TV Series Filming in Real Haunted Locations

Television shows often film in real locations to create a believable mood or historical feel. Directors and location scouts sometimes choose buildings with spooky reputations or dark pasts to make scenes more intense. These places can include everything from old, abandoned hospitals and prisons to ancient castles and hotels. People working on these sets often report strange and unexplainable events, especially during long filming days. This list highlights fifty TV series that filmed in locations known for being haunted.

‘American Horror Story’ (2011–Present)

The first season of this show centered around the Harmon family and their move into a renovated, but haunted, mansion. The pilot episode was filmed at the Alfred Rosenheim Mansion in Los Angeles, a historic landmark known for its spooky stories. The eerie atmosphere of the show closely reflects the mansion’s real-life, unsettling reputation and gothic style.

‘The Shining’ (1997)

Stephen King adapted his own novel into this TV miniseries, striving for accuracy. Filming took place at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park – the very place that inspired the Overlook Hotel in his book. King even stayed in Room 217, where he had the unsettling dreams that sparked the story. During filming, the cast and crew reported numerous strange happenings throughout the hotel.

‘The X-Files’ (1993–2018)

Mulder and Scully’s investigations into the paranormal often led them to eerie locations throughout North America. The show frequently filmed scenes set in mental institutions at the abandoned Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam, which is well-known as one of Canada’s most haunted places. Many crew members reported seeing shadowy figures and hearing strange voices while filming in the empty hospital hallways.

‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)

For fifteen seasons, brothers Sam and Dean Winchester traveled across the country investigating demons and ghosts, often finding themselves in spooky small towns. The show was mostly filmed in Vancouver, and they frequently used the Riverview Hospital to portray asylums and prisons. The hospital’s already dilapidated condition made it perfect for creating a frightening atmosphere with minimal set design. The cast often commented on how genuinely eerie the real, reportedly haunted, hospital felt.

‘Twin Peaks’ (1990–2017)

David Lynch skillfully created a strange and eerie atmosphere in the show by carefully selecting its filming locations. The Salish Lodge and Spa stood in for the Great Northern Hotel, where Agent Cooper resided, and its location overlooking the dramatic Snoqualmie Falls, combined with local stories of ghosts and ancient spirits, added to the show’s dreamlike and haunting feel. The misty environment surrounding the falls further enhanced this ghostly quality.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

The popular fantasy series filmed many scenes in Northern Ireland to create the world of Westeros. One iconic location, the Dark Hedges in County Antrim, was used for the Kingsroad, where Arya Stark journeyed. This beautiful path of beech trees is also said to be haunted by the Grey Lady, a ghostly figure seen among the trees. Local stories claim she’s a spirit connected to an old, forgotten graveyard nearby.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–Present)

Season four of the show featured the unsettling Creel House as a key location in the unfolding supernatural mystery. The house itself is actually a stunning Victorian manor called Claremont House, located in Rome, and known for its gothic style. Interestingly, the current owners have reported strange noises and movements inside the historic building. Its dramatic and imposing look made it an ideal place to depict the villain Vecna’s hideout.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

In this zombie series, the characters journeyed across the empty lands of Georgia searching for a safe haven. The episode titled ‘Clear’ was filmed in Grantville, a town filled with deserted buildings. Locals say the location is haunted by the ghosts of its history as a once-thriving cotton town, and the actors felt a strong, unsettling presence while filming amongst the crumbling structures.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

The town of Mystic Falls in the TV show was actually filmed in Covington, Georgia. A lot of scenes took place at the historic Gaither Plantation, which is also famous for being haunted. The show’s creators used the plantation’s old Southern-style buildings to emphasize the long history and traditions connected to the vampire stories. Now, local tours often point out the strange and unexplained events people have reported happening at these filming locations.

‘The Originals’ (2013–2018)

This series followed the Mikaelson family as they navigated conflicts and power plays in New Orleans. Filming took place near the historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, the final resting place of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Because the cemetery is considered sacred and haunted, access is very limited. The show successfully captured the unique spiritual atmosphere of New Orleans’ French Quarter by using these real locations.

