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Justin Hartley’s hit drama Tracker just announced a major relocation. The CBS series is leaving Vancouver to film Season 4 in Los Angeles after securing California’s largest TV tax credit ever: a record-breaking $48 million. Filming begins in late June, marking a transformative shift for this Emmy-watched action thriller.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Tax Credit Amount: $48 million, the state’s largest ever for a relocating TV series
- Previous Location: Vancouver, British Columbia for three seasons since 2024 premiere
- Filming Start: Late June 2026, with 176 filming days planned in California
- Production Spending: Over $129 million in qualified California expenditures
California’s Largest Tax Credit Lures Major Production
Tracker has officially become Disney’s 20th Television biggest series return yet. The $48 million incentive eclipses the $42 million awarded to Fallout Season 3 and $42.8 million given to The Land NFL drama. According to the California Film Commission, this marks an unprecedented achievement in the state’s $750 million tax incentive program. Showrunner Elwood Reid stated the move reflects gratitude to Vancouver crews while opening fresh storytelling possibilities in California’s diverse landscapes.
Why Vancouver to Los Angeles Changes the Story
Tracker follows Colter Shaw as he tracks fugitives across wilderness locations for reward money. Moving to Los Angeles provides access to California’s diverse terrain, from coastlines to mountains to deserts. The rural setting qualifies the production for an additional 5% bonus tax credit on expenditures outside the 30-mile L.A. zone. Executive producer Hartley confirmed the shift: ‘Location is huge for our storytelling. We’re bringing fresh places to season four.’ This relocation signals creative ambition alongside financial strategy.
Justin Hartley’s Tracker moves to Los Angeles for Season 4, secures $48M tax credit
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Production Scale and Workforce Impact
| Production Detail | Information |
| Crew Members | 250 jobs created |
| Actor Positions | 275 acting roles |
| Filming Days | 176 days in California |
| Production Budget | $129+ million qualified spending |
The relocation represents a significant boost to Los Angeles production infrastructure. Thirty-one industries are affected by Tracker’s move, from catering to post-production. 20th Television is actively locking down California filming facilities. The show’s fourth season represents a major vote of confidence in California’s economy and crew talent, directly countering years of offshoring to Vancouver and international locations.
From Broadcast Powerhouse to Strategic Relocator
Tracker debuted in February 2024 following Super Bowl LVIII and immediately became television’s most-watched broadcast series for its first two and a half seasons. The drama currently ranks number two behind CBS’s Marshals with 16.4 million multiplatform viewers. Among all network and streaming shows, it ranks number seven for the 2025-26 season. The fourth season renewal, announced in January 2026, positions Tracker alongside elite prestige productions now competing for California resources and crews.
“I’m proud of what we built in Vancouver. I’m also very excited we’re bringing Tracker to L.A. I’m looking forward to telling these stories alongside the new, fresh places we’ll be heading to next.”
— Justin Hartley, Star and Executive Producer
Will California’s Investment Strategy Keep Shows Home or Risk Unsustainable Spending?
California has now supported more than 100 productions through its expanded incentive program since last year. Tax credit advocates argue this strategy is essential to counter runaway production to Ireland, the U.K., and Canada. However, questions linger about sustainability. U.S. Senator Adam Schiff has proposed a bipartisan federal film incentive to create globally competitive tax support. Industry observers debate whether $48 million in credits represents shrewd economic development or unsustainable spending. Tracker’s success on air may ultimately prove whether California’s bet on premium drama productions pays lasting dividends.
Sources
- Deadline – ‘Tracker’ relocating to Los Angeles with $48M California tax credit and filming start date
- Los Angeles Times – CBS’s ‘Tracker’ moving from Canada to L.A. with state tax incentive details
- California Film Commission – Tax credit program records and production spending specifications
