Where Was Dexter Filmed?
Dexter, the critically acclaimed Showtime series that follows the life of a Miami-based forensic analyst who moonlights as a vigilante serial killer, has captivated audiences for eight seasons. While the show is set in the bustling city of Miami, Florida, the filming locations for Dexter are a bit more diverse, with many scenes shot in and around Los Angeles, California. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the various locations used throughout the series, from Dexter’s apartment to the iconic Seven Seas Motel, and provide a FAQ section to answer common questions about the show’s filming locations.
Dexter’s Apartment
One of the most recognizable locations in the series is Dexter’s apartment, which serves as the backdrop for many of the show’s most memorable scenes. The exterior of Dexter’s apartment is located at the Bay Harbor Club in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida, just north of Miami Beach. However, after the first season, most of the interior scenes were filmed in a replica constructed in a Los Angeles studio.
Rita’s House
Another key location in the series is Rita’s house, where Dexter lives with his girlfriend and her children. While the exterior shots were filmed in Long Beach, California, on San Anseline Avenue, the interior scenes were shot on a set in Los Angeles.
The Seven Seas Motel
In the first season of Dexter, the Seven Seas Motel serves as the location where the Ice Truck Killer’s first victim is discovered. The motel is located at 5940 Biscayne Blvd in Miami, Florida, and has also appeared in the 2013 film Pain & Gain.
Dexter’s Childhood Home
One of the most significant flashback scenes in the series takes place at Dexter’s childhood home, where he is seen interacting with his foster father, Harry. While the show is set in Miami, the house used for this scene is located on Chatwin Avenue in Long Beach, California.
Other Notable Locations
Throughout the series, several other notable locations were used for filming, including:
- The Miami Metro Police Department headquarters, which was actually filmed at the Long Beach Police Department
- The Miami International Airport, which was represented by the Los Angeles International Airport
- The Miami Medical Examiner’s Office, which was filmed at the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office
Dexter: New Blood Filming Locations
In 2021, Showtime released a limited series titled Dexter: New Blood, which picks up 10 years after the events of the original series. While the original Dexter was set in Miami, the new series takes place in the fictional town of Iron Lake, New York. However, the actual filming locations were primarily in Massachusetts.The town of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, served as the primary filming location for Iron Lake, with several recognizable landmarks appearing throughout the series, such as the Bridge Street Bazaar. Other Massachusetts towns used for filming include Worcester, Holden, and Lancaster.One notable exception is Dexter’s cabin in the woods, which was located at Camp Collier in Gardner, Massachusetts. The cabin and its surrounding shed, where Dexter commits his first kill in the new series, were built specifically for the shoot and later removed.
FAQ
1. Was Dexter filmed entirely in Miami?
No, while the show is set in Miami, Florida, most of the filming took place in and around Los Angeles, California, particularly after the first season.
2. Can I visit Dexter’s apartment?
Yes, the exterior of Dexter’s apartment is located at the Bay Harbor Club in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida. However, keep in mind that it is a private residence, so visitors may not be able to get too close to the property.
3. Where was the Seven Seas Motel scene filmed?
The Seven Seas Motel, where the Ice Truck Killer’s first victim is discovered, is located at 5940 Biscayne Blvd in Miami, Florida.
4. Is Iron Lake, New York, a real town?
No, Iron Lake is a fictional town created for Dexter: New Blood. The actual filming locations were primarily in Massachusetts, with the town of Shelburne Falls serving as the primary setting.
5. Can I visit the filming locations in Massachusetts?
Yes, many of the filming locations used in Dexter: New Blood are open to the public, including the Bridge Street Bazaar in Shelburne Falls and the Tantiusques mine in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Conclusion
While Dexter is set in the vibrant city of Miami, the show’s filming locations span across both Florida and California, with many iconic scenes shot in and around Los Angeles. The series’ success has led to a renewed interest in its filming locations, with fans eager to visit the sites where their favorite scenes were captured. Whether you’re a die-hard Dexter fan or simply curious about the show’s production, exploring these locations can provide a unique and immersive experience.For more information on the filming locations used in Dexter and Dexter: New Blood, you can refer to the Wikipedia page on the Dexter (TV series).
