TV Shows That Swapped Filming Locations Mid-Season for Magic

Television productions often rely on stable sets and predictable locations to keep budgets in check while maintaining visual continuity. Some series defy this norm by uprooting their entire cast and crew to capture authentic backdrops that soundstages simply cannot replicate. These significant moves frequently signal a major shift in the narrative or a desire to inject fresh energy into the visual storytelling. We examine fifty shows that packed their bags and changed filming locations to create television magic.

‘The X-Files’ (1993–2018)

This sci-fi classic famously defined its moody aesthetic by filming the first five seasons in the gloomy forests of Vancouver. The production moved to Los Angeles in the sixth season to accommodate the needs of actor David Duchovny. This shift dramatically changed the visual tone from wet and misty forests to dry deserts and bright suburbs. Fans often debate whether the sunny atmosphere of the later seasons affected the mysterious allure of the show.

‘Supergirl’ (2015–2021)

The production for this superhero drama began in Los Angeles for its first season on CBS to utilize high-end locations. Budget cuts and a network move to The CW prompted a relocation to Vancouver for the second season. The show had to creatively disguise the Pacific Northwest as the fictional National City which was previously established with California scenery. This move aligned it with other Arrowverse shows that were already filming in Canada.

‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)

The show initially filmed its pilot in Los Angeles before moving to Vancouver for the first two seasons to save on costs. Production returned to Los Angeles starting with the third season after receiving tax incentives from California. The return allowed the series to authentically showcase iconic Hollywood landmarks that fit the character of Lucifer Morningstar. It remains one of the few shows to leave and then return to its narrative setting.

‘Fringe’ (2008–2013)

The pilot episode was filmed in Toronto with a massive budget that established a cinematic look. The production then moved to New York City for the first season to utilize authentic urban locations. Economic reasons eventually forced the series to relocate to Vancouver for the remainder of its run. The showrunners utilized the versatile Canadian cityscape to depict two different parallel universes.

‘Fear the Walking Dead’ (2015–2023)

This zombie apocalypse drama constantly reinvented itself by moving production locations to match the journey of its characters. Filming began in Los Angeles and Vancouver before moving to Baja California in Mexico to shoot aquatic sequences. The production later shifted to Texas to capture a dusty western aesthetic for the fourth season. It eventually moved to Georgia for the final seasons to align with the original series production base.

‘Teen Wolf’ (2011–2017)

The first two seasons were filmed in Atlanta where the creative team established the misty atmosphere of Beacon Hills. Production moved to Los Angeles for the third season after receiving California tax credits. This move allowed the show to access a wider range of sets and industry resources. The visual style shifted slightly as the crew had to recreate the small-town feel within a major production hub.

‘Ugly Betty’ (2006–2010)

The series set in the high-fashion world of New York City was ironically filmed in Los Angeles for its first two seasons. The production eventually moved to New York City in the third season to take advantage of state tax credits. This switch allowed the characters to interact with real Manhattan landmarks rather than studio backlots. The authenticity of the location added a new layer of realism to the fashion-centric narrative.

‘Homeland’ (2011–2020)

The show filmed its early seasons in Charlotte using the city as a stand-in for Northern Virginia and Washington DC. The narrative later demanded international locations which led the production to move to Cape Town in South Africa. Subsequent seasons saw filming move to Berlin in Germany to capture a distinct European espionage atmosphere. The final season saw the crew filming in Morocco to depict the Middle East.

‘Prison Break’ (2005–2017)

The first season was filmed on location at the Joliet Correctional Center in Illinois to provide a gritty and authentic prison atmosphere. Production moved to Dallas for the second season as the characters went on the run across the country. The third season required a tropical setting to depict a Panamanian prison which was also filmed in Texas and Florida. The revival season later took the production to Vancouver and Morocco.

‘Monk’ (2002–2009)

The pilot was filmed in Vancouver and the first season continued production in Toronto to stand in for San Francisco. The show moved to Los Angeles for the second season and remained there for the rest of the series. The producers found it easier to replicate the steep hills and Victorian architecture of San Francisco in California. This move also allowed for better access to guest stars based in Hollywood.

