As a long-time enthusiast of television shows and movies, I must say that exploring these iconic filming locations has always been a thrill for me. Each one holds a piece of history, a memory of the characters who once inhabited them, and a testament to the creativity and talent that went into bringing those stories to life.
Many spots across the globe have gained notoriety as filming locations or backdrops for TV series. These range from eateries and correctional facilities to residences, encompassing an array of settings in between. Here are a handful of these well-known places that viewers instantly recognize from their preferred shows.
Tom’s Restaurant – Seinfeld
In almost every episode of Seinfeld, the main characters often gathered at a place called Monk’s Diner. However, while the interior scenes were staged sets, the exterior shots showing Monk’s Diner were actually taken at Tom’s Restaurant located at Broadway and 112th Street in New York City. The walls of this restaurant feature caricatures of the Seinfeld cast. It’s also worth mentioning that this very eatery served as inspiration for Suzanne Vega’s hit song, “Tom’s Diner.”
Highclere Castle – Downton Abbey
Scattered across the English countryside are grand houses, some renowned for their intricate elegance. Among these, Highclere Castle in Hampshire has become particularly notable. For enthusiasts of Downton Abbey, it may hold special significance as not only was its exterior utilized, but also several interior sets, such as the famous library, were filmed there during production.
The Painted Ladies – Full House
Originally, San Francisco boasted countless magnificent Victorian houses; however, a significant number were ruined by the 1906 earthquake. Remarkably, a specific row that endured opposite Alamo Square Park is popularly recognized as “The Painted Ladies,” and has gained prominence among fans of the television show Full House, as these houses were frequently highlighted in the series.
Police Beach – Lost
In reality, the enigmatic island depicted in the TV series “Lost” wasn’t just one location but several filming sites scattered across Oahu, Hawaii. One of the most renowned locations is referred to as Papailoa Beach or Police Beach, situated on the North Shore. This beach was frequently used in the show, serving as both the site where the plane crashed and the temporary residence for the survivors during their stay.
94 Bedford Street – Friends
94 Bedford Street, located at the intersection of Grove and Bedford Streets, is now a highly sought-after tourist destination in New York City, not due to any famous residents, but because it serves as the exterior setting for the homes of many “Friends” television show characters.
St. Michael’s Mount – House Of The Dragon
The less well-known St. Michael’s Mount in southwestern England bears a striking resemblance to its French counterpart, Mont-Saint-Michel, despite not being as widely recognized. Both structures are monasteries situated on narrow strips of land encompassed by tidal zones, making them isolated from the mainland for extended periods. Interestingly, St. Michael’s Mount has been used as an exterior set for Driftmark, the stronghold belonging to House Velaryon in the popular series House Of The Dragon.
Salish Lodge & Spa – Twin Peaks
In the TV series “Twin Peaks”, one significant spot is The Great Northern Hotel, where Special Agent Dale Cooper (played by Kyle MacLachlan) stays while probing the murder of Laura Palmer within the town. Interestingly, the hotel’s exterior, perched above a stunning waterfall, is actually the Salish Lodge & Spa found in Snoqualmie, Washington.
The Bull & Finch Pub – Cheers
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but share an exciting piece of trivia: Walking around the Public Garden at the foot of Beacon Hill often surprises tourists with the exterior of the bar from “Cheers”. Known originally as The Bull & Finch Pub, it has stood in that location since the late ’60s. Interestingly, the owners changed its name to Cheers in the early 2000s, making it a must-visit spot for any fan of the iconic TV show!
Pasadena City Hall – Parks And Recreation
The television series “Parks and Recreation” might seem like it takes place in Pawnee, Indiana, but the exterior shots of the city hall were actually filmed near Los Angeles. Interestingly enough, the building you see is not a replica from rural Indiana, but rather Pasadena’s actual City Hall. Nowadays, this building is more recognized for its role as a fictional town in Indiana on TV than being part of the City of Pasadena, often referred to as the “City of Roses.”