‘Doctor Who’ (1963–Present)

Over many years, this popular science fiction series has explored numerous different times and planets. Episodes, including ‘The Vampire of Venice,’ have been filmed on location at Caerphilly Castle in Wales. Legend has it that the castle is haunted by the Green Lady, a ghost said to wander the walls looking for her beloved. The old stone castle was the perfect eerie setting for the show’s time-traveling hero.

‘Outlander’ (2014–Present)

This historical romance follows Claire Randall as she journeys back in time to 18th-century Scotland. In the first season, the show filmed at Doune Castle, which served as the location for Castle Leoch. The castle, a historic medieval fortress with a violent past, is also said to be haunted. Its chilly stone walls and drafty rooms helped create an authentic atmosphere for the scenes depicting the Jacobite period.

‘Downton Abbey’ (2010–2015)

Highclere Castle in Hampshire, a stunning estate that has belonged to the Carnarvon family for centuries, is where the popular series was filmed. Over the years, people working and visiting the castle have reported seeing ghosts – a footman and a mysterious woman in the gallery are the most common sightings. The castle’s impressive appearance hides a long history of strange and unexplained events, even before the show began filming.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

Tommy Shelby and his crew ran things in the rough, industrial parts of Birmingham after the war. The show filmed scenes meant to be inside Tommy’s impressive home at Arley Hall, a historic mansion in Cheshire that’s stood for nearly a thousand years and is rumored to be haunted. Its dark wood and shadowy atmosphere perfectly matched the show’s dramatic, film-noir style.

‘Rose Red’ (2002)

This miniseries, written by Stephen King, follows a psychology professor as he explores a house that seems truly haunted. Filming took place at Thornewood Castle in Washington State, which served as the eerie, large mansion in the story. Interestingly, the castle’s actual owner has reported strange occurrences, like seeing unexplained reflections. The castle’s authentic, old-fashioned gothic style helped create a genuinely unsettling atmosphere for the series.

‘Arrow’ (2012–2020)

Oliver Queen battled criminals in Star City while grappling with the trauma of being stranded on a deserted island. Interestingly, the show’s producers often used Riverview Hospital – despite its spooky reputation – as a filming location for scenes meant to look like prisons or rundown warehouses. The hospital’s decaying paint and endless hallways gave the show a perfect, gritty urban feel, making it a popular choice for many Vancouver film crews.

‘The Flash’ (2014–2023)

Barry Allen, also known as The Flash, used his incredible speed to keep Central City safe from villains with superpowers. The show often filmed scenes for Iron Heights Prison inside the abandoned Riverview Hospital, and the hospital’s empty, quiet rooms created a spooky feeling that contrasted with the bright, exciting superhero fights. People working on the set have reported strange things happening with equipment in certain areas of the building.

‘Smallville’ (2001–2011)

Before becoming Superman, Clark Kent grew up in the small town of Smallville where he first learned about his powers and where he came from. The TV show filmed at Riverview Hospital, using it to represent different places like the LuthorCorp buildings and Belle Reve Sanitarium. The hospital’s large property and its imposing buildings provided a lot of different looks for the series. The hospital’s past also gave scenes set in the mental institution a subtle, heavier feeling.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

Riverdale, despite appearing like a typical small town, concealed a darker side, as depicted in this comic book-based series. The show used the Riverview Hospital grounds as the location for the Sisters of Quiet Mercy, a home for troubled youth. The hospital’s naturally unsettling environment actually added to the creepy feel of the fictional convent. Many viewers enjoy visiting the area around the hospital to see the large, imposing brick buildings.

‘Fringe’ (2008–2013)

The FBI’s Fringe Division explored strange events and unconventional scientific research. Much of Walter Bishop’s work took place at Riverview Hospital, a location that naturally looked both clean and old, which helped establish the backstory of the labs. Unexplained sounds reported by security at the hospital also matched the show’s mysterious atmosphere.

