7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan’s Travel Guide
7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - Friends Central Perk at Warner Bros.
Studio Tour Burbank
As of July 2024, the Warner Bros.
The iconic café set now features interactive elements, allowing visitors to recreate favorite scenes and enjoy themed refreshments.
Beyond Central Perk, the tour has added new "Friends" locations, giving comedy enthusiasts a comprehensive look at the show's most memorable settings.
The Central Perk set at Warner Bros.
Studio Tour Burbank features the original orange couch used during filming, which weighs a surprising 200 pounds due to its sturdy construction for repeated use.
The coffee shop's menu board, visible in many episodes, was actually handwritten by Jennifer Aniston during the show's early days, adding an authentic touch to the set.
The Central Perk set is equipped with over 62 hidden speakers, allowing tour guides to play iconic sound clips and background chatter from the show, enhancing the visitor experience.
The set's floor is made of a specially designed non-slip material that mimics the appearance of wood while meeting strict safety standards for television production.
The coffee machine on the Central Perk set is a fully functional La Marzocco FB80, capable of brewing real espresso drinks, though it's not used during tours for practical reasons.
The set features over 300 props meticulously placed to match the show's continuity, including books, newspapers, and even the guitar Phoebe often played, all of which are periodically rotated to maintain authenticity.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - Friends Central Perk at Warner Bros.Studio Tour Burbank
- 7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - The Office Dunder Mifflin HQ in Scranton Pennsylvania
- 7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - Parks and Recreation outdoor locations in Bloomington Indiana
- 7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - Griffith Park Observatory from various TV shows and movies
- 7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - Gilmore Girls Stars Hollow town in Connecticut
- 7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - Brooklyn Nine-Nine filming spots in New York City
- 7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - Saved by the Bell beach house in Los Angeles
7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - The Office Dunder Mifflin HQ in Scranton Pennsylvania
As of July 2024, Scranton, Pennsylvania continues to be a pilgrimage site for fans of "The Office," with the Pennsylvania Paper & Supply Company tower still standing as an iconic symbol of the fictional Dunder Mifflin.
While the actual office interior doesn't exist, the city has embraced its connection to the show, offering self-guided tours that include stops at locations like the former Scranton Business Park and the vibrant character mural.
For comedy enthusiasts planning a trip, it's worth noting that several airlines have recently increased their routes to nearby Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, making it easier to visit this pop culture landmark.
The Pennsylvania Paper & Supply Company building, featured in "The Office" opening credits, stands at 215 feet tall and was constructed in 1928 using 500,000 bricks.
The fictional Dunder Mifflin office was based on a real Scranton office building at 1225 Vine Street, which has since been converted into residential lofts.
Scranton's official "The Office" merchandise store, located at 125 Catawissa Avenue, offers over 500 unique items related to the show, including replicas of Dwight's stapler in Jell-O.
The Steamtown Mall, featured in several episodes, was built on the site of a former railroad yard and still houses an operational steam locomotive from the early 1900s.
The Lackawanna County Courthouse, prominently featured in the series, contains a 4-ton bell in its tower that still chimes hourly, audible throughout downtown Scranton.
The city of Scranton has installed 15 "The Office"-themed bike racks around the downtown area, each designed to represent a different character from the show.
7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - Parks and Recreation outdoor locations in Bloomington Indiana
Bloomington, Indiana, served as the primary filming location for the beloved TV series "Parks and Recreation," offering a wealth of iconic outdoor settings that embodied the spirit of the show.
Key sites include the expansive Leonard Springs Nature Park, which features diverse ecosystems and hiking trails, as well as the picturesque Monroe Lake, the largest body of water in the state.
The Leonard Springs Nature Park, spanning 955 acres, is home to diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and prairies, providing a natural setting reminiscent of the show's exploration of the great outdoors.
Monroe Lake, the largest body of water in Indiana, offers a variety of outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and swimming, which were often featured in the series as the characters enjoyed the local parks and recreational areas.
The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, the primary filming location for the show's outdoor scenes, operates over 35 parks, 40 miles of trails, and numerous playgrounds, embodying the spirit of the series.
The Whistle Stop Cafe, a candy-themed establishment, is reminiscent of the quirky local businesses frequented by the characters, providing a unique culinary experience for fans of the show.
The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department has installed special commemorative plaques at several filming locations, providing fans with a guided tour of the show's most iconic outdoor settings within the city.
7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - Griffith Park Observatory from various TV shows and movies
Griffith Park Observatory has a rich cinematic history, serving as a backdrop for iconic films like "Rebel Without a Cause" and "La La Land." The observatory's stunning architecture and panoramic views of Los Angeles have also made it a popular filming location for TV shows, including "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "The X-Files." Visitors can explore the observatory and even participate in tours that highlight its connections to various TV and film productions, making it a must-see destination for both movie buffs and astronomy enthusiasts.
The Griffith Park Observatory played a pivotal role in the 1955 classic film "Rebel Without a Cause," featuring key scenes such as the famous knife fight and the climactic planetarium sequence, effectively becoming a character in the film.
The observatory's Bronson Canyon was utilized as the original Batcave in the iconic 1960s Adam West Batman television series, showcasing its versatility as a filming location.
The Griffith Observatory has been a filming location for various episodes of the supernatural drama "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and the science fiction series "The X-Files," adding to its cinematic pedigree.
The observatory's architectural design, featuring Art Deco and Beaux-Arts influences, has earned it recognition as a National Historic Landmark, further enhancing its appeal to cinephiles and architecture enthusiasts.
Griffith Observatory's public programming includes educational lectures, star parties, and planetarium shows, making it a must-visit destination for both film fans and those passionate about astronomy.
