Tracker Major Character Update Sets Up A Better Season 4

Published Aug 19, 2026, 7:00 PM EDT Cher Thompson is a Senior Staff Writer at Screen Rant, where she covers everything from explosive reality TV moments to cast interviews about the twists and turns of scripted dramas. With a background in creative writing, marketing, and teaching, Cher knows how to spot both the storytelling genius and the guilty pleasures in pop culture. Her work blends wit with insight, making readers feel like they’re chatting with a friend who just happens to know way too much about TV. Tracker season 4 is going to be a season of change for the hit CBS show, but a major character update is making things seem like they may wind up better than viewers have anticipated. Throughout the run of Tracker, which stars Justin Hartley as the titular tracker Colter Shaw, there have been some major casting shake-ups that have come to define the series. While the original cast of the CBS hit included Teddi (Robin Weigert) and Velma Bruin (Abby McEnany) as Colter's handlers, their quick exits from the series made for some surprising shifts in the show's overall fabric. Along with Teddi and Velma, the strange exit of Tracker's original hacker, Bobby Exley (Eric Graise) made for a surprising second season of the series. Tracker season 2 didn't explain Bobby's exit quickly, which left viewers in the dark for some time as his cousin Randy (Chris Lee) came in to take over as the resident internet sleuth on retainer. While Colter's had Reenie Greene (Fiona Rene) all along, casting changes have been a weight on Tracker throughout, and one recurring guest star has been a concern for viewers as the show's upcoming fourth season has begun coming into view. Tracker season 4 may be on its way quick, but it wasn't clear if Colter's older brother Russell Shaw, played by Jensen Ackles, would be returning to the series after a major cliffhanger left things concerning during the last season. With a major update, Tracker's on pace for some excitement. Russell Shaw Is Officially Confirmed For Tracker Season 4 MovieStillsDB Although Tracker season 4 won't be premiering until October 4, CBS' biggest series is already making strides in securing itself for the upcoming season. While it wasn't certain that Russell would be returning to Tracker for its fourth season, especially after his departure during the season 3 finale left things up in the air, Justin Hartley has confirmed that Ackles will be back on the CBS hit this season. Sharing that Ackles will be returning as Russell on set in the coming weeks, Tracker season 4's early episodes likely have another interesting appearance from Colter's mysterious and charming older brother. Russell, who's appeared in six episodes of Tracker thus far, has become a fan-favorite on the series. While Tracker is able to run without him, appearances from Ackles loom large over the show, and it's clear that there are episodes of the series that benefit from his presence. While the overall story of Tracker is one that is able to rest on Colter's shoulders alone, Russell is one of the secret ingredients to what makes the CBS series work in the long-run. Pulling in Colter's family history and the secrets that he still has yet to discover requires Russell's involvement. Tracker Needs Russell In A Time Of Massive Series Change With so much change having run through Tracker in previous seasons and even more coming for the upcoming one, Russell is a much needed figure for the series to maintain some semblance of what it's been as it moves forward. Tracker season 4 will be the first of the show's run to film outside of Vancouver, Canada, having moved its production to Los Angeles in the off-season, and while there isn't likely to be much of a difference for viewers, it's possible that there could be some stylistic changes to the series as it moves forward in a new locale. Tracker season 4 will also see Colter with a home base for the first time, and while that may not play into much of the story, knowing that there's a rooted element of Colter's life will likely change the way viewers see him. With Russell returning to Tracker, things will at least feel similar to the way they have in previous seasons, with Colter roving around and his brother making some mischief before helping him resolve something, or vice versa. Thankfully, with Ackles returning to Tracker season 4 and Russell picking up loose threads, the series will feel the same. Release Date February 11, 2024 Network CBS Showrunner Elwood Reid Writers Ben H. Winters, Hilary Weisman Graham Creator(s) Ben H. Winters