Get ready, "Tracker" fans! The showrunner behind your favorite missing-persons drama is openly dreaming about a whole new series centered around Jensen Ackles' fan-favorite character, Russell Shaw.
TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on a Potential 'Tracker' Spinoff
- "Tracker" showrunner Elwood Reid is actively "manifesting" a spinoff for Jensen Ackles' Russell Shaw, hinting at it in Season 3.
- Russell's military background and desire to use his skills "for good" lay the groundwork for a unique new series.
- While Ackles is busy with Prime Video's "Vought Rising," the cancellation of his show "Countdown" might open doors down the line.
"Tracker" has been a total smash hit, captivating audiences with Justin Hartley's Colter Shaw as he roams the country, solving mysteries and finding missing people. But let's be real, a huge part of the recent buzz has been all about his charismatic, rule-bending older brother, Russell Shaw, brought to life by none other than the "Supernatural" legend, Jensen Ackles.
After a seriously intense (and surprisingly funny!) two-part premiere for Season 3, where Russell even faked his own death (yes, there was ketchup involved!), the internet exploded. Fans couldn't get enough of the Shaw brothers' dynamic, and whispers of a Russell-led spinoff quickly grew into a roar. And guess what? The guy in charge, showrunner Elwood Reid, is totally on board with the idea, and he's not afraid to say it!
Is a Russell Shaw Spinoff Really Happening? The Showrunner's Dream for the Tracker UniverseIf you've been picking up on all the hints dropped in "Tracker" Season 3, you're not alone. Elwood Reid, the brilliant mind steering the ship for "Tracker," has been pretty vocal about his desire to see Jensen Ackles' Russell Shaw get his own spotlight. He's called it "my dream" and even admitted to "shamelessly planting little things for the studio network to pick up on." Basically, those intriguing lines and plot points in Season 3, Episode 2 weren't accidental; Reid simply "put it in there" without asking for permission, hoping to "manifest" it into existence. Talk about a showrunner who knows what the fans want!
However, Reid is also a seasoned pro, and he's being super careful. He emphasizes that "Tracker" is very much Justin Hartley's show, and they would never want to do anything that "cheapens it." That's a fair point – you want a spinoff to enhance the universe, not dilute the original. But Reid clearly sees a unique and distinct path for Russell.
"Russell's military background opens the door to a very different kind of series – one that plays to Jensen's strengths," Reid explained in a recent interview. He's absolutely right! Ackles has a knack for playing complex, often wry, action-oriented characters, and Russell's past in the military provides a rich tapestry for new adventures. The chemistry between Ackles and Hartley is electric, something Reid loves to highlight, saying he "loves writing for Jensen." He even texts Ackles regularly to chat about the possibilities – imagine being on that text chain!
Jensen Ackles talks about returning Tracker and his part in the new show Countdown. He also tells a lovely tale about his daughter.
Unpacking Russell Shaw's Character Arc and What Makes Him Spinoff-Ready
Russell Shaw isn't just a guest star; he's become a pivotal part of the "Tracker" narrative. His initial appearances revolved around a complicated family history, with Colter mistakenly believing Russell was involved in their father's death. But over time, their relationship has mended, evolving into a strong, albeit still brotherly, bond. Season 3, Episode 2, titled "Leverage," truly cemented Russell's unique place in the series.
In that episode, we saw Russell help Colter out of a bind with "The Process" by orchestrating a clever (and visually amusing) fake death, complete with a liberal use of ketchup to simulate blood. Reid loved that moment, noting it "perfectly captured the brothers' contrasting styles" – Russell, the "I've done this before" guy, versus Colter, who tries to stick to the book. It was a brief but memorable scene that showcased Russell's resourcefulness and his willingness to bend the rules for a good cause.
More importantly, this recent appearance left Russell at a crossroads. He was described as being "between gigs" and "at loose ends," hinting that his previous job didn't end well. He openly pondered a new direction, suggesting he "might like to be my own boss," embark on "something adventurous," and "help people who need help, that kind of thing. Any tips? I'm all ears… I guess I just want to do something to use my skills for good, like the greater good." If that's not a direct pitch for a spinoff, we don't know what is!
He even volunteered to dig into a mysterious phone number Colter found in their father's journal – a plot thread that will continue to unravel later in "Tracker" Season 3, even if Russell isn't physically present to see it through. All these elements combined create a character ripe for his own adventures, offering a different flavor than Colter's lone-wolf rewardist lifestyle.
"We didn't even ask for permission [to include Russell's speech in Episode 2]. We just put it in there. As the kids say, I'm manifesting it. It could be a lot of fun if the timing ever lines up."
— Elwood Reid, "Tracker" Showrunner
Jensen Ackles ignites Prime Video's Countdown with high-octane energy, emotional depth, and a brotherhood vibe that echoes Supernatural's best moments.