‘The 100’ (2014–2020)

After a nuclear war, when people came back to Earth, they found a world that was both dangerous and drastically different. The show’s most intense scenes, set in the Mount Weather facility, made use of the tunnels and hallways of the old Riverview Hospital. The tight, enclosed spaces of the hospital’s basements added to the feeling of being trapped for the actors. Interestingly, the hospital’s history of poor patient care mirrors the dark story told in the show.

‘Psych’ (2006–2014)

Shawn Spencer and his friend Gus solved mysteries on a TV show where Shawn pretended to be a psychic detective. One episode, called “Heeeere’s Lassie,” was filmed at the Riverview Hospital and used the creepy atmosphere of the location for both laughs and scares. Even though the show was a comedy, the hospital itself felt genuinely eerie to the people working on it.

‘The Killing’ (2011–2014)

Detectives Linden and Holder spent an entire, bleak season solving one murder. Filmed in Vancouver, the show used Riverview Hospital as a stand-in for the police station and other city buildings. The city’s frequent rain and the hospital’s unsettling past combined to create a dark, film-noir mood, and the hospital’s stark emptiness reflected the characters’ inner turmoil.

‘Legion’ (2017–2019)

This Marvel series follows David Haller, a man battling schizophrenia and extraordinary abilities. Filmed on location at the historically significant Riverview Hospital, the show brilliantly used the building’s unique design and complex layout to reflect the protagonist’s fractured mental state. The hospital’s reputation for being haunted even added an extra, eerie dimension to a story already dealing with inner demons.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

After the destruction of Earth, the last humans were on the run from the Cylons, a robotic enemy. The scenes showing the planet Caprica before it was destroyed were filmed at Riverview Hospital, which stood in for government buildings and labs. The hospital’s cold, clinical atmosphere was perfect for the show’s futuristic, serious tone in those early storylines.

‘Stargate SG-1’ (1997–2007)

As a sci-fi fan, I always loved how this show tackled interstellar defense – a military team jumping through an ancient alien portal to protect Earth was a really cool concept. What’s even more fascinating is where they filmed it! They used Riverview Hospital for tons of episodes, and it was perfect for both alien planets and, ironically, Earth hospitals. That place was huge and could really transform into anything they needed. Apparently, filming in the abandoned wings meant long hours, and the crew started swapping spooky stories about weird drafts and unexplained noises – it sounds like a really atmospheric, if slightly creepy, set!

‘Charmed’ (1998–2006)

I’m completely hooked on this show about three sisters who find out they’re witches – and not just any witches, but ones meant to protect people from really dark forces! What’s even cooler is they filmed a lot of the hospital scenes at the Linda Vista Community Hospital in LA. It’s an abandoned place with a seriously creepy reputation – people say it’s really haunted and there’s tons of paranormal stuff happening there. Apparently, it was pretty unnerving for the actors, working in a place that felt as scary as the demons their characters were battling. It really adds another layer to the show, knowing they were genuinely creeped out while filming!

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

Buffy Summers led a double life, navigating the challenges of high school while secretly fighting vampires as the chosen Slayer. The exterior shots of Sunnydale High in the show were filmed at Torrance High School, which, in the fictional world, was built over a Hellmouth. Interestingly, the real Torrance High also has its own spooky tales – people say it’s haunted by a ghost that wanders the auditorium and hallways, and many have reported feeling unexplained cold spots in the school’s older buildings.

‘Angel’ (1999–2004)

A vampire hoping to find forgiveness moved to Los Angeles to protect those in need. The show was filmed at Paramount Studios, right next to Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Many believe the studio grounds are haunted by the ghosts of classic movie stars, and security staff have reported seeing ghostly figures near the soundstages where filming occurred.

