As Tracker gears up for its highly anticipated third season, fans are thrilled by the news that Jensen Ackles will officially join the cast alongside Justin Hartley — and not just in any role, but as Colter Shaw’s brother. This long-awaited reunion of the two actors, known for their early collaboration on Smallville, has ignited fresh excitement around the CBS hit series. Filming has now commenced in Vancouver, where the Shaw brothers are set to bring powerful new drama to the screen.
A Brotherhood Rekindled On Screen
Justin Hartley has led Tracker since its debut, portraying Colter Shaw — a lone wolf reward seeker with sharp instincts, a mysterious past, and a personal code of justice. His emotional complexity and rugged charisma have made the character a standout figure in network television.
Season 3 will now explore a more intimate layer of Colter’s life: his family. Enter Russell Shaw, played by Jensen Ackles. As Colter’s older brother, Russell is expected to bring both tension and depth to the storyline. The Shaw family’s dark and fragmented past — hinted at in flashbacks and conversations — will finally come into focus with Russell’s arrival. The reappearance of a sibling opens the door for unresolved trauma, shared memories, and possibly competing agendas.
Justin Hartley and Jensen Ackles: From Smallville to Tracker
For longtime fans of both actors, this isn’t their first time working together. Hartley and Ackles shared the screen on Smallville, where Hartley played Oliver Queen/Green Arrow and Ackles guest-starred as Jason Teague. Their chemistry, even in a limited shared arc, was undeniable.
Now, nearly two decades later, the two reunite — this time as brothers navigating a wilderness of crime, justice, and personal demons. Both actors have matured into emotionally layered performers with commanding screen presence. Their dynamic promises to be one of Tracker’s strongest assets moving forward.
Why Vancouver? A Cinematic Backdrop for a Gritty Reunion
Production for Season 3 has officially started in Vancouver, a city known for its cinematic versatility and lush landscapes. The Canadian setting provides the perfect backdrop for Tracker’s mix of rugged chases, forested mysteries, and isolated showdowns.
The Shaw brothers’ story arc reportedly involves a case that pulls Colter deeper into his past, forcing him to reunite with Russell under tense circumstances. Vancouver’s diverse terrain — from mountain trails to abandoned cabins — will likely mirror the emotional terrain the brothers must navigate.
What We Know So Far About Russell Shaw
While full plot details remain under wraps, early reports suggest that Russell Shaw is not merely a supporting character — he’s central to the season’s emotional and narrative structure. Described as enigmatic, calculating, and potentially morally ambiguous, Russell may challenge Colter’s belief system.
Jensen Ackles has a proven track record of portraying layered characters (Supernatural’s Dean Winchester, The Boys’ Soldier Boy), and fans are eager to see how he shapes Russell. Will Russell become Colter’s ally, or a cautionary reflection of who Colter could become?
Fan Reaction: A Dream Duo Returns
The announcement of Ackles joining Hartley has sent waves through the fan community. Social media exploded with enthusiasm, with hashtags like #ShawBros and #AckleyReunion trending across platforms.
The chemistry between the actors, combined with a compelling family dynamic, is expected to propel Tracker into a new phase of storytelling. Viewers who’ve followed both stars through the years are especially excited about seeing them together again — not as costumed superheroes, but as flawed, emotionally scarred brothers with a shared past and an uncertain future.
A New Era for Tracker
Season 3 is shaping up to be a turning point for Tracker. With multiple cast changes following Season 2 and a shift toward deeper character arcs, introducing Russell Shaw is a bold narrative move. By grounding the high-stakes cases in Colter’s personal history, the show aims to blend emotional resonance with action-driven suspense.
Justin Hartley has described the new season as “a deeper look into who Colter really is, and where he came from.” Ackles’ addition supports that ambition. Together, they’ll navigate a story that’s as much about redemption and reconciliation as it is about chasing down criminals.
The return of Justin Hartley and Jensen Ackles as on-screen brothers is more than a nostalgic treat — it’s a narrative evolution that promises to deepen Tracker’s appeal. With production underway in Vancouver and fan anticipation building, Season 3 may be the series’ most personal and powerful chapter yet.
If you’ve followed Tracker from the beginning, get ready for an emotionally charged reunion. And if you’re new to the show, there’s no better time to join the chase. The Shaw brothers are back — and this time, the stakes are personal.
