Get ready, Tracker fans — Justin Hartley is back as Colter Shaw, and the newly released Season 3 trailer has everyone buzzing. The most talked-about moment? His long-awaited reunion with fan-favorite character Russell, played by Jensen Ackles. After months of speculation, teasers, and behind-the-scenes hints, the full trailer has finally confirmed what audiences have been hoping for: Season 3 will bring heart, intensity, and the emotional payoff fans deserve.
So, what exactly can viewers expect when Tracker returns to CBS? Let’s break down every major detail, hidden clue, and cast insight revealed so far.
The Reunion Fans Have Been Waiting For
Ever since Russell’s last appearance left fans with unanswered questions, social media has been begging for his return. The new Tracker trailer opens with Colter crossing paths with Russell once again, sparking an emotional and tense reunion that sets the tone for Season 3.
The chemistry between Justin Hartley and Jensen Ackles is undeniable — their characters’ dynamic balances brotherly rivalry and mutual respect, giving Tracker its emotional backbone.
A Quick Recap: Where Season 2 Left Off
Before diving into what’s next, let’s rewind. Season 2 ended with Colter facing his biggest challenge yet — unraveling a conspiracy that hit close to home. The finale left viewers on edge as Colter walked away from civilization once more, hinting that unfinished business was calling him back. Now, Season 3 promises to pick up those threads, deepening the mystery and adding new emotional stakes.
The Emotional Core: Colter and Russell’s Complex Relationship
Colter Shaw isn’t your typical hero. He’s a loner, a survivalist, and a man haunted by his past. Russell, on the other hand, mirrors many of his qualities — but through a darker lens. The trailer teases heated confrontations, heartfelt conversations, and a shared mission that forces the two to face their pasts head-on.
Fans speculate that this reunion could finally reveal long-buried family secrets and reshape Colter’s understanding of his father’s mysterious death.
Justin Hartley’s Take on the New Season
In interviews, Justin Hartley hinted that Season 3 of Tracker would be “bigger, deeper, and more personal than ever.” He described Colter’s next journey as “emotionally dangerous,” emphasizing that the show will explore vulnerability as much as adventure.
Hartley’s performance has always blended rugged charm with emotional depth, and the new trailer suggests Season 3 will push him even further.
Jensen Ackles Steals the Spotlight as Russell
When Jensen Ackles first appeared as Russell in Season 2, fans immediately called for more. His portrayal added an extra layer of intrigue and intensity, and his chemistry with Hartley felt effortless. Now that the trailer confirms his full return, audiences can expect more brotherly banter, dramatic standoffs, and moments of quiet reflection that highlight the bond between two complex men.
A Glimpse at New Faces and Fresh Challenges
Beyond the reunion, Season 3 will introduce new allies and enemies. CBS has teased the arrival of a mysterious antagonist connected to Colter’s family — someone who might know more about his past than he does. Expect high-stakes chases, unpredictable betrayals, and emotional revelations that could change everything Colter believes about himself.
Bigger Action, Bolder Stories
From the trailer’s opening shot — Colter tracking a fugitive through snow-covered mountains — it’s clear that Tracker isn’t holding back. The new season will feature breathtaking landscapes, edge-of-your-seat rescues, and emotionally charged confrontations.
It’s not just a show about finding missing people anymore — it’s about finding truth, redemption, and identity.
Filming Locations: The Beauty Behind the Scenes
Season 3 was filmed across several stunning North American locations, including British Columbia, Montana, and New Mexico. The natural backdrops give the show its signature cinematic feel, blending wilderness with raw emotion. Fans have already spotted clues in behind-the-scenes photos, suggesting some episodes might even revisit Colter’s childhood home.
The Creative Team Promises “Emotional Payoff”
Executive producers have promised that Season 3 will not only resolve key storylines but also deliver emotional closure. They’ve described it as “a season of reunions and reckonings,” where Colter must finally confront everything he’s been running from.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Is Losing It
Within hours of the trailer’s release, #TrackerSeason3 began trending. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok with theories, memes, and emotional reactions. One user wrote, “Colter and Russell back together? This is the reunion I’ve been manifesting since 2023!”
Others praised the cinematography and teased that this could be Tracker’s most powerful season yet.
Why The Colter-Russell Dynamic Works
The magic of Tracker lies in its characters. Colter’s introspective nature contrasts perfectly with Russell’s bold, impulsive personality. Together, they represent two halves of the same coin — both shaped by loss, survival, and unhealed wounds. Their reunion gives Tracker a deeper emotional layer, showing that even the toughest heroes need connection.
A Darker Tone Ahead
The new trailer hints at a darker tone, with moody visuals, cryptic dialogue, and high-stakes missions. Colter’s narration—“Sometimes the person you’re chasing isn’t running from danger… they’re running from truth”—sets the emotional stage.
This suggests that Season 3 won’t just be about solving cases—it’ll be about facing the ghosts of the past.
Supporting Cast: Familiar Faces Return
Expect the return of key supporting characters like Teddi (Robin Weigert) and Velma (Abby McEnany), whose grounded humor and practical wisdom balance the show’s tension. Their roles in Season 3 promise more depth, especially as Colter’s personal and professional lives start to collide.
When Does Tracker Season 3 Premiere?
CBS has confirmed that Tracker Season 3 will premiere in Spring 2025, with streaming available on Paramount+ shortly after each broadcast. Fans can expect an explosive two-part premiere that immediately dives into the Colter-Russell reunion storyline.
The Future of Tracker Beyond Season 3
While CBS hasn’t officially announced a Season 4 renewal, the buzz surrounding Season 3 suggests that Tracker’s future is bright. Justin Hartley’s star power, coupled with strong storytelling and an emotional hook, makes this one of CBS’s most valuable properties.
Why Tracker Continues to Resonate
At its core, Tracker isn’t just about crime-solving. It’s about resilience, belonging, and the search for truth. Colter Shaw represents the human struggle to move forward while carrying emotional baggage. That’s why fans connect so deeply — because beneath the mystery and action, Tracker speaks to something real.
Conclusion: A Reunion Worth the Wait
The Tracker Season 3 trailer delivers everything fans could’ve asked for — and then some. The reunion between Colter and Russell promises not only thrilling storytelling but also an emotional journey of forgiveness, understanding, and brotherhood.
If the trailer is any indication, this season will be a rollercoaster of heart-pounding chases, powerful character moments, and shocking revelations.
Tracker is no longer just a hit show—it’s becoming a full-blown phenomenon.
FAQs
1. When will Tracker Season 3 premiere?
CBS has set the premiere for Spring 2025, with streaming on Paramount+ after each episode.
2. Is Jensen Ackles returning as Russell?
Yes! The new trailer confirms his full return, reuniting him with Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw.
3. Will Season 3 resolve the mystery of Colter’s father?
According to the showrunners, yes — major family secrets will finally come to light.
4. Where is Tracker Season 3 filmed?
Filming took place across scenic locations in Canada and the U.S., including British Columbia and Montana.
5. Will there be a Season 4 of Tracker?
While not confirmed yet, the hype around Season 3 makes renewal highly likely
