Tracker Season 4 premieres October 4, 2026, with Jensen Ackles returning as Russell Shaw. New set photos confirm he is filming again, and Russell needs Colter’s help with a new problem. The season is also moving production to Los Angeles, while the Shaw family secret is still unresolved now.
What Do the Tracker Season 4 Set Photos Reveal?
Jensen Ackles is back as Russell Shaw in Tracker Season 4, and Justin Hartley is back as Colter Shaw. New set photos show that Ackles is filming again, and CBS has announced that the fourth season will start on October 4, 2026. The show is now being made in Los Angeles after three seasons being made in Vancouver.
Russell is back, and it’s not just a cameo. He needs Colter’s help with a problem he and a friend are having. But the brothers still need to take care of things from their father and Colter’s past. Colter was introduced in the first season as a reward hunter who finds missing people. Later episodes slowly built up the Shaw family history into Season 4’s main plot.
Why Is Russell Shaw Returning in Season 4?
Ackles confirmed his return in August with photos from the set and wrote that it felt “good to be back on a set.” Justin Hartley had already told fans that Russell would return because he needs Colter’s skills for a new case. Hartley also explained that Russell ended Season 3 keeping a secret from his brother “for Colter’s own good.” That gives the new episode both action and personal tension.
- Confirmed return: Ackles is filming as Russell Shaw, while Hartley remains the star as Colter Shaw.
- New problem: Russell needs help getting himself and one of his friends out of trouble.
- Production move: Tracker has shifted from Vancouver, Canada, to Los Angeles for Season 4.
- Premiere: CBS will launch the season on October 4, 2026.
- Still unknown: The sources do not confirm how many episodes Ackles will appear in.
What Family Secret Is Russell Hiding From Colter?
At the end of Season 3, Russell had information about his father that Colter might not know. The brothers found out about a secret program for gifted kids, and later Russell got a file about something their dad did to Colter when he was a kid. He picked not to tell everyone everything. Reenie, played by Fiona Rene, was also told by Russell that he had to leave and asked her not to say why.
- Family mystery: The file appears connected to Colter’s childhood and his father’s hidden activities.
- Russell’s motive: Hartley says Russell believes silence protects Colter.
- Reenie’s role: Fiona Rene’s character knows Russell left for a reason.
- Season 4 question: Russell’s new case and the family secret may connect, but that is speculation.
Final Thoughts
There is a clear direction for Tracker Season 4, with Jensen Ackles coming back as Russell Shaw and Justin Hartley staying as Colter Shaw. The brothers will be back together for the premiere on October 4, 2026, but the mystery surrounding their father and Colter’s childhood has not been solved. As work continues in Los Angeles, viewers can keep an eye on CBS for more updates.
FAQs
When does Tracker Season 4 premiere?
Tracker Season 4 premieres on October 4, 2026, on CBS.
Is Jensen Ackles returning in Tracker Season 4?
Yes, Ackles is back as Russell Shaw and has shared photos confirming that he is filming the new season.
Why does Russell return in Season 4?
Russell returns because he needs Colter’s help with a problem involving himself and one of his friends.
What secret is Russell hiding from Colter?
Russell is keeping information about their father and something that happened to Colter during childhood.
Where is Tracker Season 4 filming?
Production has moved from Vancouver to Los Angeles for the fourth season.