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What to Expect from Tracker Season 3: Justin Hartley & the Shaw Family Return

The hit CBS drama “Tracker” is back for a third season, and fans of Justin Hartley will be pleased: his character Colter Shaw returns with new stakes, fresh character dynamics—and a deeper dive into the family mystery that’s haunted him since Season 1. Here’s an overview of what we know so far: production, plot threads, returning cast, and the questions we hope will get answers.


Production & Renewal

  • CBS officially renewed “Tracker” for Season 3 in early 2025.
  • Filming for Season 3 began mid-July 2025 in Vancouver, under showrunner Elwood Reid.
  • Episode count is expected to be between 18 and 22 episodes.
  • The show has done very well in viewership, making the renewal a priority.

Plot Threads & What’s New

  • Season 2 ended with a major reveal: Colter learns that his mother may have been involved in his father’s death. Season 3 looks to pick up from that cliff-hanger.
  • Hartley and the team are exploring a storyline where Colter is set up and forced to run from the authorities using his survival / tracking skills — tying personal history with wider conspiracies, possibly governmental
  • Also new this season: Colter’s brother Russell Shaw (played by Jensen Ackles) steps in with a bigger presence, increasing the family dynamic.

Returning Cast & Characters

  • Justin Hartley returns as Colter Shaw.
  • Jensen Ackles joins as Russell Shaw, Colter’s brother. Their real-life friendship helps amplify the brotherly dynamic.
  • The Shaw family matriarch, Mary Dove Shaw (portrayed by Wendy Crewson), remains a key figure behind the mystery.
  • Some original supporting characters will not return as series regulars: characters Bobby and Velma are being written off this season.

What Makes Season 3 Special

  • The show balances procedural weekly cases with the overarching mythos of the Shaw family. Hartley told Men’s Journal the show’s “secret weapon” is how Colter “doesn’t apologise for his masculinity” while being emotionally evolved.
  • The addition of Russell and the deeper family arc gives the series fresh muscle beyond its case-of-the-week format.
  • Fans of both character drama and action-thrillers will get more of both: tracking missions + personal stakes.

Why It’s Worth Watching

  • If you enjoyed Seasons 1-2, Season 3 promises answers and deeper emotional terrain (the father’s death, the mother’s role, the brother’s return).
  • The cast chemistry is stronger with Hartley/Ackles together, which adds a new layer to the show’s appeal.
  • The concept of a highly skilled loner who is embedded in a messed-up family—but still operates at high competence—remains compelling.
  • For viewers interested in strong male leads who are complex rather than one-dimensional, Colter’s character remains a standout.

Final Thoughts

“Tracker” Season 3 appears poised to elevate both the action and the emotional stakes. With new character dynamics (Russell Shaw), a deeper personal mystery for Colter, and the promise of larger conspiracies, this season could be a turning point. Whether you’re tuning in for the thrills or the family drama, the pieces are in place.


Call to Action
If you’d like, I can pull together a full episode-by-episode breakdown once they air, or we can explore how this show compares to similar series (like “Reacher” or other procedural-thrillers). Would you like me to do that?

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