Richmond, London – Ted Lasso
In the heart of Richmond, London, a humble little lane has emerged as a hotspot among numerous attractions. This is no ordinary street; it’s the very backdrop that graced Coach Lasso’s apartment in the hit series, Ted Lasso. The local pub nearby, where many scenes were filmed, has drawn a wave of laughter-seeking fans ever since. As a dedicated gamer and fan of the show, I can’t wait to visit this real-life set piece and soak up the atmosphere!
The Belnord – Only Murders In The Building
Notable apartment buildings can be found on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, with The Belnord being one of the most distinguished. This impressive structure has recently gained even more attention as it is the central building in the television series “Only Murders In The Building,” featuring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. You can find it at the intersection of 86th Street and Amsterdam.
Dubrovnik Harbor – Game Of Thrones
In the hit series “Game of Thrones,” produced by HBO, several global locations gained recognition; however, Dubrovnik, Croatia, which was already well-known among historians, skyrocketed into mainstream popularity when it served as the backdrop for King’s Landing in numerous episodes. A small harbor situated on the western coast of this city was one of the filming locations for some of the show’s most iconic scenes.
The Waybury Inn – Newhart
In the TV show Newhart, the characters Bob Newhart (played by Dick Loudon) and his wife Joanna (Mary Frann) relocated to Vermont to manage the Stratford Inn. Interestingly, this fictional inn is based on The Waybury Inn in Middlebury, Vermont. Yes, it’s still functioning as a hotel, and guests can book their stays there.
Ranger’s House – Bridgerton
In the popular series “Bridgerton,” the grand residence of the Bridgertons is known as Ranger’s House. Constructed in 1722, it lies close to Greenwich Park in London. It’s only a short distance from the renowned Royal Observatory, Greenwich, which once determined time for the entire world but now functions as a museum.
Mr. Beef – The Bear
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at Chicago’s rich culinary landscape. While pizza and hot dogs have long been synonymous with the city, the phenomenal success of “The Bear” on Hulu has catapulted another dish into the limelight – the Italian Beef sandwich. In particular, the tantalizing sandwiches from Mr. Beef, which served as a stand-in for The Beef on the show, have gained quite a reputation.
15 Washington Street, Brooklyn – Gossip Girl
15 Washington Street is famously situated beneath the Manhattan Bridge, within the Dumbo district, and it’s recognized primarily due to being featured as the external setting of the Humphrey loft on Gossip Girl.
Bell Works, Holmdel, NJ – Severance
As a gamer, I’ve always been intrigued by the iconic Bell Works building nestled in Holmdel, NJ. For years, it was a well-known landmark in my local community, but it wasn’t until the Apple TV+ series “Severance” that its fame spread far and wide. Known for its sleek design by the renowned architect Eero Saarinen, this building served as Bell Labs’ R&D headquarters since the early ’60s. Now, it perfectly encapsulates the enigmatic atmosphere of Lumon Industries on the show.
Chief Joseph Ranch – Yellowstone
In the fictional world of Yellowstone TV series, the Dutton Yellowstone Ranch has witnessed some extremely violent incidents. This makes it Montana’s most turbulent spot within the context of the show. Fortunately, the actual filming location, Chief Joseph Ranch, shares only its appearance with the chaotic portrayal on screen. It operates as a guest ranch and fans have the opportunity to visit. However, it’s crucial to remember that no real-life murder should occur during your stay.
Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionary – The Sopranos
Among the most debated and arguably outstanding conclusions in television series history unfolded at Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionery in Bloomfield, NJ. The Sopranos concluded as Meadow entered the diner’s door, followed by a black screen. Whether Tony lived or perished remains a topic of endless debate; a discussion you could continue over some onion rings at Holsten’s.
Twisters Restaurant – Breaking Bad
As a hardcore Breaking Bad fan, I can’t help but feel a rush every time I pass by that Twisters Restaurant in Albuquerque, NM – it’s none other than Los Pollos Hermanos to us die-hard fans! You know, the place that became iconic in the show and its spinoff Better Call Saul. In fact, the very location on Isleta Boulevard was transformed into Los Pollos Hermanos for the series. It’s like stepping into the world of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, right there on the street!
