Primary Filming Locations for This Is Us
The series This Is Us is primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, with additional location shooting in and around the city. Production uses a mix of soundstages and on-location shoots to represent the fictional Pittsburgh setting of the Pearson family story. The show’s production company, 20th Television, coordinates these shoots across the greater Los Angeles area. This setup allows the series to control costs while maintaining a consistent look for the fictional home locations. The use of Los Angeles also aligns with standard industry practice for major television productions. For more on film production in the area, see the relevant industry overview on the Forbes website Forbes.
Studio and Soundstage Details
Interior scenes for This Is Us are recorded on soundstages in Los Angeles. The production uses multiple stages to build the interior of the Pearson family home and other key sets. These stages provide controlled lighting and acoustics for high-quality filming. The studio facilities used for the show are standard for large-scale television productions in the region. The show’s visual effects and post-production work are also handled by teams based in Los Angeles. This centralization of production resources helps maintain the series’ consistent quality.
How the Pittsburgh Setting Is Created
Recreating Pittsburgh in Los Angeles
Although the story is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the series films most exterior shots in Los Angeles. The production design team uses locations and set dressing to recreate the look of Pittsburgh neighborhoods. This approach allows the show to film year-round without the weather constraints of a Pennsylvania winter. The result is a version of Pittsburgh that matches the show’s tone and period settings. The production design choices are made to support the storytelling and emotional tone of the series.
Location Shooting for Specific Scenes
For scenes requiring a distinct Pittsburgh atmosphere, the production occasionally uses location shots. These shoots are carefully selected to match the visual requirements of specific episodes. The team focuses on finding locations that can stand in for Pittsburgh streets and landmarks. This method ensures that the show’s setting feels authentic while keeping the production based in Los Angeles. The use of real locations adds texture and realism to key narrative moments.