Justin Hartley Says Jensen Ackles Brings Tracker to the ‘Next Level’ as They Reunite for Season 2: See the First Look!
Ackles will appear on the second episode of ‘Tracker’ season 2, airing on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 8:30 p.m. ET on CBS
The brothers are back together!
In PEOPLE’s exclusive photo from the upcoming episode of season 2 of Tracker, Justin Hartley and Jensen Ackles reunite in their roles as siblings.
After first working together in season 1 with Hartley as Colter and Ackles as his estranged brother Russell, the longtime friends are coming together once again — but it isn’t without drama.
“Jensen and I have known each other for a long time, we just never had a chance to work together,” Hartley, 47, tells PEOPLE in a statement. “Jensen is the perfect guy to play Russell. It’s such a well fleshed out character in the book and even more so with what we’ve done on the show.”
“And then Jensen just brings to it the next level,” he adds.
Episode 2 of season 2, titled “Ontological Shock,” airs Sunday, Oct. 20, and sees Colter disappear while searching for a missing father. Reenie (played by Fiona Rene) then calls in Russell to help track him down in the intense hunt for the survivalist.
Hartley first teased Ackles’ return to the series during the Summer Television Critics Association 2024 Press Tour in July. Fans went wild seeing the two together at the end of Tracker season 1 when the Supernatural star made a guest appearance and they have been anticipating seeing him again.
“We got him, he’s coming back,” Hartley said at the time. “We’re having fun with that. It’s a great story.”
Although the This Is Us alum said “I don’t know” when asked how many episodes would feature Ackles, showrunner Elwood Reid assured viewers it would be for “more than one” episode.
“It’s like family: when we text him [he says], ‘Tell me where and tell me when,’ and he shows up,” explained Reid, who previously worked with Ackles on Big Sky. “He’s just that kind of guy.”
Hartley’s Colter is an experienced survivalist and tracker who offers his skills to both civilians and law enforcement while also dealing with his own complicated personal life. In the season 1 finale, Colter uncovered some secrets about his father and siblings — a storyline that is carrying on into season 2.
Tracker was an instant hit, renewed for a second season only a few episodes into its debut. It was also revealed to be CBS’s most-watched show since Young Sheldon’s premiere in 2018 and the No. 1 show on cable since its premiere, according to Nielsen.
The season 1 finale saw Colter learn a few things about his father — and his siblings. And the new season will pick up a few months later.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Tracker season 2 premieres Sunday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Ackles’ episode will air the following Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET
