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Jensen Ackles is returning to Tracker for the Season 3 finale, bringing Russell Shaw back into Colter Shaw’s world. The brothers unite for a mysterious case involving a dark research project. The finale airs Sunday, May 24 on CBS.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Episode Title: “The Best Ones” airs on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 9 PM ET/PT
- Jensen Ackles: Returns as Russell Shaw, Colter’s brother, in the finale
- Plot: Colter and Russell search for a victim of a nefarious research project
- Season: This is episode 22 of a record-breaking 22-episode season
The Shaw Brothers Reunite for a Dark Mystery
Justin Hartley told TV Insider earlier this year that Jensen Ackles would return to the CBS drama. Now the network has confirmed the exact moment, the exact episode, and intriguing new details. Russell Shaw last appeared in the two-part Season 3 premiere, where he and Colter tackled The Process, a frightening scheme involving blackmail and nefarious grad student experiments. The mystery isn’t fully resolved yet.
The finale description hints at deeper connections to past mysteries. Will Russell’s return link back to The Process storyline? Fans have been speculating about unresolved plot threads since the season premiere, and the finale may finally deliver answers about the third grad student and the research project’s true scope.
Jensen Ackles returns to Tracker for Season 3 finale, reunites with Justin Hartley
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Why Colter Didn’t Call His Brother Earlier This Season
Justin Hartley revealed in interviews that Colter deliberately kept Russell out of his recent troubles for a critical reason. When Colter was framed for murder during the midseason premiere, he made a point of telling Reenie not to contact Russell. That decision spoke volumes about Colter’s protective instincts and his understanding of his brother’s approach to problems.
According to Hartley, Russell tends to arrive with a sledgehammer mentality, but the current situation requires a scalpel. The actor explained that when Colter faces danger this deep, involving fewer people he cares about is the safer strategy. Now, with the finale approaching, Russell’s presence suggests the danger has escalated to a point where Colter finally needs his brother’s help.
Episode Details and Guest Star Status
| Detail | Information |
| Episode Title | The Best Ones |
| Episode Number | S03E22 (Season 3 Finale) |
| Air Date | Sunday, May 24, 2026 |
| Time Slot | 9 PM ET/PT on CBS |
| Writer | Elwood Reid, Travis Donnelly |
| Director | Ken Olin |
Jensen Ackles is credited as a returning guest star in the episode, reprising the role that has become fan-favorite since The Supernatural actor’s debut on Tracker. The finale marks the second time Ackles appears this season, highlighting the recurring nature of his involvement with the series.
What the Finale Promises for Fans
The Best Ones description states that Colter and Russell search for a victim of a nefarious research project. This mission suggests a case with real stakes, possibly tied to the The Process storyline or an entirely new conspiracy. The term nefarious implies criminal intent and unethical experiments, potentially connecting to academic misconduct or human testing.
Showrunner Elwood Reid has built the season around Colter’s struggle with revelations about his family’s past. Adding Russell to the finale suggests a moment of sibling unity where both brothers confront whatever truth awaits them. Fans anticipate emotional scenes, action sequences, and closure on key mysteries introduced in the season premiere.
“If he’s in this much danger, why are they not calling him? Of course, he could help.”
— Justin Hartley, discussing why Russell appears in the finale
Will This Lead to Season 4 Involvement?
Tracker was renewed for Season 4 back in January 2026, and speculation is already building about whether Jensen Ackles could transition from guest star to series regular. The actor has maintained he is discussing future involvement with producers. If the finale reception is strong, Russell Shaw could become a more permanent fixture on the show.
Hartley has also expressed interest in developing Russell’s character further, noting that Tracker works best when both Shaw brothers are on screen together. Whether Ackles can commit to additional episodes depends on his other projects, including The Boys and other commitments. The May 24 finale will likely set the tone for what comes next between these two talented actors.
Sources
- TV Insider – Official confirmation of Jensen Ackles return and episode details
- Bleeding Cool – Episode overview and cast announcements for Season 3
- CBS – Network confirmation of Season 3 finale airdate and plot synopsis