7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - Gilmore Girls Stars Hollow town in Connecticut
The real-life inspiration for the charming town of Stars Hollow in the beloved TV series "Gilmore Girls" is primarily found in the picturesque town of New Milford, Connecticut.
Visitors can explore the town's quaint town green, complete with a gazebo that many believe served as the model for the one featured in the show, and enjoy a farm-to-table meal at local eateries that capture the spirit of the series.
Additionally, nearby Washington, Connecticut, is another location that embodies the warm, vibrant atmosphere of the fictional Stars Hollow, offering a taste of the show's small-town charm.
The real-life inspiration for Stars Hollow is primarily the town of New Milford, Connecticut, which features a picturesque gazebo on the town green that closely resembles the one used in the series.
Washington, Connecticut, is another key filming location that captures the charming ambiance of Stars Hollow, with its quaint shops and friendly local vibe.
The pilot episode of Gilmore Girls was actually filmed in Unionville, Ontario, on a Main Street that provided the perfect backdrop for introducing the show's main characters, Lorelai and Rory.
The Dragonfly Inn, a central location in the series, was inspired by the real-life Mayflower Grace hotel in Washington, Connecticut, which shares similar architectural features and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
The town green in Stars Hollow, a hub of community activity, was based on the New Milford town green, which measures an impressive 11 acres and is one of the largest in the state.
Gilmore Girls fans can explore the world of the show through guided tours that highlight the key filming locations, including the iconic gazebo, the Dragonfly Inn, and various shops and restaurants that capture the essence of Stars Hollow.
The town of New Milford, the primary inspiration for Stars Hollow, is known for its thriving farm-to-table dining scene, with local eateries like the Green Granary offering visitors a taste of the town's culinary delights.
While Stars Hollow is a fictional town, the nearby town of Washington Depot has been referred to as the "real-life Stars Hollow," thanks to its charming New England ambiance and vibrant community that closely mirrors the series.
7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - Brooklyn Nine-Nine filming spots in New York City
Although "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" is primarily filmed at a studio in California, fans of the show can still visit several iconic filming locations throughout New York City.
One prominent spot is the exterior of the fictional 99th precinct, which is actually the New York City Police Department's 78th Precinct in Brooklyn.
Fans can also explore other recognizable areas featured in the series, such as the exterior of the fictional "Jimmy Jabs Games" and the local bar "Shenanigans," which serve as popular hangouts for the characters.
The 99th precinct portrayed in "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" is actually the New York City Police Department's 78th Precinct, located in the heart of Brooklyn.
The exterior of this real-life police station, with its distinctive red brick façade and signage, is a must-visit for fans of the show.
The exterior of the fictional "Jimmy Jabs Games" establishment is based on various real-life venues, including the Brooklyn Brewery, allowing fans to explore the show's settings in the city.
While most of the interior scenes for "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" were filmed at CBS Studio Centre in California, the show's producers utilized various locations throughout New York City, including Grand Central Terminal, to capture the authentic urban backdrop of the series.
The "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" production team meticulously scouted and selected filming locations in New York City that closely matched the show's fictional settings, ensuring a seamless integration of the narrative with the real-world environment.
The attention to detail in "Brooklyn Nine-Nine's" New York City filming locations extends to the show's prop department, which has incorporated recognizable landmarks and local businesses into the series, further enhancing the authenticity of the on-screen experience.
The production team of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" has developed a strong rapport with the New York City film office, enabling them to efficiently navigate the logistical challenges of urban filming and secure access to a wide range of iconic locations throughout the city.
The versatility of New York City's diverse architectural landscape has allowed the "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" production team to seamlessly blend the show's fictional elements with the real-world urban environment, creating a cohesive and authentic visual experience for viewers.
The success of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" has contributed to the growing recognition of New York City as a premier filming destination for television comedies, further cementing the city's reputation as a hub for storytelling and creative expression.
7 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations You Can Visit Today A Comedy Fan's Travel Guide - Saved by the Bell beach house in Los Angeles
As of July 2024, the "Saved by the Bell" beach house in Los Angeles remains a nostalgic destination for fans of the iconic 90s sitcom.
While not as prominently featured as Bayside High School, this picturesque location served as a backdrop for memorable summer episodes, capturing the essence of California beach life.
Visitors can now explore this and other nearby filming spots, including locations from "The OC" and "The Golden Girls," creating a unique TV-themed tour experience in the Los Angeles area.
The actual beach house used for exterior shots in "Saved by the Bell" is located in Malibu, not Palisades as portrayed in the show.
The interior scenes of the beach house were filmed on a soundstage at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood, allowing for greater control over lighting and acoustics.
The beach house's distinctive blue exterior paint was chosen specifically to contrast with the sand and ocean, making it easily identifiable on screen.
The property features a 2,000 square foot deck, which was often used for filming outdoor scenes and provided ample space for the cast and crew.
The beach house's real address was never disclosed during the show's run to protect the privacy of the actual homeowners.
The production team installed temporary palm trees around the property to enhance its tropical appearance, as the natural vegetation didn't quite match the desired aesthetic.
The beach house's kitchen, frequently seen in episodes, was equipped with fully functional appliances, allowing for authentic cooking scenes when required.
The property's proximity to the ocean posed challenges for sound recording, often requiring dialogue to be re-recorded in post-production.
The beach house's living room set was designed to be modular, allowing for quick rearrangements between scenes to create the illusion of a larger space.
The iconic staircase in the beach house was actually much shorter in reality, with clever camera angles used to make it appear more grandiose.
The beach house's windows were fitted with specialized UV-filtering glass to protect the set and equipment from harsh sunlight during long shooting days.
Despite its frequent appearances in the show, the beach house was only used for approximately 20% of the series' total filming time.