10 TV Sets That Were Built in Impossible Locations

Some TV shows create sets so ambitious they seem impossible, built in places where logistics, weather, or sheer scale should have stopped them. These locations become characters themselves, making the shows unforgettable but pushing crews to their limits.

I’ve listed 10 TV sets built in seemingly impossible spots, based on the challenges faced and their impact on the show. Each gets a quick look at where it was built, why it was tough, and how it shaped the series.

The Good Place (2016-2020)

‘The Good Place’ built its utopian neighborhood set on a Los Angeles soundstage, but the outdoor town square was crafted to feel like a heavenly paradise. Designing a flawless, surreal community with vibrant colors and quirky details was a logistical puzzle.

The set’s perfection required constant tweaks to maintain its otherworldly vibe, especially for outdoor scenes. It shaped the show’s humor and charm, though the controlled environment made it less grueling than others.

Lost (2004-2010)

‘Lost’ turned Oahu, Hawaii, into its mysterious island, with sets like the beach camp and jungle built in dense, remote areas. The tropical climate and rugged terrain made construction and filming a daily battle.

Rain, heat, and transporting equipment to isolated spots challenged the crew. The island’s raw beauty became the show’s heartbeat, grounding its sci-fi twists in a real, untamed setting.

The Mandalorian (2019-present)

‘The Mandalorian’ used a groundbreaking virtual set called The Volume, a massive LED wall in a Los Angeles studio, to create alien planets. Building this high-tech stage required syncing complex visuals with real-time camera work.

The tech was a gamble—any glitch could halt production. Its seamless worlds, from Tatooine to icy caves, made Baby Yoda’s adventures feel limitless, redefining TV set design.

Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)

‘Boardwalk Empire’ recreated 1920s Atlantic City with a massive boardwalk set in Brooklyn, New York. The detailed replica, complete with shops and piers, faced challenges from urban weather and space constraints.

Storms and tight city lots made construction tricky, but the set’s authenticity brought Prohibition-era drama to life. It grounded Steve Buscemi’s Nucky Thompson in a vivid, historical world.

Westworld (2016-2022)

‘Westworld’ built its futuristic theme park across Utah and California deserts, with sets like Sweetwater facing harsh winds and extreme heat. Constructing a sprawling Old West town in such conditions tested the crew’s endurance.

The remote locations added realism but required constant maintenance against dust and erosion. The set’s stark beauty amplified the show’s eerie, high-stakes vibe.

Deadwood (2004-2006)

‘Deadwood’ crafted a gritty 1870s mining town on a California ranch, with muddy streets and wooden buildings. The open-air set faced wildfires, heat, and dust storms, complicating construction.

The raw, lived-in look made Ian McShane’s Al Swearengen feel real, but the crew battled nature to keep it intact. The set’s rugged charm was worth the fight.

The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

‘The Walking Dead’ built its post-apocalyptic sets, like Alexandria, in rural Georgia, where humidity, bugs, and heat pushed crews to their limits. Creating ruined towns in overgrown, swampy areas was a logistical nightmare.

The decaying sets matched the show’s grim tone, making zombie hordes scarier. Constant repairs against weather damage kept the production on edge but paid off visually.

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

‘Game of Thrones’ constructed sets like King’s Landing and Winterfell across Iceland, Croatia, and Northern Ireland. Icy cliffs, rocky coasts, and unpredictable weather made building massive castles a Herculean task.

Blizzards and coastal storms disrupted shoots, but the epic sets gave the show its grand scale. From Jon Snow’s battles to Cersei’s throne, the locations felt alive.

Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

‘Breaking Bad’ used Albuquerque’s deserts for sets like Walter White’s meth lab and desert hideouts. The scorching heat and vast, barren landscapes made building and filming a grueling challenge.

The stark settings mirrored Walt’s descent, with dust and isolation amplifying the tension. Crews endured extreme conditions to craft a world that felt both real and haunting.

Survivor (2000-present)

‘Survivor’ builds its tribal camps on remote islands like Fiji and Palau, with no roads or power. Constructing sets in jungles and beaches, battling monsoons and wildlife, is a production feat every season.

The raw, untouched locations make the survival stakes feel real, defining the show’s gritty appeal. Crews face the same harsh conditions as contestants, making every set a triumph.

Which of these TV sets blew you away, or is there another impossible build you love? Share your thoughts in the comments!