‘Suits’ (2011–2019)

The pilot episode was the only hour of the series actually filmed in New York City. The production immediately moved to Toronto for the subsequent seasons due to budget constraints. The crew became experts at dressing Canadian streets with yellow cabs and USA Today stands to mimic Manhattan. They successfully maintained the illusion of a high-stakes New York law firm for nearly a decade.

‘American Horror Story’ (2011–Present)

This anthology series changes its setting and filming location almost every season to fit its horror theme. The first season was filmed in Los Angeles at real locations including the famous Murder House. Production moved to New Orleans for the third and fourth seasons to capture the gothic atmosphere of the south. The show has since bounced between Los Angeles and other locations depending on the specific needs of the script.

‘The Affair’ (2014–2019)

The series heavily utilized Montauk and New York City locations for its early seasons to establish the coastal setting. The narrative eventually shifted to Los Angeles as the characters moved westward for a fresh start. This change in location mirrored the emotional distance growing between the protagonists. The visual contrast between the grey east coast and sunny west coast emphasized the thematic divide.

‘Ballers’ (2015–2019)

The first two seasons were filmed in Miami to capture the vibrant nightlife and beach culture of the sports world. Production moved to Los Angeles for the third season to take advantage of tax incentives. The narrative explained this shift by having the main character expand his business to the west coast. The show managed to keep its glossy and high-energy aesthetic despite the cross-country move.

‘Scream Queens’ (2015–2016)

The first season of this horror-comedy was filmed in New Orleans which provided a classic collegiate gothic backdrop. Production moved to Los Angeles for the second season after the setting changed to a hospital. The move was driven by tax incentives and the availability of medical sets in California. The visual tone shifted from warm and sorority-focused to a sterile and cold hospital environment.

‘Legion’ (2017–2019)

The first season of this psychedelic Marvel series was filmed in Vancouver to create a moody and isolated atmosphere. Production moved to Los Angeles for the second season to utilize the dry desert landscapes. This location change helped the show lean into its surreal and abstract visual style. The sunny California setting provided a stark contrast to the darker tone of the debut season.

‘Killing Eve’ (2018–2022)

This spy thriller is famous for its constant location hopping across distinct European cities. The production frequently moved between London and Paris while also shooting in Romania and Tuscany. The crew utilized these diverse locations to give the series a grand and cinematic scale. The changing backdrops served as a travelogue that heightened the cat-and-mouse game between the two leads.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

The pilot originally utilized locations in Scotland and Morocco before significant changes were made for the series. The production established its primary base in Northern Ireland while moving warm-weather filming from Malta to Croatia in the second season. They later utilized locations in Iceland and Spain to depict new regions of the fantasy world. These moves were essential for creating the distinct climates of Westeros.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

The show was primarily based in New York City but frequently traveled to international locations for crucial episodes. The production moved to the United Kingdom for a wedding arc and later to Italy for a dramatic season finale. They also filmed in Norway to capture the stunning landscapes for a retreat storyline. These location shoots added a layer of immense wealth and scope to the corporate drama.

‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020)

The sitcom mostly utilized Los Angeles sets but dedicated entire episodes to location shoots around the world. The cast and crew traveled to Australia and Paris to film special vacation episodes. They also filmed on location in Hawaii and Wyoming to break the visual monotony of the suburban setting. These trips required significant logistical planning to move the large ensemble cast.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

The show was famously filmed on a Warner Bros soundstage in Burbank for almost its entire run. The production made a massive exception by flying the cast to London for the fourth season finale. They filmed scenes at major landmarks and inside a British studio to capture the wedding storyline. This trip marked a significant moment in pop culture and changed the character dynamics permanently.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

The series was filmed in Southern California which stood in for the fictional town of Pawnee in Indiana. The showrunners organized a special trip to London to open the sixth season. This required moving key cast members to the UK to film scenes at iconic locations like Stonehenge and Buckingham Palace. The location swap provided a comedic contrast between the small-town characters and the historic city.

