Hidden Filming Locations From Popular TV Shows You Didn't Know About

While iconic filming locations often steal the spotlight, many beloved TV shows hide their production magic in plain sight—using unexpected locations that fans might walk past without ever realizing their significance. These hidden gems offer the most dedicated viewers a chance to connect with their favorite series in ways casual tourists might miss.

In this guide, we'll uncover the lesser-known filming locations from some of the most popular TV shows, revealing the real-world places behind the fictional settings that have captured our imaginations.

The Witcher: Poland's Hidden Fantasy Realms

Netflix's fantasy epic "The Witcher" (2019-present), starring Henry Cavill (and now Liam Hemsworth) as Geralt of Rivia, brings Andrzej Sapkowski's books to life with stunning visuals. While many know about the show's filming in Hungary and the Canary Islands, Poland harbors some of its most authentic yet overlooked locations.

Ogrodzieniec Castle, Poland

This 14th-century castle ruin in southern Poland provided the backdrop for pivotal scenes in Season 1.

Hidden gem factor:

• Used for the Battle of Sodden Hill sequence
• Many fans don't realize they can explore the actual ruins
• Located far from typical tourist routes

How to visit:

• Located about 1.5 hours from Krakow
• Open year-round with modest entry fees
• Best combined with a tour of the Eagle Nests Trail

Behind the scenes: The production team had to use drones to scout the location due to its remote positioning and complex layout. They chose the site specifically because it already somewhat resembled a battleground after centuries of wars and abandonment.

For more fantasy filming locations, check out our guide to TV shows filmed in Ireland, where many other magical worlds have been brought to life.

Stranger Things: Georgia's 1980s Time Capsules

While "Stranger Things" (2016-present) is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, most fans know it's primarily filmed in Georgia. However, many don't realize just how many everyday locations around Atlanta serve as the show's most memorable settings.

Gwinnett Place Mall, Duluth, Georgia

This largely abandoned mall was transformed into the colorful Starcourt Mall for Season 3.

Hidden gem factor:

• The mall still stands but looks nothing like its vibrant on-screen counterpart
• The production built an entire working food court inside
• Most of the storefronts were custom-built sets

How to visit:

• The mall is largely closed to the public now
• Some exterior views are possible from parking areas
• Several nearby locations feature in the show and are more accessible

Behind the scenes: The production team spent over $67 million in Georgia during Season 3, creating over 1,500 jobs just for the Starcourt Mall sequences. They built over 40 storefronts inside the abandoned mall, many fully functional.

Jackson, Georgia as Downtown Hawkins

The charming downtown area of Jackson, Georgia, stands in for Hawkins' main street in numerous scenes.

Hidden gem factor:

• Many buildings maintain the exact same exteriors seen on the show
• The library, police station, and general store are real buildings with different purposes
• Local businesses often display small "as seen in Stranger Things" signs

How to visit:

• Jackson is an hour's drive south of Atlanta
• Self-guided walking tours are possible using fan-created maps
• Several local businesses sell Stranger Things merchandise

For fans of hidden small-town filming locations, our article on restaurants from movies you can visit features several diners that might look familiar from various productions.

Ozark: Not Actually Filmed at the Ozarks

"Ozark" (2017-2022), starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, follows the Byrde family's dangerous entanglement with drug cartels and local criminals. Despite its name, very little of the show was actually filmed in Missouri's Ozark region.

Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier, Georgia

These Georgia lakes stand in for Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks throughout the series.

Hidden gem factor:

• The Blue Cat Lodge scenes were filmed at the real-life Little River Marina
• The Byrde family home is an actual lakeside property on Lake Allatoona
• Many waterfront scenes use clever angles to make Georgia look like Missouri

How to visit:

• Both lakes are within an hour's drive of Atlanta
• Many filming sites are on private property but visible from public areas
• Some locations like the former Blue Cat Lodge (now called JD's Bar-B-Que) welcome visitors

Behind the scenes: Production designers had to carefully study Missouri architecture and landscaping to transform Georgia locations. They even imported specific plants native to Missouri to enhance authenticity in some scenes.

Silver Skillet Restaurant, Atlanta

This classic diner appears as the Missouri Belle Restaurant in later seasons.

Hidden gem factor:

• Operating since 1967, this diner maintains authentic vintage appeal
• The production used both interior and exterior shots
• You can sit in the exact booths where pivotal scenes were filmed

How to visit:

• Located in downtown Atlanta
• Open daily for breakfast and lunch
• The staff can point out which areas were used in filming

If you're interested in more North American filming locations, our guide to TV shows filmed in Canada reveals many surprising stand-ins for American settings.

Game of Thrones: The Lesser-Known Westeros

While most "Game of Thrones" (2011-2019) filming locations in Northern Ireland, Croatia, and Spain are well-documented, several fascinating spots remain relatively obscure to all but the most dedicated fans.

Grjótagjá Cave, Iceland

This small lava cave with a thermal spring served as Jon and Ygritte's intimate love scene location in Season 3.

