CBS’s Tracker, already a bona fide hit for the network, may just be gunning for franchise status.
Executive producer Elwood Reid has laid the groundwork — verbally at least — on a potential spin-off, with Countdown and Supernatural star Jensen Ackles squarely in the crosshairs. Fresh off his magnetic turn as Russell opposite Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw, Ackles’ chemistry with the lead has Reid dreaming big: a series centered on the brooding sibling who could give Tracker‘s universe the brotherly expansion it craves.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Reid highlighted Ackles’ strong on-screen rapport with lead Justin Hartley, who plays series lead Colter Shaw. “Jensen and Justin are so much fun together and they complement each other in a weird way,” Reid said. He described their dynamic as “interesting,” suggesting it could form the basis for a new series featuring Russell as a central figure.
Ackles appeared in a guest arc during Tracker‘s second season, and recently returned for the first two episodes of Season 3 — “The Process” and “Leverage” — bringing depth to Russell’s relationship with Colter. Reid says he incorporated hints about a spin-off into both scripts.
“I just threw [spinoff hints] in there hoping fans do some work,” Reid explained. “I put it in those scripts and I dangle it out there. Hopefully the audience will respond to it and hopefully the network will pay attention to it.” With Tracker ranking as CBS’s top new series since NCIS: Origins, these elements could pave the way for development.
Ackles, known for his long run on Supernatural, has several commitments that could impact availability. He is currently filming Vought Rising, a prequel to The Boys on Prime Video, where he stars alongside Aya Cash and others. He is also scheduled to guest in the fifth and final season of The Boys, set for 2026. Previously, Ackles appeared in 13 episodes of Prime Video’s Countdown, which was canceled after one season.
Tracker centers on Colter Shaw, a survival expert who takes on missing persons cases across the U.S. Season 3 introduced changes to the ensemble, including the departure of Abby McEnany (Velma) and Eric Graise (Bobby), to heighten the stakes for Hartley’s character.
“Justin has to carry so much of the show,” Reid noted. “I don’t want the other characters… to just be phone-a-friend.” Returning cast members Fiona Rene (Reenie) and Chris Lee (Randy) will receive expanded roles, with a new addition to Reenie’s law firm. Reid described these shifts as opportunities to strengthen the storytelling.
The series airs Sundays on CBS, with episodes available on Paramount+ the following day.
Reid remains optimistic about Ackles’ involvement: “Jensen is someone who I’ve loved writing for for a long time. But you never know.”
More as we have it.
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