CBS confirmed that Jensen Ackles will return as Russell Shaw for the Tracker season 3 finale. The episode titled “The Best Ones” airs on May 24. This marks the third time Ackles appears on the show, giving fans another chance to see the Shaw brothers work together.
The announcement came through CBS’s season finale preview for the 2025-26 broadcast season. Ackles first appeared as Colter’s older brother in season 1 episode 12 “Off the Books.” His character helped clear his name in their father’s death, ending years of estrangement between the brothers.
What Happens in the Season 3 Finale Episode
The episode “The Best Ones” follows Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) and Russell as they search for a victim of a dangerous research project. The official episode description confirms the brothers team up again for a high-stakes case.
Elwood Reid and Travis Donnelly wrote the finale. Ken Olin directed the episode. The finale is the 22nd episode of season 3, continuing the show’s expanded episode count from previous seasons.
Ackles last appeared on October 26, 2025, in the season 3 premiere episode “Leverage.” That two-part premiere had Russell and Colter destroying a blackmail system called The Process. The operation forced people to commit crimes by threatening their families. The brothers successfully shut down the algorithm powering the scheme.
The Shaw Brothers’ Growing Bond
The relationship between Colter and Russell changed a lot since the show began. Colter blamed Russell for their father’s death at the start. The season 1 finale revealed Russell had no part in it. This opened the door for them to rebuild their connection.
Justin Hartley spoke about why Colter did not call Russell for help during the midseason premiere when he got framed for murder.
“I think it was important to address that. And he’s in trouble, and he’s in way deep, deeper than he’s ever been. And I think the least amount of people that he can involve that he really cares about, the better. And also, the way that Russell handles things might not be the best — he might not have the best temperament for this. He tends to come in with a sledgehammer; maybe this one needs more of a scalpel.” – Justin Hartley to TV Insider
This explains why Colter keeps his brother at a distance even when things get dangerous. Russell acts first and thinks later, while Colter plans his moves carefully.
More About Jensen Ackles’ Character Russell Shaw
Russell Shaw is the older brother who left home when Colter was young. He has a darker memory of their family life and knows things Colter does not. The season 3 premiere showed Russell sharing information about their father’s final days.
Ackles brings a different energy to the show when he appears. His scenes with Hartley have natural chemistry. Russell cracks jokes, flirts with Reenie Greene (Fiona Rene), and gets into fights. He balances out Colter’s serious, focused personality.
The character also has a crush on Reenie that started in season 2. She agreed to a dinner date with him at the end of season 2 episode 2. The show has not shown how that date went yet.
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Tracker’s Success and Future
CBS renewed Tracker for season 4 on January 22. The show remains one of the most-watched series on broadcast television. It premiered on February 11, 2024, based on Jeffery Deaver’s 2019 novel “The Never Game.”
Season 1 had 13 episodes. Season 2 grew to 20 episodes. Season 3 has 22 episodes, showing the network’s confidence in the series.
Ackles stays very busy with other projects. He plays Soldier Boy in the fifth and final season of Prime Video’s The Boys. He also stars in the Amazon series Countdown. Showrunner Elwood Reid said he wants Ackles back whenever possible.
“I love the guy. I text him all the time. I’m like, ‘I’ll take three hours of you.’ He’s very busy as you know in The Boys universe. So when we can get him, we can get him.” – Elwood Reid to TV Insider
The season 3 finale airs on Sunday, May 24 at 9/8c on CBS. Viewers can also stream episodes on Paramount+.
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