Tracker Season 4: Filming Relocation Sparks New Narrative Challenges
Sarah Parker
Published May 17, 2026
By Published May 6, 2026, 12:16 PM EDT
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will have its biggest change in the series thus far, derailing its much-needed upgrade in season 4. As the most-watched show of the , fans of the Justin Hartey-led series didn't have to worry about the future of the series beyond its current run. The chances of CBS cancelling the show at this point are very little to none. Still, it was great when the network finally made Tracker season 4 official back in January, effectively squashing any remaining concerns about what lies beyond for the series.
While Tracker season 4 was confirmed earlier than most of its scripted show peers, specific details of its future remains under wraps. Primarily, the story for Colter Shaw's next era will be highly dependent on what goes down in the final episodes of the ongoing cycle. has promised new major developments about the mystery surrounding Ashton Shaw's death, hence why for both the penultimate and the finale. Ahead of its year-ender, however, CBS announced the biggest change for Tracker so far — its filming relocation.
Tracker Season 4's LA Backdrop Will Make It More Difficult To Justify Colter's Reunion With His Team
Due to a massive tax break, production for Tracker will be moving from Vancouver, BC to Los Angeles for season 4. While this may seem inconsequential to the show's story, considering that the procedural's stories take place around the country due to Colter's job, it actually has implications on the project's look and feel moving forward. Aside from filming inside studio sets, Tracker often used exterior backdrops for many scenes, which means that the landscape of its location is very important when selling its story. The move from Vancouver's lush rainforests and mountains to Los Angeles' coasts, desert foliage, and palm tree-lined streets would be noticeable.
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After three years of begging and pleading, CBS finally listened to the biggest wish fans have for Justin Hartley's hit procedural, Tracker.
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The writers can find ways to explain the change in terrain and landscape by setting stories in states that have a similar appearance to Los Angeles, but this would make it trickier to have Colter back in Denver, Colorado, where Reenie, Randy, and Mel are all based. The Mile High City's overall look is more similar to Vancouver, hence why it's easier to present the idea that Hartley's character is in the same location as Reenie, as in Tracker season 3, episode 19, "Chain of Custody." Now, doing so would require a more thoughtfulness and creativity to properly stage these much-needed reunion between Colter and his team.
Why Colter Needs To Work With His Team On The Ground More Frequently Moving Forward
So far, in Tracker. However, coming into season 4, the show needs to evolve from its format for its own good. Long-running procedurals invent themselves every several years, to keep things fresh and interesting. While Hartley's character will remain at the center of its storytelling, Tracker desperately needs to diversify its narrative to prevent it from getting repetitive. Establishing an ensemble dynamic also strengthens its appeal to the public, as all characters get properly fleshed out.
, with the Taylor Sheridan-backed series winning the ratings war in some of the weeks since it debuted. This is an indication that Hartley's procedural is due for a shake-up. Reenie, Randy, and Mel offer a wealth of new storytelling possibilities for the series. These plots will be vital in keeping people invested, especially if Tracker officially ends the Shaw family mystery in season 3.
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Abby McEnany Velma Bruin
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