After a breakout debut season that turned Tracker into one of CBS’s biggest hits, fans have been asking one question nonstop: Will we get a Jensen Ackles spinoff?
Now, series showrunner Ben Winters has finally addressed the idea — and while he didn’t confirm anything, his answer was enough to set social media on fire.
“Never Say Never” — The Showrunner Speaks Out
In a recent interview, Winters revealed that conversations about expanding the Tracker universe are “absolutely on the table.” When asked specifically about Jensen Ackles reprising his fan-favorite role as Russell Shaw, he smiled and said, “Let’s just say, there’s a lot more story to tell there.”
It’s the kind of vague-but-promising response that fans love — and exactly the kind that keeps speculation running wild.
Ackles’ Impact Was Immediate
Jensen Ackles appeared late in Tracker’s first season as Russell Shaw, Colter’s estranged older brother. His brief but powerful presence completely shifted the tone of the series — revealing a painful family dynamic and a new layer to Colter’s emotional world.
Viewers instantly connected with Shaw’s complex personality: equal parts charm, danger, and vulnerability. “He felt like a character who’s been living in his own show all along,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Even Tracker star Justin Hartley praised Ackles’ performance, saying in a recent panel, “Jensen brought this wild energy that felt both familiar and unpredictable. He and I had instant chemistry — it felt like we’d been brothers for years.”
What a Spinoff Could Look Like
If CBS were to move forward, a spinoff centered on Russell Shaw could easily work as a gritty, cross-country companion series — focusing on a man living in the shadows of his past, solving his own kind of cases while trying to rebuild his relationship with Colter.
The tone could lean darker, more survivalist — perhaps exploring the years that separated the two brothers. How did Shaw get there? What exactly happened between them? Fans want answers, and a series could finally deliver them.
The Ackles Effect
Let’s be real — Jensen Ackles doesn’t just appear in shows; he elevates them. From Supernatural to The Boys and now Tracker, his screen presence draws instant attention.
With his massive global fanbase and his natural ability to lead a series, Ackles headlining a Tracker spinoff would be an easy win for CBS — both critically and commercially.
In fact, industry insiders have already hinted that network executives were “very pleased” with the fan response to his guest arc, sparking early talks about “future potential.”
Justin Hartley Is Totally On Board
Hartley, who also serves as executive producer on Tracker, has already voiced support for expanding the show’s world. “If the audience wants more, we’re here for it,” he said. “There’s so much more to explore — Colter’s story, Russell’s story, the whole Shaw family. We’ve just scratched the surface.”
That’s as close to a green light as fans could hope for — at least for now.
A Universe Worth Building
Television is in the age of interconnected storytelling. Just as NCIS, FBI, and Chicago Fire spawned entire franchises, Tracker is shaping up to become CBS’s next great world-builder.
Its blend of emotional depth, mystery-of-the-week structure, and a strong central cast gives it the kind of flexibility few shows can match. A Russell Shaw spinoff would only strengthen that foundation.
What’s Next for Tracker
While no spinoff has been officially announced, Season 2 of Tracker is already in production, with both Hartley and Ackles expected to share more screen time together.
Rumor has it the show will dive deeper into the brothers’ fractured history — possibly setting up the groundwork for Shaw’s solo story.
As Winters teased, “Sometimes the best way to tell a family story is to let both sides have their own journey.”
Conclusion: A World Worth Following
Whether it’s through Tracker Season 2 or a brand-new series, Jensen Ackles’ Russell Shaw clearly struck a chord.
Fans want more. The showrunner’s interested. The network’s listening.
And in Hollywood, when all three align — something big usually happens.
So, while there’s no official spinoff yet, don’t be surprised if we’re soon watching Tracker: Shaw’s Law or The Searcher hit the CBS lineup.
Because in the world of Tracker, no story stays buried for long.
