Jensen Ackles Joins Fan-Favorite CBS Crime Series

Devotees of the show know Hartley plays Colter Shaw; Colter—sorry, Hartley—was a bit of a tease, hinting on Insta that the team behind the series had snagged the “perfect casting choice.” The choice for what role? Russel Shaw, Colter’s estranged brother, a character fans are desperate to see. Of course, ever the showman, Hartley built anticipation to the max as the video wrapped up, swiveling the camera to reveal Ackles on the show’s set, thus cementing his involvement in the upcoming episode. 

Jenson Ackles’ appearance in Tracker is by no means in the distant future but is slated for May 12, which should spell a significant draw for fans eagerly following the series. Details are a little fuzzy, but the episode should feature Russel seeking out Colter’s help when it comes to tracking down an old Army comrade. This should ensure an interesting dynamic between the characters. 

Since premiering, the show has enjoyed steadily mounting popularity; as of now, four episodes remain in its premiere season. With Jenson Ackles inbound for Tracker, anticipation can only climb higher. Unsurprisingly, the show has already been locked down for renewal for at least one more season. We can only look forward to a promising future for the crime series. 

Viewers adore Tracker, a gripping crime drama with a unique twist on a usually formulaic genre. It follows Colter Shaw, played by Hartley, a rugged survivalist specializing in tracking. Selling his skills to law enforcement and civilians alike, Shaw travels the country, solving perplexing mysteries that usually defy conventional investigative methods. 

Like so many great series and movies, the project (now also streaming on Disney+) is based on a fiction work, in this case, The Never Game by thriller/mystery juggernaut Jeffery Deaver. Perhaps benefiting from the Americana vibe popularized by Yellowstone, the show is set against a compelling, beautiful, and diverse backdrop of landscapes and challenging terrains. The blend of action, suspense, and human drama has proved winsome. 

Episodically, at least before his teaming up with Jenson Ackles, Shaw unravels unique puzzles per installment of Tracker, demonstrating the unparalleled tracking skills that lend him his air of a superhero. Of course, he also delves deeper into his own personal demons and familial complexities as he contends with each case. 

Many know Ackles best from his iconic role in the long-running and much-celebrated series Supernatural. In all fairness, though, the actor’s versatility has been fully displayed in various projects. His resume is impressive and varied, from executive production duties to narrating the prequel series The Winchesters. Many additionally lauded his recent portrayal of Soldier Boy in The Boys. 

And no Jenson Ackles fan would forgive me for failing to mention, alongside his upcoming performance in Tracker, his memorable appearances of late in other major TV series, like Big Sky and a cameo in Walker. Clearly, the actor is a sought-after talent in the intensely competitive industry.