Jensen Ackles' Tracker season 2 episode return has been confirmed. The CBS procedural show broke viewing records to become the most-watched show of the 2023-2024 TV season, beating a well-established series like NCIS. What makes its performance more impressive is the fact that it was essentially a new IP on the small screen. Marking Justin Hartley's return to the small screen since ending his stint on NBC's family drama, This Is Us, Tracker follows Colter Shaw as he helps track missing people in exchange for money. The show is based on the 2019 novel The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver.
As revealed in Tracker season 2's San Diego Comic-Con 2024 panel, Ackles will be in the second episode of the show's upcoming year as Colter Shaw. Check out the update from X user, @thatsagoodline below:
No other detail was revealed about the terms surrounding the upcoming reunion between the Shaw brothers. However, the update teases that the narrative for Tracker season 2, episode 2, will deal with the mystery of UFOs.
Why It's So Important For Ackles' Russell To Return In Tracker Season 2
Tracker's Shaw Family Mystery Can't Be Solved Without Russell.
Aside from Colter's weekly adventures, Tracker also has an overarching storyline that delves deep into the Shaws' past. It revolves around the mysterious death of his father. For years, he believed that Russell killed their dad — something that wasn't cleared up until they reunited in season 1. As it turns out, their mother convinced the older Shaw brother to leave after the tragedy, letting Colter believe that he ran because he was guilty. Unfortunately, these revelations happened while they were working on a different case. By the time they separated, there were still many details about the matter that were left unanswered.
Solving this lingering case is the primary reason Ackles' Russell needs to return for Tracker season 2. While Colter is the lead star of the police procedural, it would be difficult to resolve the mystery about their family without the involvement of his older brother. It also seemed like Russell had his own questions about what happened to their family. Teaming up would be the best way for the Shaw brothers to get the answers they need, especially if there's a conspiracy that involves their mother and sister, Dory.
Beyond that, the chemistry between Ackles and Hartley is phenomenal. Even without the bigger mystery, it would still be intriguing to see them share the screen again. Luckily, the UFO episode isn't the only confirmed appearance for Russell. It was already announced that he will join the Tracker cast for multiple episodes in season 2, meaning he is slated to return after his next encounter with his younger brother.