Tracker Season 4 Episode 5 photos preview the return of Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw in “Need to Know,” airing tonight, Sunday, November 1, from 9:30–10:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Colter’s latest kidnapping investigation brings him back together with his brother as their separate leads converge.
Justin Hartley stars as Colter Shaw, whose search begins after a military contractor’s wife and daughter are abducted. When Colter discovers that Russell is following a related lead, the brothers join forces to uncover a high-stakes cover-up.
Jensen Ackles Returns as Russell Shaw
Ackles’ return puts the Shaw brothers on the same case in “Need to Know.” Rather than pursuing unrelated assignments, Colter and Russell find that their investigations overlap, giving them a reason to combine their efforts as they work to understand the kidnapping.
The official CBS photo gallery includes individual images of Hartley and Ackles, along with several stills featuring both actors. The preview leaves the identity of those behind the abduction and the details of the cover-up for tonight’s episode.
Who Stars in Tracker Season 4?
The series ensemble includes Fiona Rene as attorney Reenie Greene, Chris Lee as tech expert Randy and Cassady McClincy Zhang as Melanie “Mel” Day. Ackles guest stars as Colter’s brother Russell in this episode.
“Need to Know” is written by Brian McCauley Johnson and Jai Franklin Sarki and directed by David M. Barrett.
Tracker Season 4 Episode 5 Details
| Episode | Season 4 Episode 5, “Need to Know” |
|---|---|
| Air Date | Sunday, November 1, 2026 |
| Time | 9:30–10:30 p.m. ET/PT; 8:30–9:30 p.m. CT |
| Network | CBS |
| Guest Star | Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw |
| Written By | Brian McCauley Johnson & Jai Franklin Sarki |
| Directed By | David M. Barrett |
| Genre | Drama |
Tracker Season 4 Episode 5 Photos — “Need to Know”
Watch “Need to Know” Tonight
“Need to Know” premieres tonight at 9:30/8:30c on CBS. Paramount+ Premium subscribers can watch live and on demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers can stream the episode beginning Monday, November 2. Catch up through the official Tracker streaming page, or visit the official Season 4 guide for more about the series.
More Tracker Coverage
Explore our Tracker coverage, revisit the Episode 4 photos for “Purification”, or read our “Purification” recap before tonight’s episode. The recap contains spoilers.
Thomas Miller is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Seat42F, covering television, movies and streaming entertainment. He launched Seat42F in 2007 and has spent nearly two decades covering the entertainment industry.