Hidden gem factor:

• The cave is natural but much smaller than it appears on screen
• Water temperature fluctuates dramatically, making swimming often impossible
• The interior shots were heavily modified with CGI

How to visit:

• Located near Lake Mývatn in northern Iceland
• Accessible by rental car, about 6 hours from Reykjavik
• Be respectful as it's a delicate natural environment

Behind the scenes: The production could only film here briefly due to the cave's fragile ecosystem. Most of the scene was actually filmed on a constructed set that replicated the cave's appearance but allowed for better lighting and camera movement.

For more information about the many stunning locations featured in the show, check out where was Game of Thrones filmed on our main site.

Breaking Bad: Albuquerque's Secret Landmarks

"Breaking Bad" (2008-2013) put Albuquerque on the map for TV tourism, but beyond the obvious locations like Walter White's house and Los Pollos Hermanos, several significant filming spots remain overlooked.

John B. Robert Dam

This unassuming flood control dam provided the backdrop for several pivotal desert scenes.

Hidden gem factor:

• Used for numerous drug deals and tense standoffs
• Appears completely different depending on time of day
• Most tourists focus on urban locations instead

How to visit:

• Located in northeast Albuquerque
• Public access via hiking trails
• Best visited in morning or late afternoon for dramatic lighting

Behind the scenes: The production crew favored this location because it offered the appearance of remote desert while actually being close to city amenities. They could create the illusion of dangerous isolation while maintaining easy access for equipment and emergency services.

The Grove Café & Market

This real café was where Walt and Lydia regularly met and where the famous Stevia poisoning scene occurred.

Hidden gem factor:

• Still operates as a popular local breakfast spot
• The exact table where Walt poisoned Lydia's tea is marked
• Much smaller in real life than it appears on screen

How to visit:

• Located in East Downtown Albuquerque
• Open for breakfast and lunch daily
• Be prepared to wait for a table during peak hours

For fans of "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," our iconic filming locations to visit guide includes several must-see spots from both shows.

The Walking Dead: Georgia's Apocalypse

"The Walking Dead" (2010-2022) transformed several Georgia towns into post-apocalyptic landscapes, with some locations hiding in plain sight that even dedicated fans might miss.

Senoia, Georgia as Woodbury and Alexandria

This small town doubled as both Woodbury and parts of the Alexandria Safe Zone.

Hidden gem factor:

• Many buildings remain exactly as they appeared in the show
• The walls of Alexandria were real structures, portions of which still stand
• Local businesses have embraced their Walking Dead connections

How to visit:

• Located about an hour south of Atlanta
• Walking Dead Studio Tours operate in the area
• The Alexandria set is visible from Morgan Street

Behind the scenes: The production initially planned to dismantle the Alexandria walls after each season but eventually negotiated to leave them standing year-round, transforming the real town's landscape permanently.

Twin Peaks: Washington's Mysterious Corners

David Lynch's cult classic "Twin Peaks" (1990-1991, 2017) used numerous locations in Washington state that remain relatively untouched by mass tourism.

Twede's Café (RR Diner), North Bend, Washington

The iconic diner where Agent Cooper enjoyed his "damn fine coffee and cherry pie."

Hidden gem factor:

• Still operates as a working diner with Twin Peaks memorabilia
• The interior was completely restored to match the show for the 2017 revival
• Serves the actual cherry pie featured in the show

How to visit:

• Located in North Bend, about 30 miles east of Seattle
• Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Twin Peaks viewing parties occur occasionally

Behind the scenes: For the 2017 revival, David Lynch insisted on restoring the diner to its exact appearance from the original series, down to the specific counter tiles and booth upholstery, after it had undergone renovations in the intervening years.

Planning Your TV Location Adventures

When seeking out these hidden filming locations, keep these tips in mind:

1. Research thoroughly - Many TV locations are on private property or may have changed significantly
2. Join specialized tours - Local guides often have access to otherwise restricted areas
3. Be respectful - Remember that many locations are private homes, businesses, or natural areas
4. Time your visit - Many locations look dramatically different depending on season and time of day
5. Look beyond the obvious - The most meaningful locations aren't always the most prominently featured ones

Respecting the Locations

The growing popularity of TV tourism creates both opportunities and challenges for these locations:

• Follow all posted rules and guidelines
• Support local businesses near filming locations
• Avoid trespassing on private property
• Be mindful of residents who may live or work at these sites
• Consider donating to conservation efforts for natural locations

Conclusion

The magic of television often lies in transforming ordinary places into extraordinary settings. By seeking out these hidden filming locations, fans gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind their favorite shows and the real communities that help bring these fictional worlds to life.

Whether you're planning a dedicated TV tourism adventure or simply looking to add some unique stops to your next road trip, these lesser-known filming locations offer authentic connections to beloved shows beyond the usual tourist trail. The next time you watch The Witcher, Stranger Things, or Ozark, you'll view those scenes with fresh eyes, knowing the real places behind the magic.

Have you discovered any hidden filming locations from your favorite TV shows? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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What's your favorite hidden TV filming location you've visited or hope to see? Let us know in the comments below!