season 3 (Episodes 1 and 2). By the end of his last episode (‘Leverage,’ October 26, 2025), he and Colter had smashed a shady blackmailing operation run by—of course—a mysterious algorithm called 'The Process.'

About the Series: If You’re Somehow Not Already Watching

Justin Hartley leads as Colter Shaw, a freelance tracker (think crime-solver with outdoorsman vibes) based on Jeffery Deaver’s novel The Never Game. There was a reason for CBS to be bullish: everybody and their neighbor tuned in when Tracker premiered in February 2024. First season? 13 eps. Second season? They cranked that up to 20. Now, Season 3 runs even longer, with the finale clocking in as Episode 22. Safe to say, it’s a hit.

Ackles Has Options (And CBS Wants to Keep Him)

Other networks want a piece of Ackles, too—he’s out here stealing scenes as Soldier Boy in The Boys final season on Prime Video. Meanwhile, CBS already double-downed on Tracker, renewing it for Season 4 back in January. So if you’re worried Colter and Russell’s reunion is just a one-off, relax. The show’s not going anywhere and this 'brothers team up' setup practically screams future plotlines.

'Tracker' has always dangled the tension between the Shaw brothers. Having Jensen Ackles back for such a major episode could tee up the kind of sibling dynamics fans have basically been begging for.

Bottom line: If you’ve been waiting for the Shaw brothers to share the screen again, mark your calendar. Not every network drama gets better three seasons in, but, well, you take the wins where you can get them.