Decoding Jensen Ackles' Packed Schedule: The Biggest Hurdle for a New Series
So, with so much enthusiasm from the showrunner and a character perfectly set up for new stories, what's standing in the way of a "Russell Shaw" spinoff? The simple answer: Jensen Ackles is one incredibly busy man! When "Tracker" managed to get him for his Season 3 appearances, he was literally juggling multiple projects. He famously squeezed in 8 days of filming for "Tracker" during a brief 10-day window he had free from other commitments.
At the time, Ackles was deep into shooting Prime Video's action-thriller "Countdown" and simultaneously gearing up for another huge role: reprising Soldier Boy in "Vought Rising," a highly anticipated prequel spinoff of "The Boys."
Here's the silver lining for "Tracker" fans, though: "Countdown" has since been canceled by Prime Video, which definitely frees up some of Ackles' schedule. However, he's still very much "gainfully employed by Amazon" with "Vought Rising." This upcoming prequel series sounds fascinating, diving into the origins of Vought in the 1950s. Ackles' Soldier Boy will be central to a "twisted murder mystery" alongside Aya Cash's Stormfront (then known as Clara Vought), exploring their early exploits and diabolical maneuvers. It's set to premiere sometime next year, so that's another big commitment for the actor.
Ackles has a long history of captivating audiences, from his iconic portrayal of Dean Winchester across 15 seasons of "Supernatural" to his memorable turn as Soldier Boy in "The Boys." He also previously worked with Elwood Reid on the ABC drama "Big Sky," where he had a prominent role in Season 3, and even narrated and appeared in the "Supernatural" prequel, "The Winchesters." His proven ability to lead a successful series is undeniable. The real question isn't whether he could headline a "Russell Shaw" spinoff, but rather when his packed schedule will finally open up enough for him to take on this exciting new challenge.
Jensen Ackles returns to our screens with the Amazon Prime Video series Countdown, playing an LAPD detective with familiar feelings and high-stakes action.
Beyond the Spinoff Buzz: Exciting Developments in Tracker Season 3
While we all eagerly await news on a potential "Russell Shaw" spinoff, "Tracker" Season 3 is already delivering plenty of action and intrigue. The season premiered on Sunday, October 19, and continues to air on CBS, with new episodes available for streaming the next day on Paramount+. The show has consistently been a hit, even holding steady in the top five on Paramount+'s streaming charts.
What's on the Horizon in Colter Shaw's World:
- "First Fire" (Season 3, Episode 4): Get ready for a Halloween-themed episode on Sunday, November 2! Colter will be investigating a nurse's murder and the baffling disappearance of an arsonist, Heston Koontz, from a psychiatric facility. He'll get some help from local officer Dundee (Derek Richardson) as he follows a trail of unsettling clues.
- "No Man's Land" (Season 3, Episode 5): Airing on November 9, this episode sees Colter channeling his inner cowboy. When a man vanishes in a lawless Arizona desert town, Colter's investigation uncovers a hidden relationship, pulling him into a dangerous power struggle and forcing him to face the harsh conditions of the wilderness.
Unraveling Ongoing Mysteries:
Fans who caught Russell's promise to look into that mysterious phone number from their father's journal will be pleased to know that thread isn't forgotten. Elwood Reid confirmed that the storyline will resurface "around Episode 6 or 7," with Colter ultimately pursuing it himself to uncover another connected person. So, even if Jensen Ackles can't make another appearance this season, Russell's impact will still be felt!
We'll also delve deeper into "The Process," the mysterious organization Colter and Russell faced. Reid confirmed that "the world of academia that The Process came from overlaps with Ashton Shaw's world," hinting at connections to "government experiments, social-science projects, [and] the paranoia of the '70s." Expect these complex plot lines to "intersect in interesting ways later this season."
Evolving Cast Dynamics:
Season 3 has seen some changes, with Velma (Abby McEnany) and Bobby (Eric Graise) taking a step back from their constant "phone-a-friend" roles. However, familiar faces like Reenie (Fiona Rene) and Randy (Chris Lee) are still very much in the picture. Reid plans to build out their individual storylines, with Reenie expanding her law office and dealing with lingering guilt from a Season 2 case, bringing some much-needed "lightness" to Colter's often dark and life-or-death missions.
The future of the "Tracker" universe looks bright, whether it's through Colter's continuing adventures or the exciting (and much-hoped-for) expansion into Russell Shaw's own story. For now, keep tuning in on Sundays, and let's all keep "manifesting" that Jensen Ackles spinoff!
Jensen Ackles discusses his daughter's love of The Rookie, his stunt work on Countdown, and his thoughts on how television shows are produced today.
Frequently Asked Questions About 'Tracker' and its Potential Spinoff
Learn about Jensen Ackles' thrilling return as Russell Shaw in Tracker Season 3, his part in The Boys, and other future projects. Get the latest updates on his career and what fans may expect!
Sources
- Collider
- TV Insider
- TVLine
- Us Weekly
- ScreenRant
- BollyWoodShaadis