The Morning Show: More Than Just Morning News
“The Morning Show,” an Apple TV+ drama, has been captivating audiences with its intricate blend of real-world topics like politics, the #MeToo movement, and the COVID-19 pandemic, all while unraveling the lives of the characters involved in a popular network broadcast morning news program in New York City, known as The Morning Show (TMS).
A Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, and Steve Carell, who have garnered numerous accolades for their compelling performances. However, while the series is set in the bustling city of New York, most of its filming occurs elsewhere, primarily in California.
The Illusion of New York City: Filming in California
Despite the series’ New York setting, the majority of the scenes, even those supposedly occurring in New York City, are filmed in Los Angeles, California. Iconic locations like the Safari Inn in Burbank and 611 Place in downtown Los Angeles have doubled as New York locales, providing the perfect backdrop to this intricately woven narrative.
Safari Inn, Burbank: A Popular Filming Destination
The Safari Inn in Burbank, California, served as the location for a pivotal scene in season 1, where Jennifer Aniston’s character, Alex, stays while reporting on the Los Angeles fires. This hotel is no stranger to the camera, having been featured in numerous films and other television series, making it a recognizable spot for avid movie and TV show fans.
611 Place, Los Angeles: The Stand-In Skyscraper
Another significant location is 611 Place, a 42-story building in downtown Los Angeles, which doubles as the home to the UBA network in the series. This building has been a popular choice for various productions, serving as a convincing substitute for a New York City skyscraper, allowing the city of angels to masquerade as the city that never sleeps.
Sony Pictures Studios: Crafting the World of The Morning Show
When locations in and around Los Angeles and New York City couldn’t meet the production’s needs, the crew turned to Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. Here, multiple sets were constructed to bring to life the interiors of the UBA network building and the characters’ residences, providing a controlled environment to capture the essence of the series.
Los Angeles: The Central Filming Hub
Los Angeles, with its versatile landscapes and iconic locations, has been the central filming location for all three seasons of “The Morning Show.” The production team, constrained by the pandemic, showcased their creativity by transforming various spots in Los Angeles to represent different locations, from New Orleans’ French Quarter to a train station in Wuhan, China.
A Glimpse of the Real New York City
While Los Angeles serves as the primary filming location, some scenes required the authentic New York City backdrop. Iconic landmarks like Times Square and Central Park have been featured, providing viewers with glimpses of the real city where the series is set, adding an extra layer of realism to the show.
Coney Island Excursion: A Unique Filming Experience
In the third season, Jon Hamm’s character, Paul Marks, and Jennifer Aniston’s Alex, find themselves in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. The unique and iconic nature of Coney Island necessitated actual filming on location, offering a distinct visual experience that couldn’t be replicated elsewhere.
Conclusion: A Cinematic Journey
“The Morning Show” has taken its viewers on a cinematic journey, blending real-world locations and meticulously crafted sets to bring its narrative to life. The series, while set in New York City, utilizes the diverse landscapes of Los Angeles and the iconic spots in various cities to create a visually rich experience, all while maintaining the illusion of a singular setting.
New Episodes and Continuation
The series continues to weave in contemporary issues, maintaining its relevance and appeal. New episodes of “The Morning Show” are available on Apple TV+, offering more intriguing narratives and a closer look at the characters navigating their lives in the fast-paced world of broadcast news.
This behind-the-scenes look at the filming locations of “The Morning Show” provides a deeper appreciation for the series, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and the creative solutions employed to bring this compelling drama to our screens. Whether it’s the bustling streets of New York City or the iconic landmarks of Los Angeles, each location adds a unique flavor to this critically acclaimed series.
