When Jensen Ackles made his surprise debut as Russell Shaw, Colter’s estranged brother, in the Season 2 finale of Tracker, fans immediately flooded social media with excitement. Now, it looks like CBS is doubling down on that enthusiasm. Ackles is not only returning for Season 3 — his role is getting significantly bigger.
In Season 2, Russell appeared briefly in the final moments, creating a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that hinted at deep family conflict. According to showrunner Elwood Reid, Season 3 will pick up right where things left off, with Russell’s arrival shaking Colter’s world. Reid confirmed to TV Insider that Russell will appear in multiple episodes, not just a single guest spot.
“Russell isn’t just here to stir trouble,” Reid explained. “He’s here to challenge Colter’s values, push him to his limits, and maybe even change the way Colter operates.”
Jensen Ackles himself took to Instagram to tease fans, posting a behind-the-scenes photo with the caption, “Russell’s just getting started.” This suggests his arc will be much more involved, potentially blending action-packed sequences with emotional family drama.
The sibling rivalry angle has enormous potential. Both brothers share the same skills and instincts but have taken very different moral paths. As Reid puts it, “They could be allies one moment and enemies the next — that’s what makes their relationship so volatile and so exciting to write.”
Ackles’ expanded role comes after months of fan petitions asking for more Russell Shaw. CBS clearly listened, and Season 3 might just deliver one of the most anticipated family showdowns on network TV.
