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

“Suits,” the legal drama that captivated audiences with its sharp wit, complex characters, and high-stakes legal battles, was not just a show about lawyers; it was a visual journey through some of the most iconic locations in New York City. The series, which ran from 2011 to 2019, was primarily filmed in Toronto, Canada, despite its New York setting. This decision was made for various reasons, including tax incentives and the availability of studio space. However, the show’s creators went to great lengths to ensure that the Toronto locations convincingly doubled for New York City, creating a seamless blend of reality and fiction.

The Toronto Connection

Toronto, often referred to as “Hollywood North,” has become a popular filming location for many American television shows and movies. Its diverse architecture, bustling streets, and vibrant neighborhoods make it an ideal stand-in for New York City. For “Suits,” the production team utilized various Toronto landmarks and neighborhoods to recreate the essence of Manhattan.

One of the most recognizable locations used in the show is the Bay Adelaide Centre, a modern office tower in Toronto’s financial district. This building served as the exterior of Pearson Specter Litt, the fictional law firm at the heart of the series. The sleek, glass-fronted structure perfectly embodied the high-powered, corporate world that the characters inhabited.

Another key location was the University of Toronto’s Convocation Hall, which was used for several courtroom scenes. The grandeur of the hall, with its ornate columns and high ceilings, added a sense of gravitas to the legal proceedings, making it a fitting backdrop for the intense drama that unfolded on screen.

The New York Illusion

While Toronto provided the physical locations, the show’s creators were meticulous in their efforts to make the city look like New York. This involved a combination of set design, visual effects, and strategic filming techniques. For instance, the production team would often add New York-specific elements, such as yellow cabs, street signs, and iconic landmarks, in post-production to enhance the authenticity of the scenes.

The show’s art department also played a crucial role in creating the New York illusion. They meticulously designed the interiors of the law firm, the characters’ apartments, and other key locations to reflect the style and sophistication of Manhattan. From the sleek, modern offices of Pearson Specter Litt to the luxurious penthouses of the main characters, every detail was carefully considered to ensure that the audience felt immersed in the world of “Suits.”

The Impact of Location on Storytelling

The choice of filming locations had a significant impact on the storytelling in “Suits.” The show’s creators used the cityscape as a character in its own right, with the bustling streets of New York serving as a metaphor for the fast-paced, cutthroat world of corporate law. The contrast between the sleek, modern offices of the law firm and the gritty, urban streets outside highlighted the tension between the characters’ professional and personal lives.

Moreover, the use of real locations added a layer of authenticity to the show. The characters’ interactions with their environment, whether it was walking through the financial district or meeting in a trendy coffee shop, helped to ground the story in reality. This, in turn, made the high-stakes legal battles and personal dramas feel more relatable and impactful.

The Legacy of “Suits”

“Suits” may have ended in 2019, but its legacy lives on. The show’s iconic locations, both real and fictional, have become ingrained in popular culture. Fans of the series often visit Toronto to see the places where their favorite scenes were filmed, and the show’s influence can be seen in other legal dramas that have followed in its footsteps.

In conclusion, while “Suits” was primarily filmed in Toronto, the show’s creators succeeded in creating a convincing New York City setting through a combination of strategic location choices, meticulous set design, and innovative visual effects. The result was a visually stunning series that not only told compelling stories but also transported viewers to the heart of Manhattan, even if they were actually watching from the comfort of their own homes.

Related Q&A

Q: Why was “Suits” filmed in Toronto instead of New York? A: “Suits” was filmed in Toronto primarily due to tax incentives and the availability of studio space. Toronto’s diverse architecture and neighborhoods also made it an ideal stand-in for New York City.

Q: What Toronto locations were used in “Suits”? A: Key Toronto locations used in “Suits” include the Bay Adelaide Centre, which served as the exterior of Pearson Specter Litt, and the University of Toronto’s Convocation Hall, used for courtroom scenes.

Q: How did the show make Toronto look like New York? A: The show’s creators used a combination of set design, visual effects, and strategic filming techniques to make Toronto look like New York. This included adding New York-specific elements in post-production and meticulously designing interiors to reflect Manhattan’s style.

Q: What impact did the filming locations have on the show’s storytelling? A: The filming locations added authenticity and depth to the storytelling. The contrast between the sleek offices and gritty streets highlighted the tension between professional and personal lives, while real locations grounded the story in reality.

Q: What is the legacy of “Suits” in terms of its filming locations? A: The legacy of “Suits” includes its iconic locations becoming ingrained in popular culture. Fans often visit Toronto to see where scenes were filmed, and the show’s influence can be seen in other legal dramas.