CBS Hit 'Tracker' Moves Production to Los Angeles for Season 4, Thanks to $48 Million Tax Credit

Iowa viewers of the popular CBS drama Tracker will see a major behind-the-scenes change for Season 4. The show, which stars Justin Hartley as survivalist Colter Shaw, is moving its production from Vancouver, Canada, to Los Angeles, California, for the first time. The move is driven by a record-breaking $48 million tax credit from the state of California, the largest such incentive ever awarded to a CBS flagship drama.

The shift, confirmed in May, marks a historic moment for the series, which has filmed its first three seasons in Canada. Now, for Season 4, production is officially underway in the United States, allowing the show to shoot in the country where its story takes place.

Why the Move Matters for Iowa Audiences

For Iowans who tune in to Tracker each week, the change means more than just a new filming location. The move could bring fresh storylines and diverse landscapes to the show. With a home base in California, Colter Shaw can now explore urban environments like Los Angeles, as well as new wilderness areas. This shift may lead to episodes set in cities across the country, including Chicago, St. Louis, and Boston, offering viewers a broader range of settings.

The $48 million tax credit is also a win for California's economy, but it raises questions about how states like Iowa compete for film and television production. While Iowa offers its own film tax incentives, the scale of California's deal highlights the growing competition among states to attract major productions.

What to Expect in 'Tracker' Season 4

Season 4 picks up after a dramatic Season 3 finale. Colter and his brother Russell Shaw (Jensen Ackles) investigated the mysterious Chrono Stasis Institute, a facility involved in remote viewing and astral projection. The investigation ended with Russell being recruited by a Department of Defense agent named McIntyre (Glenn Morshower) for a covert operation. Russell disappears at the end of the season, telling Reenie Green (Fiona Rene) to cover for him.

Russell's departure accommodates Ackles' busy filming schedule, but the actor has expressed interest in returning for Season 4. The Shaw brothers are expected to continue unraveling the mystery of their father's past, especially after McIntyre revealed a secret about possible mistreatment of Colter when he was younger.

The show is also pushing the boundaries of its original premise. While early seasons focused on grounded missing-person cases, Season 4 is expected to explore more supernatural elements, including aliens, witchcraft, and pseudoscience. This shift, combined with Reenie's developing storyline and the new Los Angeles setting, could make Tracker feel like a very different show.

How 'Tracker' Stacks Up Against Other CBS Hits

Since its debut in 2024, Tracker has been one of the most-watched scripted series on network television. It is rivaled only by ABC's High Potential and CBS's own Yellowstone spinoff, Marshals, which became the most-watched series across streaming and broadcast in 2026. The tax credit deal positions Tracker to continue its success while setting a new standard for production incentives in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did 'Tracker' move production to Los Angeles?

The move was motivated by a $48 million tax credit from the state of California, the largest ever awarded to a CBS flagship drama. The incentive made it financially attractive to relocate production from Vancouver to Los Angeles.

Will the location change affect the show's storylines?

Yes. The new Los Angeles setting will allow Colter Shaw to explore urban environments and diverse landscapes, potentially leading to episodes set in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis, and Boston. The change may also introduce new terrain for the survivalist character.

Is Jensen Ackles returning for Season 4?

Jensen Ackles, who plays Russell Shaw, has expressed interest in returning for Season 4. His character departed at the end of Season 3 to accommodate Ackles' filming schedule, but the Shaw brothers are expected to continue their storyline together.

What supernatural elements will appear in Season 4?

Season 4 is expected to explore aliens, witchcraft, and pseudoscience, building on the Chrono Stasis Institute storyline from Season 3. This marks a shift from the show's more grounded first season.