Jensen Ackles returns as Russell Shaw inTrackerseason 2, and according to executive producer and star Justin Hartley,Russell’s role will develop in the upcoming episodes,which makes me even more excited for the season. The CBS action drama TV series, created by Ben H. Winters and based on Jeffery Deaver’s 2019 bookThe Never Game,follows Hartley as Colter Shaw, Russell’s brother. Colter is a survivalist who utilizes his impressive tracking skills to find people and/or things. However, Colter’s character is much more than his job, as the audience learns via flashbacks to his childhood in season 1.
Trackerseason 2 will contain 22 episodes and is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, August 13, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
Colter is very much defined by his traumatic past, which is why his relationship with his brother is so strained.Trackerseason 1, episode 12, “Off the Books,” introduced Ackles as Russell, someone who Colter had not seen or spoken to in 20 years.Colter believes that Russell is to blame for their father’s mysterious death.However, Russell is adamant that he had nothing to do with the supposed murder. The truth hasn’t been revealed (for now), but the subject will undoubtedly get brought up again whenRussell returns inTrackerseason 2. This time, Russell isn’t pulling his punches.
Jensen Ackles' Russell Shaw Is More Heroic In Tracker Season 2
During an interview withTV InsiderpreviewingTrackerseason 2, Justin Hartley discussed Russell’s role in the upcoming episodes. While Jensen Ackles’Trackercharacter was limited to oneepisode inTrackerseason 1, he is set to appear in multiple in season 2. As a result,Russell will have the space to grow as a character and show off his heroic side.Hartley said:
“Russell comes back and Colter’s got a couple of questions for him about this Dory situation and the box that she has and does Russell know where it is? Russell’s also pretty heroic in episode 2, and they get involved in this really black ops, kind of strange thing.”
Tracker Season 3 May Have Been Confirmed By Justin Hartley Before Season 2 Begins
Tracker season 2 has not even premiered on CBS, but star and executive producer Justin Hartley seemingly verified the show has a future past season 2.
The mystery surroundingAshton Shaw’s death will continue inTrackerseason 2(as if anyone had a doubt) when Ackles reprises his role in episode 2.Russell’s return will seemingly result in the two brothers sharing the role of hero,and I’m excited to finally see Ackles in action in the CBS series. As some may recall, Russell didn’t get the chance to show off his fighting skills in season 1. Colter was the straight-up hero, while Russell’s impact was not nearly as significant or valiant. Nevertheless, Russell’s role is changing inTracker, and it’s the best thing for his character.
Russell’s More Heroic Change Helps Him Heal His Relationship With Colter
Russell Can Redeem Himself In His Brother’s Eyes
Now thatRussell will step into a more heroic role inTrackerseason 2, it will likely beeasier for Colter and Russell to strengthen their relationship and bond as brothers.As mentioned above, Colter and Russell were estranged for a long time. Now that they have reconnected and Colter is less suspicious that Russell is behind their father’s murder, the brothers can finally grow closer.
Since Russell is older, Colter seeing him be courageous will help bring back their dynamic from when they were children.
Plus, since Russell is older, Colter seeing him be courageous will help bring back their dynamic from when they were children.Russell hasn’t assumed the big brother role in a long time.So, it will be interesting to see how that comes into playwhenTrackerseason 2 premieres.
Tracker
Cast
Tracker follows lone-wolf survivalist Colter Shaw as he navigates the country as a reward seeker. Utilizing his expert tracking skills, he aids private citizens and law enforcement in solving various mysteries while grappling with issues from his fractured family.
