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All the Shows You Didn’t Know Were Filmed in Toronto

Toronto, affectionately referred to as Hollywood North, is a popular filming destination due to its versatile architecture and varied landscapes. These attributes, coupled with significant tax incentives, have lured numerous production companies to create some of your favourite TV shows within the city's bounds. Let's take a look at some of these productions.

Suits (2011-2019)

Legal drama Suits not only features a well-dressed cast but is also set in the heart of New York City. Despite the setting being the Big Apple, production opted for Toronto as the prime filming location. The Bay Adelaide Centre, in Toronto's Financial District, regularly doubles as fictional law firm Pearson Hardman.

The Handmaid’s Tale (2017 – present)

This dystopian drama, based on Margaret Atwood's novel, is largely shot within the Toronto area. Toronto's stunning architectural gems, including the Toronto City Hall and CAMH, were both featured within the serial's grim visuals of a totalitarian society.

Orphan Black (2013-2017)

This sci-fi series featuring Tatiana Maslany has proudly flaunted its Canadian roots. Besides filming in various Greater Toronto Area (GTA) locales, this tale of clones often integrates Toronto signs and structures, not turning a blind eye to their Canadian scenic backdrop.

Schitt's Creek (2015 – 2020)

This critically acclaimed comedic series doesn't expressly indicate it's shot in Ontario, but sharp-eyed viewers have noted evidence that implies its Canadian location. While the town of 'Schitt's Creek is fictitious, the series was filmed in real Ontario towns, including Goodwood, Mono, and Toronto.

Umbrella Academy (2019 - present)

While Gerard Way’s renowned comic book series is set in an alternate reality, the on-screen adaptation finds its base in Toronto. Key locations from the show like The Umbrella Academy mansion were created around the city, with the stunning Casa Loma serving as the exterior.

Shadowhunters (2016-2019)

Fantasy series Shadowhunters, based on Cassandra Clare’s 'The Mortal Instruments,' used Toronto as an adaptable backdrop for the supernatural realm of New York City. Key landmarks, like the University of Toronto, served as movie MAGIC Institutes and demonic hunting grounds.

Titans (2018 - present)

Toronto has even found itself serving as Gotham City. The gritty superhero series Titans, features popular characters from DC’s Bat-verse and is primarily filmed in Toronto. Local landmarks like The Royal Conservatory of Music have posed as nine-figure Gotham mansions.

The Expanse (2015 - present)

This space opera, originally a SyFy show now continued on Amazon Prime, has been filming in Toronto and surrounding areas from its inception. The Pinewood Toronto Studios, where the main stages are located, are part of the city's vast array of film-friendly locations.
Toronto’s flexible urban dynamics and various landscapes have made it a favourable proxy to mimic cities like New York and even fictional towns. Its popularity doesn't seem to be waning any time soon as global film and TV demand grows, and more producers look to Canada for high-quality, cost-effective filming locations. One thing is for sure, as you switch on your favourite TV show, chances are you may be looking at Toronto.