CBS Drama Moves Production to California

One of TV’s standout series has officially made its move to California.

Tracker, the CBS drama fronted by Justin Hartley, has been a ratings titan since it premiered in 2024. Now, as it gears up for its fourth season, production is shifting from Vancouver to Los Angeles, aided by a whopping $48 million in tax credits—the largest ever granted to a TV show.

This change, which had been in discussion for some time, represents a significant boost for California’s beleaguered film and television sector, which has faced decreased production in recent years. The creators behind the show, 20th Television, have secured their production facilities in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, and filming is set to commence in late June.

Hartley, who plays the role of the resourceful survivalist Colter Shaw and serves as a co-executive producer, shared his enthusiasm for the relocation.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built in Vancouver, and we’re also very excited to bring Tracker to LA,” Hartley remarked. “We look forward to continuing our storytelling with fresh locations.”

The show, adapted from Jeffrey Deaver’s acclaimed novel Never Game, features Shaw as he travels across the country in an RV, working to find missing individuals and solve crimes for bounties.

According to the California Incentive Program, filming in remote wilderness areas can lead to an additional 5% bonus on top of the base 35% tax credit, making it an attractive option for productions.

Elwood Reid, the showrunner and executive producer, expressed gratitude towards the Vancouver team and highlighted the importance of location in the show.

“Location is a big part of the storytelling in Tracker,” Reid commented. “We’re so thankful to our Vancouver crew who made the first three seasons of this drama a success. But with the support of the tax incentive, we’re eager to kick off Season 4 in Los Angeles.”

This $48 million tax break surpasses previous major awards, including $42 million for Amazon’s “Fallout” Season 3 and $42.8 million for another upcoming 20th TV project, an NFL-themed drama called “The Land.”

For the local film and television workforce in Los Angeles, this production move means job opportunities, increased local spending, and a revitalization for businesses tied to the industry.