When Tracker returns to CBS, the hit show will be different after having lost two cast members, Abby McEnany and Eric Graise. After fans learned about those actors exiting the series, there has been a lot of interest in who will be a part of the show's season 3 cast. Now, fans of the action-drama series, which stars Justin Hartley, can rest assured that the show's return episodes will include a beloved actor.
Extremely popular for his roles in shows like Supernatural and The Boys, it can often seem like viewers can't get enough of Jensen Ackles. As a result, there was a lot of excitement when the actor appeared in an episode during seasons 1 and 2 of Tracker. The show's viewers will likely be very excited to learn that Jensen is returning to Tracker and will play a major role in its season 3 premiere episodes.
Jensen Ackles will star in Tracker's season 3 premiere
During the finale of Tracker season 2, Justin Hartley's character, Colter Shaw, learned the truth about what led to his father's death. After that revelation focused on Colter's family, another one of his family members will be part of the show's return since Jensen Ackles will appear as Colter's brother, Russell Shaw. As a press release about Tracker's 3rd season return revealed, Russell, will be a part of the premiere's storyline.
"As Colter grapples with the shocking truth surrounding his father’s death, Russell joins forces with his brother to help track down the missing wife and daughter of one of Reenie’s clients. Their reunion finds them mixed up in a chain of events involving a sinister underground operation known as ‘The Process.’"
Fortunately for Tracker fans who love Jensen and his character, CBS has revealed that the show's season 3 premiere will be two parts. Since his character plays a pivotal role in the series' return storyline, Jensen will appear in both parts of the season 3 return.
Jensen made his first Tracker appearance during season 1 episode 12, "Off the Books." and then returned to the series for season 2, episode 2, "Ontological Shock." In August 2025, Collider interviewed Tracker's showrunner, Elwood Reid. During that back-and-forth, Elwood seemingly expressed his interest in bringing the actor back as much as he can and addressed what makes Jensen returning so great.
"Jensen addicts are gonna get a double dose of him this season. And I ain’t gonna make you wait for it. I love writing for Jensen and I think whenever he and Justin are on the screen it just works. He’s so busy I have to bargain with him to get him on the show. But I think he’s an important part of Colter’s story, and he’s able to give the audience another perspective on their childhood. Plus, the two of them together are a blast," Reid previewed.
Tracker season 3 premieres on Sunday, October 19, at 8/7c, on CBS.