Would you be surprised to know that, gasp, certain shows aren’t always filmed where they’re narratively set? How dare Hollywood. The reality is that sometimes its easier, more affordable, and faster to shoot in places entirely unrelated to the source material — only to make them look totally different in the end. Movie magic my friends, movie magic.
In the case of NCIS and its gaggle of spin-offs though, the iconic crime drama seems to do a little bit of both. Admit it, as NCIS: Los Angeles comes to a close this month after 14 heart-stopping seasons, you’ve become a bit nostalgic for all things surrounding the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. (Say that five times fast.)
With worlds colliding, folks far and wide have begun to wonder where NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: Hawai’i are filmed — and, after a little bit of research, I’m here to provide an answer. We wouldn’t want to wear out your typing fingers.
Where is the original NCIS filmed?
Surprisingly, the original NCIS (set in Washington, D.C.) is filmed in Valencia, California. Which, although I’m not a geography nut, is pretty far away from Washington, D.C. Actually, Indiana is pretty far away from Washington, D.C., too, though California might as well be the lunar surface when it comes to filming in the right spots.
The reason for this aesthetic betrayal comes by way of local regulations. In Washington, D.C. (for obvious reasons) helicopters, drones, and other camera-related operations are very tricky to pull off. That in mind, it seems as though the showrunners wanted to save themselves the headache, and it paid off. Most people can’t even tell the difference, and that’s a good thing.
Where is NCIS: Los Angeles filmed?
Aptly named, NCIS: Los Angeles is filmed in Los Angeles. Tinseltown, U.S.A. Setting a series in a city where the film industry makes its proverbial donuts means that it would stand to reason the episodes are shot there too — that’s just good business.
This doesn’t mean that the show doesn’t take a few liberties. Exteriors are absolutely shot in Los Angeles, but barring a few exceptions plenty of this show is shot on a sound stage at Paramount Pictures, as Los Angeles-y a location as you can get. It’s a shame that NCIS: Los Angeles has been canceled. Such is the story these days I suppose. All good things must come to an end. Damn you, budget cuts.
Where is NCIS: Hawai’i filmed?
Hawai’i is a bit harder to fake. Thankfully, the team behind NCIS Hawai’i knows this, and shoots the series across the state’s many islands. Happily, I may add, because who the heck doesn’t like Hawai’i? It’s paradise. Tonally different than the other two shows, NCIS: Hawai’i offers audiences a chance to view Hawai’i through a new lens — while watching people solve high-stakes crime.
Where was NCIS: New Orleans filmed?
I say “was” because, sadly, NCIS: New Orleans has been canceled for a few years. Running for seven seasons, this particular series covered crime across Louisiana. Filmed on location, NCIS: New Orleans was shot all over the city of New Orleans — giving people a chance to see the “Big Easy.”
Eclectic, wild, and wholly unique, New Orleans has a style fit for television and CBS seemed to agree. To be honest, I had no clue that NCIS: New Orleans existed until researching this article (I’m a fake fan and I must be destroyed), but bringing a production to a city like New Orleans should happen more often in my opinion. After all, why not? Giving unconventional places a chance to shine is one of the best parts of storytelling.
Where is NCIS: Sydney going to be filmed?
NCIS: Sydney isn’t even out yet, but I’ll let you in on a little secret — it’s going to be filmed in Sydney. Set to launch sometime this year, not much else is known about this new entry into the NCIS multiverse, other than the fact that it’s shot in Sydney of course. Without a concrete release date, we’ll have to wait a while to find out exactly what this show is all about.
Well there you have it, all the places in which NCIS is or was filmed. I never thought I would write this much about NCIS, and I bet you didn’t think you’d still be reading. Using these bits of useless information, you can now go forth into the world and share with all who will listen tales of behind the scenes splendor. Be good, stay crazy, tell your friends.
