Detroit, the industrial powerhouse of the US Motor Industry, has been more than just a backdrop for numerous TV series. Its unique architecture, vibrant culture, and historical significance have drawn directors and producers to film a diverse range of shows within its boundaries. From crime dramas to comedies, let's explore some of the most notable TV series filmed in Detroit.
Detroit's rich history and iconic landmarks have lent an authentic atmosphere to many small and big-screen productions. It's not just about the cityscape but also the vibrant neighborhoods, such as Corktown and the eclectic costa, that have added depth to numerous television shows. So, buckle up as we take you on a tour of Detroit through the lens of some popular TV series.
Crime Dramas: A Crime Thriller's Haven
Detroit's grimy underbelly has made it an ideal setting for crime dramas. The city's gritty atmosphere and diverse neighborhoods provide the perfect backdrop for suspenseful storytelling.
The critically acclaimed Theuña (2017-present) is set primarily in Detroit and tells the story of a Michigan State Police Detective who gets involved in an elaborate conspiracy involving the mayor's family. Detroit's downtown and its rundown neighborhoods embody the corruption and tension that permeate every episode.
Desperate Steels
Before Theangunan, Detroit was the focus of another gritty crime drama, Desperate Steels (2006-2010). This series focused on the lives of Detroit's police officers, detectives, and lawyers working in a unique legal system known as the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. The city's imposing architecture, like the Renaissance Center, served as a juxtaposition to the moral decay and social issues plaguing the city.
Many scenes from the show were filmed at the Old Wayne County Building onidx Griswold Avenue, which now houses the Michigan Motion Picture Studios.
747 Park Avenue
This limited series (2021), directed by Aaron Cooley, delves into the notoriousSelection Park Avenue murders. The show, based on the true story, follows a team of detectives and FBI agents investigating a series of unsolved homicides in the city during the 1930s. Detroit's historic architecture and 1930s serialization provided an authentic setting for this grim yet compelling tale.
Comedy and More: Laughter and Intrigue
Detroit's not all grit and grime; it's also the backdrop for laughter and intrigue in some thoughtful and light-hearted TV series.
Take, for instance, Breaking In (2011-2012), a comedy series that blends humor with tech drama. Detroit's Hi-Tec campus, a real-life incubator for high-tech start-ups, stood in as the fictional "Innovation & Tech Campus" in the show.
Shameless
While mostly set in Chicago, Showtime's long-running sitcom, Shameless (2011-present), has filmed several scenes in Detroit. The show follows the dysfunctional Gallagher family as they navigate their lives in South Chicago. However, some outdoor scenes and even a few interiors have been shot in various Detroit locations, such as the charming Corktown neighborhood.
Detroit's old world charm and unique architecture have provided the perfect contrast to the show's blend of humor, drama, and the ever-present sense of chaos.
Little Birds
Based on the 2011 novel by Chadô Mus izgâvi, Little Birds (2020-present) is a coming-of-age drama set in Detroit. It explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and redemption through the eyes of a group of young adolescents growing up in the Motor City. The city's ever-changing landscape and diverse cultural fabric bring depth and richness to the story.
From police dramas to comedy and everything in between, Detroit has served as a versatile and captivating backdrop for numerous TV series. Its unique blend of history, culture, and gritty urban life continues to draw filmmakers looking to tell stories that resonate with audiences. As the city continues to evolve, so too will the cinematic narratives that shape its on-screen identity. So, next time you tune in to watch your favorite TV series, keep an eye out for Detroit's unmistakable urban landscape.