Speedy’s Cafe – Sherlock
221B Baker Street, a renowned address in literary lore that served as the residence of Sherlock Holmes, was depicted adjacent to a café called Speedy’s in the BBC series “Sherlock,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Besides showcasing the eatery’s exterior, the series occasionally displayed its interior, such as when Watson (Martin Freeman) held discussions with Mycroft (Mark Gatiss) inside it.
Senoia, Georgia – The Walking Dead
Senoia, Georgia is nestled on the southwestern outskirts of the bustling Atlanta metropolis and presents an enchanting, small-town charm that may not immediately grab attention from tourists fascinated by “The Walking Dead.” However, it gained recognition as the location for the fictional Alexandria settlement featured in the popular TV series.
Buckingham Fountain – Married… With Children
The Buckingham Fountain in the heart of Grant Park in Chicago has long been a local landmark in The Windy City. When it was used in the opening moments of the credits on Fox’s Married… With Children, it became a national landmark, recognized the world over. Along with having one of the most famous musicians ever singing the theme song, Frank Sinatra, it became an iconic opening.
Mystic Grill – The Vampire Diaries
The real Mystic Grill is located in Covington, GA, and has become a must-see location for fans of The Vampire Diaries. It pre-existed the show and looks pretty much identical to what fans remember from the beloved show.
Frist Campus Center – House
The TV series “House,” which features Dr. Gregory House and his unconventional methods with residents and patients, doesn’t depict an authentic hospital. In reality, the exterior scenes were filmed at the Frist Campus Center located on Princeton University campus. This building is also notable as Room 302, where Albert Einstein used to lecture when he was a professor at the university.
Torrance High School – Beverly Hills, 90210
Undeniably, Torrance High School in Torrance, California, has a significant presence in television and film history. Best known as the location for West Beverly High on Beverly Hills, 90210, it also stood in for Sunnydale High on Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Furthermore, it was used to depict Ulysses S. Grant High School in The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and featured in movies like She’s All That, Not Another Teen Movie, and Bruce Almighty, to name a few.
Waterfords’ House – The Handmaid’s Tale
In “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the Waterfords reside in Boston, yet the exterior scenes of their home were filmed in Hamilton, Ontario, close to Toronto. Just like other homes depicted on screen, it has gained popularity for selfies. However, one may question whether it’s appropriate to immortalize that house considering all the horrific events that transpired within its walls.
Rosenheim Mansion – American Horror Story
The stately Rosenheim Mansion in Los Angeles has a look that is just perfect for horror stories. Most notably, it was used in American Horror Story. It’s also been featured in other creepy shows like The Twilight Zone, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, The X-Files, and Dexter. Yikes!
Franklin Square House Apartments – St. Elsewhere
In the realm of ’80s TV shows, I found myself captivated by St. Elsewhere, a fictional hospital that turned out to be none other than the Franklin Square House Apartments in Boston’s South End. This was where the show was set, and it played a significant role in kick-starting careers, such as those of Howie Mandel and Denzel Washington. Much like their enduring stardom, this apartment building continues to stand strong today.
1618 Pine St., Boulder Colorado – Mork & Mindy
Should you be in Boulder, Colorado and an admirer of the TV show “Mork & Mindy”, don’t forget to snap a photo outside their on-screen apartment! The actual exterior is a house that remains on Pine Street, situated in the heart of the city.
Old Joliet Prison – Prison Break
Imagining a quintessential American penitentiary, you might find yourself visualizing a place strikingly similar to the old Joliet Prison in Joliet, Illinois. This is because, due to its distinctive appearance, it has frequently been used as a filming location throughout the years. Not only does it depict the exterior of the jail in the TV series Prison Break, but it’s also where they released Jake Blues (played by John Belushi) from in The Blues Brothers. Additionally, it has appeared in numerous other movies and TV productions.
Cincinnati Enquirer Building – WKRP In Cincinnati
The studio for the fictional radio station WKRP, as seen on the popular ’70s sitcom, is actually located within the Cincinnati Enquirer Building in downtown Cincinnati. While it was only featured in the opening credits and sparingly throughout the series, visitors can imagine their favorite DJs and intrepid reporter Les Nessman working away inside this building when they’re in town.
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2024-08-14 19:38