The Big Screen...er, Small Screen? A Totally Not-Exhaustive Guide to NYC Telly Visions
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps...until you accidentally marathon an entire season of that new show everyone's raving about. But hey, at least the backdrop is phenomenal, right? Speaking of which, ever wondered how many of your favorite shows actually film right here in the concrete jungle? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the world of TV filmed in NYC!
From Yellow Cabs to Yellow Umbrellas: Shows Steeping Themselves in NYC Flavor
New York is a character all its own, and some shows wear that character like a vintage fur coat (faux fur, of course). We're talking about classics like Sex and the City, where Carrie Bradshaw strutted her stuff on our sidewalks (and complained about rent, which, same). There's also Seinfeld, which basically turned Monk's Cafe into a national landmark (RIP Newman's mail slot).
Law & Order (SVU, Criminal Intent, you name it) takes us on gritty crime sprees through the city's underbelly, while shows like Friends (Central Perk: the sixth friend?) and How I Met Your Mother (legendary apartment, legen - wait for it - dary!) make us reminisce about those Friends reruns we definitely didn't watch again last night.
Bonus NYC Flex: Even The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Saturday Night Live film right here in the heart of the city, bringing laughter to our living rooms (and probably a few celebrity sightings to lucky New Yorkers).
Beyond the Tourist Traps: Shows That Capture the Hidden Gems
Sure, Times Square and the Empire State Building are iconic, but NYC is a whole borough-sized mood board. Shows like Girls (looking at you, Lena Dunham) explored the hipster havens of Brooklyn, while Orange is the New Black (preach, Taystee!) gave us a glimpse into the realities of life in a women's prison (filmed in a former mental hospital, no less).
Broad City captured the wild and wacky energy of life in our fair city, and Master of None? Well, that show was basically a love letter to the diverse culinary scene (and Aziz Ansari's questionable fashion choices).
So You Wanna Be on TV...Filmed in NYC?
Okay, maybe not literally on TV (although hey, who knows?), but if you're curious about the process, here's a little taste:
- Spot the filming crews: Keep an eye out for those yellow jackets and mysterious equipment trucks. You might just catch a glimpse of your favorite show being filmed!
- Follow location scouting hashtags: Shows often post on social media when they're scouting locations. Who knows, maybe your apartment could be the next iconic hangout spot? (Although, your roommates might have something to say about that.)
Remember: Filming in NYC requires permits, so don't just crash a set expecting to be the next big star (unless you're a particularly charming squirrel, that is).
FAQ: Your NYC TV Show Filming Fix in Five!
How to spot a filming location in NYC? Keep an eye out for yellow jackets, camera equipment trucks, and cordoned-off areas.
How to find out if your favorite show films in NYC? Check their social media pages or search for news articles about filming locations.
How to become an extra on a TV show filmed in NYC? Look for casting agencies specializing in extras, or sometimes shows will post open calls on social media.
How to (not) accidentally wander onto a film set? If you see a closed set with signs and security, respect the boundaries! There's a whole production at work, and you don't want to be THAT person.
How to channel your inner New Yorker while watching TV? Stock up on bodega snacks, perfect your sassy one-liners, and dream of the day you too can hail a cab with the best of them.
