Fans of Jensen Ackles have a new way to catch his performance in the hit drama Tracker. While the series is led by Justin Hartley, Ackles’ recurring role as Russell Shaw has become a major draw for the procedural, leading to a significant new licensing agreement. Starting February 26, 2027, the first three seasons of the series will officially become available on Netflix for international markets.
The licensing deal follows the show’s massive success on broadcast television. Tracker is currently preparing for its Season 4 premiere, which is set for Sunday, October 4, 2026, on CBS and Paramount+. Ackles plays the estranged brother of Colter Shaw (Hartley), a role that has sparked significant fan interest and helped maintain the show’s momentum as it enters its fourth year. While he remains a recurring guest star rather than a series regular, his involvement has been a focal point for the show’s growing audience.
Expanding the Jensen Ackles Slate
Ackles’ upcoming presence on Netflix comes as the actor expands his portfolio in the crime and thriller genres with several lead roles. Beyond his guest appearances in Tracker, he has officially moved into lead positions for high-profile projects slated for the coming year. Rules of Prey, a new crime-thriller series greenlit by MGM+, will star Ackles as the iconic character Lucas Davenport.
Additionally, Ackles has recently wrapped production on Vought Rising, a prequel spinoff of the hit series The Boys. He is set to lead the new project, which is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video in 2027, further solidifying his standing across multiple streaming platforms.
A Transition from Past Projects
The shift toward these new ventures follows a period of transition and personal loss within the industry. Ackles’ previous foray into the crime genre, Countdown, was canceled by Prime Video in October 2025 after just one season. The series featured Ackles alongside Eric Dane, whose career was cut short by a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane passed away at the age of 53 on February 19, 2026, just months after the series was discontinued. The industry-wide respect for Dane’s work and his collaboration with Ackles remains a significant piece of the background as Ackles moves forward with his new 2027 slate. With Tracker heading to international Netflix audiences and two new lead series on the horizon, the actor is positioned for a major resurgence across both broadcast and streaming landscapes.
