Law & Order Special Victims Unit: Where Was the TV Show Filmed?

of Law & Order Special Victims Unit: Where Was the TV Show Filmed? Varun Patel
Updated August 1, 2022
Law and Order: SVU

‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ is yet another American crime drama that revolves around the New York Police Department. In fact, it is the longest-running live-action television series in the United States. The show is a spin-off of the 1990 television series, ‘Law & Order’ and exceeded it with its record-breaking twenty-first season in 2019.

The series focuses on the fictionalized Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department, whose officers investigate various particularly heinous crimes which are of sexual and sinister nature, like rape and pedophilia. Apart from the investigation, the unit is also seen attempting to bring justice to the criminals by working with the Manhattan District Attorney. Interestingly, the show’s plot is inspired by real-life news headlines and, hence, has a touch of authenticity to it. This adds to the show’s already accurate portrayal of the Big Apple.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Filming Locations

Several fans and viewers might be assuming whether ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ is actually filmed in New York City. The show routinely sees the cast investigating crimes all around the city, with various scenes set in important locations in NYC.

New York City, USA

‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ was actually filmed in New York City. That shouldn’t be too surprising for fans since the show has depicted the city quite realistically. The interior shots were filmed at NBC’s Central Archives building in North Bergen township in New Jersey.

The giant building had been sitting idle for quite some time before the show’s producers found it to be more than adequate for filming the show there. The police station and courtroom scenes had been filmed at the Central Archives Building till 2010. The show moved filming to Chelsea Piers’ studio in Manhattan due to a suspension of tax credits by the New Jersey government.

Moreover, Foley Square often makes an appearance on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.’ The New York County Supreme Court stairs are often seen on the show. Foley Square has become resonant with New York City and has appeared in several prominent films like ‘The Godfather’ as well. Furthermore, the High Line Hotel on 10th Avenue is also featured in ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ as well as ‘Law & Order.’ It doubles as the fictional Hudson University in both shows.

Befittingly, the headquarters of the New York City Police Department, One Police Plaza, is also a filming location for the crime drama. In fact, it has appeared on all the ‘Law & Order’ franchise’s shows. Plus, the iconic Union Square in New York City has also been filmed on several occasions for ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.’ Additionally, a penthouse owned by Ian Reisner in Central Park South has also been used as a filming location for the show as well. The same house also serves a filming location for ‘Blue Bloods,’ ‘Billions’ and ‘Elementary.’

Moreover, the ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ crew had also been spotted filming at Central Park. Other than that, some of the other locations that the show has been filmed in include Lehman College, Wien Stadium, Columbia University, Brooklyn Navy Yard and Dewitt Clinton Park. Apart from that, ‘Law and Order: Special Victims Unit’ has been filmed all over the city of New York in its long run. If you’re a lucky New Yorker, you might even spot the crew filming another episode, like the following person did, at Borough Hall:

One way to know if any filming is scheduled to take place in an area near you is by looking out for public notices. Have a look at two such notices which reveal the filming of ‘Law & Order: Special Victim’s Unit’ at Chinatown and East 35th Street were shared by a New York resident on Twitter:

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