Los Angeles, often dubbed the "Entertainment Capital of the World," serves as the primary filming location for an immense number of television shows across all genres. Its diverse landscapes, state-of-the-art studio facilities, and experienced film crews make it an unparalleled hub for TV production.
Iconic Shows Filmed in Los Angeles
Countless popular series have utilized the vast resources and varied backdrops of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas for their production. From bustling cityscapes and serene suburban neighborhoods to cutting-edge soundstages, LA offers a comprehensive environment for filmmakers.
A long list of recent and popular series have filmed all over L.A., showcasing its versatility. These include:
- Modern Family: Known for its depiction of suburban family life, many of its exterior shots and establishing scenes were filmed in various Los Angeles neighborhoods.
- Dead To Me: This dark comedy leverages various homes and scenic spots throughout LA to set its contemporary suburban drama.
- Scandal: While much of the intense political drama unfolded on studio lots, Scandal extensively used Warner Bros. Studio Lot in Burbank (part of the greater LA area) for its interior sets and some exterior filming.
- You: The initial seasons of this psychological thriller were notably set and filmed in Los Angeles, capturing diverse urban and residential backdrops.
- Euphoria: This critically acclaimed drama extensively utilizes various real-world locations across Los Angeles to create its authentic and visually distinctive world, reflecting contemporary youth culture.
- The Big Bang Theory: Although primarily filmed on a soundstage at Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank, the show features iconic establishing shots of Pasadena, a city within Los Angeles County, anchoring its characters in the greater LA area.
Beyond these recent hits, Los Angeles has been the long-term home for many other beloved series:
Notable TV Shows with LA Filming Roots
| Show Title | Genre | Key Filming Aspects in LA |
|---|---|---|
| Grey's Anatomy | Medical Drama | Primarily filmed on a soundstage at Prospect Studios in Los Feliz, with exterior shots around the city. |
| NCIS | Crime Drama | Much of the series is filmed at Valencia Studios in Santa Clarita (LA County), along with various on-location shoots throughout LA. |
| CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Crime Procedural | Despite being set in Las Vegas, a significant portion of the series, especially interiors, was filmed on soundstages in Los Angeles. |
| Friends | Sitcom | Filmed entirely on a soundstage at Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank, a key part of the Los Angeles production landscape. |
| The Office (US) | Mockumentary Comedy | While set in Scranton, Pennsylvania, most of the show's production, including its iconic office sets, took place at Chandler Valley Center Studios in Van Nuys, Los Angeles. Some exterior shots were also filmed in LA. |
| Lucifer | Urban Fantasy Drama | Features numerous iconic LA landmarks as backdrops, reflecting its supernatural themes within the city. |
| Insecure | Comedy-Drama | Celebrated for its authentic portrayal of South Los Angeles, using real neighborhoods and businesses as filming locations. |
| Brooklyn Nine-Nine | Sitcom | Filmed on the Radford Studio Center in Studio City, Los Angeles, with some exterior shots taken around the area. |
Why Los Angeles Remains a Filming Hub
Los Angeles continues to be a top choice for television production due to several key factors:
- Diverse Locations: From beaches and mountains to urban jungles and suburban streets, LA offers a wide range of natural and architectural backdrops.
- Studio Infrastructure: The city is home to some of the world's largest and most advanced soundstages and production facilities.
- Talent Pool: An unmatched concentration of actors, writers, directors, crew members, and post-production specialists resides in the region.
- Support Services: A robust ecosystem of equipment rentals, specialized vendors, and production support companies makes filming seamless.
- Film Incentives: California's film and television tax credit programs also play a significant role in attracting productions to the state.
The sheer volume and variety of shows filmed in Los Angeles underscore its enduring role as the heart of the television industry. For more information on filming locations in California, you can visit resources like Visit California.
