Would it shock you—shock you to your very core—to learn that CSI: Miami wasn’t actually filmed in Miami?
That The Office wasn’t filmed in Scranton?
That Seinfeld… wasn’t even filmed in New York City?
Nope. All of them were shot in, you guessed it, Los Angeles.
Now, I get it. Logistically it makes sense. LA has the crews, the studios, the sunshine, the palm trees that can play “generic palm trees” in any show from Hawaii to Florida. It’s cheaper. It’s easier. They’ve got fake city backdrops like Walmart has potato chips—every flavor, every style.
But still…part of me feels robbed. Like I just found out my favorite steakhouse has been microwaving my T-bones.
When I watch CSI: Miami, I want the heat, the humidity, the real deal palm trees swaying while they chase some sunglasses-wearing villain through the streets. Not “Los Angeles with a couple of strategically placed flamingos.”
When I watch The Office, I want to smell the paper mill, hear the awkward small-town chatter, and see a Dunkin’ Donuts that actually looks like it’s been there since the ‘80s.
When I watch Seinfeld, I want real NYC chaos. I want honking taxis, pushy bagel shop owners, and the constant fear of being run over by a messenger bike. Not a California soundstage with a “pretend garbage can” in the corner.
I know the magic of TV is that it feels real even when it isn’t…but c’mon. Can’t we film at least a few episodes where the show actually takes place?
Because right now, no matter what I watch, it all looks like Los Angeles in a Halloween costume.