‘ER’ (1994–2009)

This popular medical drama is famous for its realistic depiction of life in a busy emergency room. Filming often took place at Linda Vista Community Hospital, which provided a suitably rundown and eerie atmosphere. The hospital had closed in the early 1990s and became a well-known filming location, adding to its unsettling vibe. The leftover medical equipment helped make the sets feel incredibly authentic and even a little disturbing.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

A police forensic technician secretly led a double life as a serial killer. Filming took place at Linda Vista Community Hospital, which served as the location for scenes depicting crimes and medical situations. The hospital’s eerie and unsettling environment mirrored the disturbed mind of the killer. Many believe it’s one of the most haunted places in Los Angeles.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

In this spooky, Southern-set drama, vampires publicly announced they were real. The show filmed scenes at the Linda Vista Community Hospital, which served as the headquarters for the vampire ruling body. The hospital’s aged and slightly run-down beauty perfectly captured the vampires’ long history and hidden darkness. Actors often found the dimly lit hallways genuinely unsettling when the cameras weren’t rolling.

‘Criminal Minds’ (2005–2020)

A specialized team of FBI profilers studied the psychology of the nation’s most dangerous criminals. The show often featured the Linda Vista Community Hospital as the hideouts of criminals or as deserted buildings. The production team smartly used the building’s natural state of disrepair to cut costs on set design. The hospital’s unsettling atmosphere heightened the feeling of dread and horror in the show.

‘NCIS’ (2003–Present)

Investigators looked into crimes involving sailors and Marines. The Linda Vista Community Hospital was used as a set for TV episodes featuring medical puzzles or hostage crises. The hospital’s history of many patient deaths has led to rumors that it’s haunted. While filming, crew members preferred to stay together when moving equipment through the deserted hallways.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

This comedy series followed a group of humorous and skilled detectives working at a New York police precinct. One episode was filmed aboard the RMS Queen Mary, a famous ocean liner docked in Long Beach, known for its reputation as one of the most haunted locations globally, with a history of many deaths. The actors performed comedic scenes in areas known for reported paranormal activity.

‘Arrested Development’ (2003–2019)

The Bluth family, known for their chaotic behavior, faced financial ruin and turned to their sensible son, Michael, for help. An episode called “Pier Pressure” was filmed on the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. The ship served as the setting for a Milford Academy event where the characters dealt with tough situations. Its beautiful art deco design created a unique atmosphere, even with stories of it being haunted.

‘Castle’ (2009–2016)

A novelist who writes mysteries teamed up with a New York City police detective to investigate bizarre murder cases. One episode featured a murder connected to baseball and was filmed aboard the historic Queen Mary. The ship’s unique settings, including its engine room and decks, provided a great backdrop. Interestingly, the cast and crew filmed in areas where people have often reported seeing a ghostly figure – a woman dressed in white.

‘Revenge’ (2011–2015)

A woman went back to the Hamptons seeking revenge against the family responsible for her father’s downfall. The show filmed on the historic Queen Mary, using it to stand in for a lavish cruise ship. The ship’s rich and elegant atmosphere was a perfect match for the show’s world of wealth and privilege. However, beneath the surface of glamour, the Queen Mary has a tragic past and a reputation for being haunted.

‘Titans’ (2018–2023)

After leaving Batman, Dick Grayson took charge of a new group of young heroes. The iconic Wayne Manor was filmed at Casa Loma, a historic castle in Toronto that’s now a popular tourist destination – and is even said to be haunted! The castle’s dark, dramatic architecture and stone walls made it an ideal setting for the mysterious home of the Bat-family.

‘Shadowhunters’ (2016–2019)

Clary Fray learned she came from a family of people who are part human, part angel, and dedicated to hunting demons. The series filmed scenes at Casa Loma in Toronto, using the historic castle to create the impressive and old-world atmosphere needed for the Shadowhunters’ headquarters. The castle’s hidden passages and towers added to the magical feel of the setting.

