Toronto, the city of TV-filming hotspots
By Alyssa Bravo
The on-going COVID-19 pandemic has forced many of us to stay home but fortunately, we have several forms of entertainment at our disposal to keep us at bay. Whether it be through cable, a streaming service, or even Blu-ray/DVD boxsets, many of us have turned to binge-watching TV shows, both old and new. As surprising as it may sound, a number of popular TV shows were actually filmed locally. There are different factors as to why American film and television producers opt to shoot in Toronto. Perhaps it has to do with the city’s diverse mix of cityscapes and rural skylines, or maybe it’s simply due to monetary reasons. Either way, viewers will have fun spotting these familiar locations. Here is a list of some TV shows you probably didn’t know were filmed in Toronto:
1) Hannibal (2013-2015)
This psychological horror series is based on Thomas Harris’ novels Red Dragon, Hannibal, and Hannibal Rising, starring the eponymous character of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The series follows FBI special investigator Will Graham as he uncovers crimes of serial killers and the development of his relationship with Hannibal Lecter. Although the series takes place in numerous cities around the United States, most of it was filmed in Toronto. The University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus was used as a stand-in for Hannibal’s FBI headquarters. The show also features scenes filmed inside Roy Thomson Hall and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
The Art Gallery of Ontario’s Walker Court in an episode of Hannibal.
2) Orphan Black (2013-2017)
Orphan Black is a science-fiction series that stars Canadian actress Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning, a woman who takes up the identity of her clone after witnessing her suicide. The series does not initially specify that it takes place in Toronto, but it is later confirmed by scripted references to Scarborough, Parkdale, and the Toronto Pearson International Airport. Additionally, Bridgepoint Active Healthcare and Don Jail serve as the show’s Dyad Institute. Scenes that supposedly took place in Scarborough were actually shot in Markham, Ontario, a separate suburb just north of the Greater Toronto Area.
Exterior suburb shots located in Markham, Ontario.
3) Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments (2016-2019)
This Netflix original series is based on the popular young adult book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. Shadowhunters follows Clary Fray, a young girl who learns that she is a Shadowhunter, a human-angel hybrid who hunts demons. The series takes place in New York City, but it was filmed throughout Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area, as well as in Mississauga and Oshawa. The Metropolitan United Church makes a cameo as the Shadowhunters’ institute, while the science wing of the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus serves as the New York Police Department’s 89th Precinct.
4) The Umbrella Academy (2019-present)
Another Netflix original, The Umbrella Academy follows a group of adopted children who team up as the titular superhero group to uncover the mystery of their father’s death and battle the threat of an impending apocalypse. The Umbrella Academy takes place in an unnamed city during the first season, and in Dallas, Texas during the second season. However, it is primarily shot in Toronto, with additional filming taking place in Hamilton, Ont. Toronto natives will recognize landmarks such as the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, Union Station, as well as several locations around the University of Toronto’s multiple campuses.
The trailer for season 1 showcases some Toronto locations.
5) The Boys (2019-present)
Netflix isn’t the only streaming service making its way to Toronto. The Boys is a Prime Video original series based on the comic book series of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. This show explores a team of vigilantes as they challenge famous superheroes who frequently abuse their abilities and fame. Set in New York City much like other big superhero franchises, The Boys is actually filmed in Toronto, locations in the York Region, and in Oshawa. Viewers will recognize Yonge-Dundas Square substituting for New York’s Time Square and characters can be seen on the Toronto Transit Commission’s Line 2. Additionally, Oshawa’s Parkwood Estate and the Meridian Arts Centre make a few cameo appearances on the show.
The TTC Line 2 subway train featured on The Boys.