Where Did Suits Film: A Journey Through the Legal Drama's Iconic Locations and Beyond

“Suits,” the American legal drama that captivated audiences worldwide, was not just a show about sharp-dressed lawyers navigating the high-stakes world of corporate law; it was also a visual feast that showcased some of the most iconic locations in New York City and beyond. The series, which ran from 2011 to 2019, was primarily filmed in Toronto, Canada, despite its New York setting. This article delves into the filming locations of “Suits,” explores the reasons behind the choice of Toronto, and discusses the impact of these locations on the show’s narrative and aesthetic.
The Toronto Connection
Why Toronto?
The decision to film “Suits” in Toronto was largely driven by financial considerations. Canada offers attractive tax incentives and lower production costs compared to the United States, making it a popular choice for many American television shows and films. Toronto, in particular, has a diverse architectural landscape that can convincingly double for various American cities, including New York.
Key Filming Locations in Toronto
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Bay Adelaide Centre: This modern office tower served as the exterior of Pearson Specter Litt, the law firm at the heart of the show. Its sleek, glass facade perfectly embodied the high-powered, corporate environment the series aimed to portray.
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University of Toronto: Several scenes, especially those set in Harvard Law School, were filmed at the University of Toronto. The university’s Gothic architecture provided an authentic backdrop for the prestigious educational institution.
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Distillery District: This historic area, known for its Victorian industrial architecture, was used for various outdoor scenes, adding a touch of old-world charm to the show’s urban setting.
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Roy Thomson Hall: This concert hall was featured in several episodes, often as a venue for high-profile events attended by the characters.
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Casa Loma: This Gothic Revival-style house and garden was used for some of the more opulent scenes, reflecting the wealth and status of the show’s characters.
Beyond Toronto: Other Filming Locations
While Toronto was the primary filming location, “Suits” also ventured outside the city for specific scenes:
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New York City: Although most of the show was filmed in Toronto, some establishing shots and exterior scenes were shot in New York to maintain the illusion that the series was set in the Big Apple. Iconic locations like Times Square and the Brooklyn Bridge made occasional appearances.
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Los Angeles: A few episodes were filmed in Los Angeles, particularly those involving the character Harvey Specter’s backstory or when the narrative required a change of scenery.
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Chicago: The Windy City was used for a handful of episodes, adding variety to the show’s visual palette.
The Impact of Filming Locations on “Suits”
Authenticity and Atmosphere
The choice of filming locations played a crucial role in establishing the show’s authenticity and atmosphere. Toronto’s ability to mimic New York’s urban landscape allowed “Suits” to maintain a consistent visual identity while keeping production costs manageable. The city’s diverse architecture provided a rich tapestry of settings that enhanced the narrative, from the sleek, modern offices of Pearson Specter Litt to the historic charm of the Distillery District.
Character Development
The locations also contributed to character development. For instance, the University of Toronto’s Harvard-like setting reinforced the intellectual prowess and elite status of characters like Mike Ross and Harvey Specter. Similarly, the opulent settings of Casa Loma and Roy Thomson Hall underscored the wealth and power of the show’s legal titans.
Narrative Flexibility
Filming in Toronto offered the show’s creators greater narrative flexibility. The city’s ability to stand in for various locations allowed the series to explore different storylines without the logistical challenges of filming in multiple cities. This flexibility was particularly useful for episodes that required a change of scenery, such as when characters traveled for cases or personal reasons.
The Legacy of “Suits” Filming Locations
The filming locations of “Suits” have become iconic in their own right, attracting fans from around the world who wish to experience the show’s world firsthand. The Bay Adelaide Centre, in particular, has become a pilgrimage site for “Suits” enthusiasts, who flock to see the building that housed Pearson Specter Litt.
Moreover, the show’s use of Toronto as a stand-in for New York has highlighted the city’s versatility as a filming location, further cementing its reputation as a hub for film and television production. The success of “Suits” has also inspired other shows to consider Toronto as a viable alternative to more expensive American cities.
Conclusion
“Suits” was more than just a legal drama; it was a visual journey through some of the most iconic locations in Toronto and beyond. The choice of filming locations not only enhanced the show’s narrative and aesthetic but also showcased the versatility and appeal of Toronto as a filming destination. As fans continue to revisit the series, the legacy of its filming locations will endure, serving as a testament to the show’s enduring impact on popular culture.
Related Q&A
Q: Why was “Suits” filmed in Toronto instead of New York? A: “Suits” was filmed in Toronto primarily due to financial considerations. Canada offers attractive tax incentives and lower production costs compared to the United States, making it a cost-effective choice for the show’s producers.
Q: Did “Suits” ever film in New York? A: Yes, “Suits” did film some establishing shots and exterior scenes in New York to maintain the illusion that the series was set in the city. However, the majority of the show was filmed in Toronto.
Q: What are some iconic filming locations from “Suits”? A: Some iconic filming locations from “Suits” include the Bay Adelaide Centre (Pearson Specter Litt), the University of Toronto (Harvard Law School), the Distillery District, Roy Thomson Hall, and Casa Loma.
Q: How did the filming locations contribute to the show’s atmosphere? A: The filming locations contributed to the show’s atmosphere by providing authentic and diverse settings that enhanced the narrative. Toronto’s ability to mimic New York’s urban landscape allowed “Suits” to maintain a consistent visual identity while offering a rich tapestry of settings that reflected the characters’ wealth, status, and intellectual prowess.
Q: Has “Suits” influenced other shows to film in Toronto? A: Yes, the success of “Suits” has highlighted Toronto’s versatility as a filming location, inspiring other shows to consider the city as a viable alternative to more expensive American cities. Toronto’s diverse architecture and attractive production incentives make it an appealing choice for many television and film productions.