‘The Strain’ (2014–2017)

As a huge horror fan, I was totally hooked by this series where a virus turns New York City into a haven for terrifying vampires. One of the coolest things was how they used Casa Loma – you know, that amazing castle – as the base of operations for the main villain, Eldritch Palmer. It just felt right, because the castle’s grand, old-fashioned look really showed how powerful and ancient the forces he was working with were. And get this – Casa Loma is actually known for being a little spooky! People who visit or work there have reported hearing strange noises, which just added to the creepy vibe of the show.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a highly skilled psychiatrist with a dark secret, expertly controlled FBI profiler Will Graham. The show used Casa Loma castle as the Verger estate to visually represent extreme wealth and established family power. The castle’s chilling and dramatic appearance perfectly captured the show’s unsettling and sophisticated atmosphere, and its own history of ghost stories complemented the series’ dark and disturbing themes.

‘Warehouse 13’ (2009–2014)

As a film buff, I always get a kick out of learning about location shooting. In this show, secret agents were collecting all sorts of strange objects and keeping them in this huge, hidden warehouse. What’s really cool is that a lot of the scenes supposedly set in historic Europe were actually filmed at Casa Loma in Toronto! The castle’s library and greenhouse were perfect for showing off where they found these artifacts. Honestly, the castle’s quirky, slightly creepy design really fit the show’s fun, spooky vibe – it just worked!

‘Goosebumps’ (1995–1998)

This popular TV series was based on the scary books by R.L. Stine. One episode, ‘A Night in Terror Tower,’ was famously filmed at Casa Loma castle. The castle became the setting for a medieval prison where the characters were stuck in the past. Its naturally eerie atmosphere made it a truly frightening place for viewers.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

Don Draper’s story unfolded against the backdrop of a rapidly changing 1960s New York advertising scene. When filming, the production team used the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles to stand in for upscale hotels. The Biltmore has a fascinating history – it’s said to be where the Black Dahlia was last seen, and many believe it’s haunted. Its beautiful, classic design helped the show accurately capture the look and feel of the era.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

I just saw this movie, and it’s a really charming story about a high school choir club navigating the ups and downs of relationships and tackling some important social issues – all through their performances, of course. What really struck me, though, was the setting. They filmed a lot of it at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, which is gorgeous – those crystal ballrooms and long hallways are stunning. But get this: the hotel is supposedly haunted! Apparently, the actors were performing musical numbers in spaces with a history of unsettling guests for decades, which added a really unique and slightly spooky vibe to the whole thing. It definitely elevated the experience.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

Olivia Pope was a crisis manager for powerful politicians in Washington D.C., but she had secrets of her own. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel frequently served as a stand-in for the White House or other important government locations on TV. Its history and grand atmosphere helped create a sense of importance for the intense political storylines. Interestingly, the hotel is also rumored to be haunted by a nurse ghost who appears to guests on the second floor.

‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)

In a high-tech theme park, the lifelike androids started to become aware and turned against the people who built them. One of the park’s areas, a Western town called Sweetwater, was filmed at the historic Paramount Ranch, a popular location for movies and TV shows for many years. Locals say the ranch is haunted by the ghosts of actors and performers from its past. Sadly, wildfires caused significant damage to the ranch, but its rich history still endures.

‘Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman’ (1993–1998)

Dr. Michaela Quinn traded life in Boston for a new beginning as a physician in the western town of Colorado Springs. The show was filmed on a purpose-built town set at Paramount Ranch, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the years, the ranch has been the location for many Western films and shows, and people have reported hearing strange sounds like ghostly footsteps and voices. The old-fashioned buildings created a realistic setting for this medical drama set on the frontier.

‘Gotham’ (2014–2019)

Before Batman became Gotham’s protector, Jim Gordon worked to fight the city’s deep-rooted corruption. The show was filmed at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn, a location known for being haunted. Many believe the spirits of former military personnel still roam the historic naval hospital on the property. The studio’s gritty, industrial atmosphere was key to creating the dark, noir feel of Gotham City.

Tell us about a scary TV location you love, or let us know if you’ve ever been to one of these places in the comments below!

2025-12-12 10:00