Summary
- Suits, despite being set in New York City, was primarily filmed in Toronto, Ontario due to its cost-effectiveness and resemblance to the Big Apple.
- Toronto's diverse architecture and urban landscape provided a convincing setting for the show, allowing it to maintain visual authenticity without added expenses.
- Iconic locations like Bay Adelaide West and the Ritz-Carlton hotel lobby played integral roles in conveying themes of power and ambition, adding to the success and immersive experience of the series.
Suits, the acclaimed legal drama television series, captivated audiences worldwide and raised questions as to the show's filming locations. Set in the cutthroat world of corporate law in New York City, the show followed the lives of high-powered attorneys, legal prodigies, and the intricate web of relationships that shaped their careers and personal journeys. While the series depicted the glitzy streets of Manhattan, only the pilot episode was actually filmed in New York City.
The decision for Suits not to be filmed entirely in New York brought a unique blend of cost-effectiveness, versatility, and visual authenticity to the production. It allowed the show's creative team to craft a captivating world that felt undeniably like New York while benefiting from diverse architecture and a film-friendly environment on location. By unraveling the show's prominent filming locations, there is a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind Suits and the city that seamlessly brought this legal drama to life.
Where Was Suits Filmed?
The popular legal drama television series found its primary filming location in Toronto, Ontario, in Canada. Despite being set in the bustling streets of New York City, Suits' producers decided to film in Toronto due to the various advantages it offered. One of the main reasons was cost-effectiveness, as shooting in Toronto proved to be more budget-friendly than filming in the expensive metropolis of New York. Additionally, Toronto's diverse architecture and urban landscape provided a remarkable resemblance to New York City, allowing the show to maintain a convincing setting without the added expenses.
The city's film-friendly policies and readily available production infrastructure made it an attractive choice for Suits. In addition, Toronto's varied neighborhoods and streets allowed the show's creative team to portray different facets of New York City accurately. Iconic locations were transformed to mirror the bustling streets of Manhattan, seamlessly transporting the audience to the heart of the Big Apple. By utilizing Toronto's Bay Adelaide West and the Ritz-Carlton hotel lobby, Suits created a cohesive and immersive visual experience. These locations not only served as backdrops but also played essential roles in conveying the show's themes of ambition, power, and personal growth, making them an integral part of the series' success.
Bay Adelaide West Location Explained
The Bay Adelaide West in Toronto became an integral part of Suits and was frequently featured in exterior shots as the headquarters of Pearson Hardman. Its stunning glass facade and towering presence perfectly embodied the grandeur and sophistication associated with a top-tier law firm. The show often used the building to establish a sense of arrival or departure, showcasing the characters' comings and goings as they navigated the high-stakes legal world. For example, many episodes would open with a striking shot of the Bay Adelaide West, immediately immersing viewers in the corporate ambiance of the show.
Throughout the series, the imposing building also became a symbol of power and ambition, mirroring the corporate ladder that characters like Harvey Specter and Jessica Pearson relentlessly climbed. Whether it was Harvey confidently striding out of the entrance or Jessica surveying the city from her corner office, the Bay Adelaide West represented the pinnacle of success within the legal realm. Moreover, the building's modern architecture contrasted beautifully with the classic interiors used for the firm's offices, emphasizing the fusion of tradition and innovation at Pearson Hardman.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Lobby Location Explained
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel lobby served as a prominent filming location for the series. The opulent and elegant lobby of this luxury hotel provided the perfect backdrop for many high-stakes business meetings and power-packed conversations that often took place in the show. The grand marble floors, plush furnishings, and exquisite chandeliers added a touch of sophistication to the scenes, complementing the upscale and corporate atmosphere of the series. From the charismatic entrance of the show's lead characters to intense confrontations between Harvey Specter and his legal rivals, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel lobby lent an air of authenticity and class to the world of Suits.
Notably, the hotel lobby made significant appearances as a key filming location. A prominent example is the location's hosting of many power meetings, including Harvey and Jones DeBeque's meeting with Daniel Vega and Vega's attorney Dana Scott. Throughout various episodes, this iconic location is used to heighten the tension and drama as Harvey confronts colleagues and clients in an effort to solidify deals or outmaneuver rivals. Its use as a recurring filming location added to Suits' visual appeal and contributed to the overall ambiance of the legal drama.