CBS’s hit drama Tracker is returning for a fourth season, and the show is going through some significant changes. The series, which stars Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, has become one of the most-watched shows on network television. But when it comes back this fall, viewers will notice some differences in how the show operates.
The network renewed Tracker for season 4 back in January 2026, while season 3 was still airing. The renewal came as part of a batch of 10 shows that CBS picked up for the 2026-2027 broadcast season. Since then, details about what season 4 will look like have started to emerge.
Production Moves from Vancouver to Los Angeles
One of the biggest changes for season 4 is where the show gets made. After three seasons of filming in Vancouver, production is moving to Los Angeles. The move happened because California offered the show a $48 million tax credit, which is the largest tax credit the state has ever given to a TV series.
Showrunner Elwood Reid spoke about the change, saying location is a big part of how Tracker tells its stories. He expressed gratitude to the Vancouver crew who made the first three seasons possible while also showing excitement about filming in Los Angeles.
Justin Hartley, who also serves as an executive producer on the show, addressed concerns that the move might change the show’s feel. He told The Wrap that the relocation would not impact the show’s tone or character.
“In terms of tone and character, I don’t think it’ll impact the show at all. Our show is a road show.”
Hartley also shared that he is proud of what the team built in Vancouver but is looking forward to bringing Tracker to Los Angeles and exploring new places.
A New Storyline After the Shaw Family Mystery
Season 3 finally wrapped up the mystery surrounding the death of Ashton Shaw, Colter’s father. That storyline had been driving the show since the beginning. With that mystery now solved, season 4 needs a new direction.
The show is shifting its storytelling format. Instead of Colter constantly traveling across the country in his trailer, viewers can expect to see him spending more time at his home base. The season will also focus more on McIntyre’s operation.
At the end of season 3, Russell Shaw, Colter’s brother played by Jensen Ackles, found out something major about his father’s history with Colter. He made a deal with McIntyre without telling Colter, setting up a new storyline that will carry into season 4. The season also revealed that Colter has a secret home base.
The mystery surrounding what really happened between Colter and his father will replace the Shaw family death case as the central focus.
Keeping the Show’s Core DNA
Despite all these changes, the show is making sure it stays true to what made it popular in the first place. A social media post from Tracker announcing the season 4 premiere date reassured viewers that the show’s core mission remains the same.
“Every missing person has a story. Every lead matters.”
The show’s format of following Colter Shaw as he finds missing people for reward money is staying intact. Since Tracker airs on network TV, it is expected to have 18 episodes or more.
Premiere Date and Timeslot Details
Tracker season 4 is set to premiere on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 9:30 PM ET on CBS. The premiere will follow the season 2 premiere of Marshals.
But here is something important to note. The 9:30 PM timeslot is only for the premiere episode. Starting on Sunday, October 11, the show will move back to its regular 9:00 PM ET timeslot. CBS made this clarification after the initial announcement caused some confusion among viewers.
No official word has been given on why there is a 30-minute delay for the premiere, but it is likely due to special programming on that specific day.
Episode Count and Cast
The number of episodes for season 4 has not been officially announced yet. However, the show is expected to follow its previous 22-episode pattern.
On the cast side, Justin Hartley is returning as Colter Shaw. Fiona Rene is also expected to return as attorney Reenie Greene. Jensen Ackles will reportedly reprise his role as Russell Shaw. Chris Lee, who plays hacker Randy, has been promoted to series regular.
Some cast members have exited the show. Abby McEnany and Eric Graise left between seasons. Robin Weigert, who played Teddi, exited in the premiere of season 3 and is not expected to return.
Hartley Calls Season 4 the Most Ambitious Yet
Justin Hartley has been talking up season 4 in interviews. He told The Wrap that the upcoming season is the show’s most ambitious to date.
“Honestly, I think it’s our most ambitious season to date, but I think it’s also our richest one, in terms of character and backstory and where we’re taking Colter.”
Hartley added that the team is not interested in doing something just for the sake of doing it. He wants to push the envelope and make it something different.
Production on season 4 began in late June 2026. Hartley shared a photo of the Tracker clapperboard on his Instagram Stories in June, confirming that filming was underway.
What This Means for Viewers
Season 4 of Tracker is shaping up to be a turning point for the series. The show is moving to a new production location, starting a fresh storyline, and making some changes to its format. But the core concept of Colter Shaw tracking missing people remains unchanged.
For fans who have followed the show since its premiere in 2024, season 4 offers a chance to see the series evolve while keeping the elements that made it a hit. The move to Los Angeles could bring new guest stars and fresh locations. The new storyline gives the writers room to explore different types of cases and character dynamics.
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The show has maintained strong ratings since its launch and has been well reviewed throughout its run. With season 4 bringing changes while staying true to its roots, the series appears to be positioning itself for continued success.
Tracker season 4 premieres Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 9:30 PM ET on CBS, before moving to its regular 9:00 PM timeslot the following week.
Also Read: CBS Sets Fall 2026 Premiere Dates for Marshals, Tracker, NCIS and More Returning Shows
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on Tracker season 4 and all your favorite TV shows as new information becomes available.
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