‘Veep’ (2012–2019)

The political comedy was originally filmed in Baltimore which served as a stand-in for Washington DC. The production moved to Los Angeles for the fifth season after receiving California tax credits. The crew worked hard to replicate the specific architecture of DC within the Hollywood production zone. This move allowed the show to continue for several more seasons with a more sustainable budget.

‘Sense8’ (2015–2018)

This sci-fi series was unique for filming on location in eight different cities around the world simultaneously. The production team traveled to places like Nairobi and Mumbai and Berlin to capture authentic footage. They avoided using green screens and instead relied on the real atmosphere of each cultural hub. This ambitious filming schedule created a visual tapestry that has rarely been matched in television.

‘Outlander’ (2014–Present)

The series films primarily in Scotland to capture the rugged highlands that are central to the story. The production moved to Cape Town in South Africa for the third season to utilize the ship sets from another show. This location doubled for Jamaica and the Caribbean during the sea voyage narrative. The crew managed to transform the African coast into a convincing tropical setting.

‘The White Lotus’ (2021–Present)

Each season of this anthology series takes place in a different luxury resort around the world. The first season was filmed during the pandemic at a hotel in Hawaii which created a contained atmosphere. The production moved to Sicily for the second season to capture the romantic and historic Italian vibe. The third season shifted production to Thailand to explore a new cultural and visual landscape.

‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)

The early seasons relied heavily on the dramatic rock formations of Utah and California ranch sets. Production moved to Singapore and Spain for the third season to depict a futuristic urban world. The architectural style of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia provided the sleek look for the future society. This shift marked a complete visual departure from the western aesthetic of the park.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–Present)

The show films primarily in Atlanta which serves as the fictional town of Hawkins. The fourth season saw production expand to Lithuania to film scenes set in a Russian prison. They also filmed in New Mexico to capture the desert setting for the California plotline. These moves expanded the scope of the show beyond the small Indiana town.

‘Vikings’ (2013–2020)

The series filmed mostly in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland to depict the Scandinavian landscapes. The production traveled to Morocco for the fifth season to film the Mediterranean storylines. They also utilized locations in Iceland to showcase the journey of Floki in the desolate wilderness. These location swaps helped simulate the vast exploration undertaken by the Viking characters.

‘The Witcher’ (2019–Present)

The first season utilized locations in Hungary and the Canary Islands to build the fantasy continent. Production moved to the United Kingdom for the second season due to pandemic restrictions and logistical needs. This shift resulted in a moodier and more grounded visual tone for the series. The British forests and soundstages provided a different texture compared to the Eastern European locations.

‘The 100’ (2014–2020)

The post-apocalyptic drama filmed in Vancouver to utilize the dense forests and grey skies. The narrative occasionally required different terrains which led the crew to varied locations around British Columbia. They used local quarries and beaches to simulate different parts of a ruined Earth. The consistent use of the Pacific Northwest provided a lush but dangerous backdrop for the survival story.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

The pilot was filmed in Vancouver which continued to serve as the filming base for the entire series. The show utilized local diners and schools to create a timeless Americana aesthetic within Canada. While they didn’t move cities mid-run the show frequently transformed local spots to fit bizarre plot twists. The misty Canadian environment became a character itself in the noir-inspired drama.

‘Smallville’ (2001–2011)

The pilot was filmed in Vancouver and the production remained there to capture the farm aesthetic of Kansas. The crew frequently used downtown Vancouver to stand in for Metropolis in later seasons. The dual nature of the city allowed them to film both rural and urban scenes within a short distance. This location strategy set the template for future CW superhero shows.

‘Arrow’ (2012–2020)

The series was filmed in Vancouver which stood in for the fictional Star City. The production made excellent use of the city skyline and industrial areas to create a gritty urban feel. They frequently returned to a specific castle location on Vancouver Island for flashback sequences. The consistent grey tone of the city matched the darker vigilante theme of the show.

‘The Flash’ (2014–2023)

Filming took place in Vancouver where the lighter tone of the show utilized the city during the day more often. The production used BC Place stadium and other modern landmarks to depict the futuristic STAR Labs. The crew often had to cover up Canadian flags and street signs during outdoor shoots. The location provided a versatile backdrop for the special effects-heavy series.

