CBS Has A Genius Meta-Reference To Tracker Season 4’s Biggest Change

Published Sep 4, 2026, 1:15 PM EDT Cher Thompson is a Senior Staff Writer at Screen Rant, where she covers everything from explosive reality TV moments to cast interviews about the twists and turns of scripted dramas. With a background in creative writing, marketing, and teaching, Cher knows how to spot both the storytelling genius and the guilty pleasures in pop culture. Her work blends wit with insight, making readers feel like they’re chatting with a friend who just happens to know way too much about TV. Tracker season 4 is going to be a major shift for the CBS series in more ways than one, but its biggest change will be referenced on screen in a genius meta way. Throughout its three-season run, Tracker has quickly become one of network TV's most distinguishable shows. The series, which follows private investigator Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) as he searches for missing people all over the country, focuses on a main character who is almost exclusively on the move. This means that Tracker's visual identity is always shifting, allowing for the show to take on different settings and tones. While Tracker always looks the same, bringing in moody, dark tones to each of the episodes with its cinematography choices, the fact that Colter is always traveling allows the series to play with elements that a procedural traditionally wouldn't. The visual style of the show aside, the backdrop of Tracker is integral to the story, but things are changing for the massive CBS hit. Having spent the past three seasons filming in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tracker season 4 is making a huge shift as the series continues into its fourth season, moving the production to Los Angeles, California for filming. Though Tracker season 4 is making its way to a whole new place for filming this year, the series wasn't expected to make much of a mention of the shift. Despite it being a beind the scenes choice, however, Tracker is already tipping its cap to those in the know. Tracker Season 4's Los Angeles Production Move Is Referenced In The Premiere MovieStillsDB Tracker season 4 taking the leap and moving its production from Vancouver to Los Angeles is a huge move for several reasons. While the series is likely to remain visually similar, so the change won't be outwardly clear to viewers, those who know that things are shifting will get to keep tab on any noticeable changes. They can also indulge in the meta joke of the season premiere, which will reference the fact that, despite having served the show well, CBS' Tracker has picked up and moved its production to California rather than staying in Canada to continue its run. While the series sees Colter moving around from state to state as he solves cases all over the US, Tracker's always upfront about where he's headed and where he's come from. As a nod to the move, the opener of Tracker season 4 is set to take place at the Port of Los Angeles, which will allow viewers to jump into the California of it all as the season begins. While some may not notice any shift in the production, the fact that Tracker is dropping Colter down in California after the show's public move is a great meta moment. Tracker season 4 episode 1, "Safe Harbor," is set to see Colter working on a case that leads him to the Port of Los Angeles during his search for a teen's missing father, which, in the style of the series, will lead him into the depths of a criminal conspiracy. Why Tracker Season 4 Is Moving Its Production From Canada To LA CBS Although Tracker's move may seem complicated from a viewer standpoint, it's actually a fairly simple endeavor for the CBS series. Many shows film in Vancouver, specifically, because of the tax incentives that come with filming in British Columbia, which has become known as the Hollywood of the North over the years. With current shows like Fire Country and Off Campus filming in Vancouver, past hits that have filmed in the area include Supernatural, Riverdale, and Once Upon a Time have all used the area to bring their shows to life. Tracker's distinct look has come from filming in British Columbia. Despite the incentives of filming in the area, Tracker's decision to move to Los Angeles came with a massive tax incentive, which is likely the biggest decision behind the shift. Earning a massive tax credit for the move, Tracker will receive $48 million to relocate to Los Angeles. This amount is unheard of in modern TV, and will bolster the series as it moves forward. While Hartley made it clear that Vancouver had been great for the production, he shared that he was excited about a change as the show moved forward with a new location in the coming season. Hartley, who lives in Los Angeles with his wife Sofia Pernas, who guest stars on the series as rival investigator Billie Matalon, is likely happy to be able to stay close to home as Tracker's epic run on CBS continues, which could be another reason behind moving the production to California. How Tracker's Production Move Will Change The Show Although there's likely not going to be a major on screen shift that viewers will notice for Tracker season 4, there are likely to be some clues that allude to the move for the show. With the meta joke that will signal a shift in the tides, it's possible that Tracker season 4 could feature some differences that viewers will take notice of, including the on screen talent. While Vancouver has its own acting scene, the series moving to Los Angeles will bring in an entirely different pool of talent, and potentially some familiar faces making appearances on the show. With stars like Jensen Ackles, who plays Colter's older brother Russell Shaw in a recurring guest role, already confirmed for Tracker season 4, it's possible that actors who have appeared on the show in the past could become more accessible with the series shooting in Los Angeles. Tracker may be able to bring back others, like Melissa Roxburgh or Jennifer Morrison, with more ease than they would've if the show were still shooting in Canada. On top of returnees, the series will likely be able to bring in more familiar actors to guest star on Tracker without the international factor. Though Vancouver was a wonderful backdrop for Tracker throughout its first three seasons, moving the production to Los Angeles has massive benefits for the series that could extend its life even longer than expected. With Tracker season 4 already filming, the changes to the show or lack thereof, are about to become increasingly clear. Release Date February 11, 2024 Network CBS Showrunner Elwood Reid Writers Ben H. Winters, Hilary Weisman Graham Creator(s) Ben H. Winters