Tracker Season 4 Set Photos Reveal Major Returning Character

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Published Aug 29, 2026, 8:16 AM EDT

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New set photos from Tracker season 4 reveal a major character's return.

Going into its fourth installment as one of the most popular shows on CBS, just behind the Yellowstone spinoff Marshals, the Justin Hartley-led drama Tracker will be moving production from Vancouver to Los Angeles, California. During the hiatus, there has been some discussion among the show's viewers about whether that could change the procedural's direction and shift the spotlight to more cases focused on Hollywood.

Tracker season 3 already expanded the CBS drama's genre, gradually weaving in more sci-fi and supernatural elements with the introduction of younger characters who may well be precogs. But along with characters that have an extraordinary ability to see beyond the current moment, the story remains devoted to the main character's family drama. It's welcoming back a familiar face to the cast in order to face off with Hartley's Colter Shaw.

Jensen Ackles has shared some photos from the set of Tracker season 4, confirming that he is returning to guest star as Russell Shaw. The star of Supernatural and The Boys has been a fairly regular presence, appearing at least once per season, in the role of Colter Shaw, Colter's older brother. Check out Ackles' post below:

Colter and Russell haven't had the easiest relationship because of all the uncertainty surrounding the death of their father, Ashton Shaw. For years, Colter was led to believe that Russell was somehow involved in Ashton's mysterious death. They were able to clear the air on that front. However, the season 3 finale introduces a new conflict that Ackles' return will likely have to address.

Near the end of Tracker season 3, Russell receives some news about their family history. He decides that it would be best to keep it hidden from his younger brother, and he goes a step further. As he tells Reenie (Fiona Rene), he has to disappear for a little while, but she can't tell Colter why, and he can't even say a normal goodbye to Colter.

Because of this abrupt exit, there was some speculation that Ackles may not be back for Tracker season 4. But in previous comments, Hartley shared that Russell returns because he needs his younger brother's help to work on a case. On that front, it's business as usual for the Shaws. But on the other hand, the siblings will likely need to have a confrontation about what Russell is choosing to hide.

Tracker season 4 premieres Sunday, October 4 at 9:30 PM ET on CBS.