‘Batwoman’ (2019–2022)

The show filmed in Chicago for its pilot to establish a distinct Gotham City look with unique architecture. Production moved to Vancouver for the series run to join the other Arrowverse shows. The crew used visual effects and specific street angles to try and match the established Chicago aesthetic. This move streamlined production logistics for the crossover events.

‘Titans’ (2018–2023)

The series began filming in Toronto to capture a dark and gritty version of Detroit and Gotham. The production utilized the extensive soundstages and urban streets of the Canadian city. They occasionally moved to rural Ontario locations to film scenes at Wayne Manor. The cold and concrete look of Toronto perfectly suited the mature tone of the series.

‘Doom Patrol’ (2019–2023)

The show films in Georgia to utilize the diverse locations around Atlanta. The production takes advantage of the warm weather and lush greenery which contrasts with other DC shows. They have utilized local mansions and small towns to create the weird world of the team. The location allows for a more colorful and eccentric visual style.

‘Stargirl’ (2020–2022)

The series was filmed in Atlanta and surrounding Georgia towns to depict the fictional Blue Valley. The production focused on creating a bright and sunny small-town atmosphere. This visual choice set it apart from the darker superhero shows filmed in Vancouver. The location contributed to the optimistic and nostalgic tone of the series.

‘Psych’ (2006–2014)

The show is set in Santa Barbara but was filmed almost entirely in and around Vancouver. The crew had to work constantly to make the rainy Canadian coast look like sunny California. They used bright colors and specific camera angles to hide the grey skies and pine trees. The result was a unique visual charm that fans affectionately recognized as fake Santa Barbara.

‘Burn Notice’ (2007–2013)

The series was filmed on location in Miami which was essential for its bright and humid noir aesthetic. The production utilized real hotels and beaches rather than relying on studio sets. This commitment to the location gave the show a distinct vibrant look that defined its identity. The city of Miami became a central character in the spy drama.

‘White Collar’ (2009–2014)

The show was filmed on location in New York City to capture the upscale world of art theft. The production made extensive use of Manhattan streets and rooftop views. This location choice added a layer of sophistication and high value to the visual presentation. The real city backdrops grounded the unbelievable capers in reality.

‘Covert Affairs’ (2010–2014)

The series was based in Toronto but the production frequently traveled to international locations. The crew filmed scenes in Paris and Berlin and Venice to maintain the global spy premise. They combined these location shoots with Toronto sets dressed to look like foreign cities. This hybrid approach allowed for high production value on a cable budget.

‘Alias’ (2001–2006)

The show was primarily filmed in Los Angeles and relied heavily on set dressing to depict global locations. The production occasionally utilized green screens or nearby California locations that could pass for foreign countries. The pilot episode featured some location shooting in Las Vegas but the show mostly stayed local. The magic came from the art department transforming Burbank into Berlin.

‘Lost in Space’ (2018–2021)

The first season of the reboot was filmed in Vancouver to utilize the forests and mountains for the alien planet. Production moved to Iceland for the second season to capture diverse and otherworldly terrains. The final season saw the crew filming in British Columbia again but with new set designs. These moves helped sell the journey of the Robinson family across the universe.

‘Penny Dreadful’ (2014–2016)

The gothic horror series was filmed in Dublin which stood in for Victorian London. The production moved to Spain for the third season to film the storylines set in the American West. This drastic change in scenery provided a dusty and bright contrast to the fog of the city. The location work in Almería added an epic scale to the final season.

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–Present)

The production is based at Leavesden Studios in the UK but films on location across Europe. They have utilized the medieval streets of Cáceres in Spain to depict King’s Landing. Filming also took place in Portugal and Cornwall to capture dramatic coastal scenes. These real-world locations ground the fantasy elements in a tangible history.

’24’ (2001–2010)

The real-time thriller was filmed in Los Angeles for the majority of its original run. The revival season took the production to London to shake up the formula. This move placed Jack Bauer in a completely new environment with different tactical challenges. The use of London landmarks injected new life into the long-running franchise.

Share your favorite location swap from this list or tell us which one we missed in the comments.