What’s up? If you liked Blindspot, the wild crime-thriller series where Jane Doe gets a tattoo in Times Square and appears without memory, you’re in for a treat. So let’s take a look.
Blindspot Filming Locations Overview
| Location | Short Detail |
|---|---|
| Times Square, NYC | Iconic opening scene spot—evacuated and filmed for that jaw-dropping intro |
| Chinatown, NYC | Gritty streets, vibrant signs—perfect for undercover vibes and street scenes |
| FBI Sets (NY Soundstages) | Studio work in NYC area stood in for FBI offices—controlled environment for drama |
| Harriman State Park, NY | Lush forests & lakes—used for nature/hideout scenes, adding mystery outdoors |
| Bear Mountain, NY | Scenic mountain vistas—ideal for tense stakeouts or reflective moments |
| Venice, Italy | Season 3’s international twist—canals and historic vibe for globe-trotting plots |
Where Was Blindspot Filmed?
Times Square, NYC
Where was Blindspot filmed? The pilot and key sequences were shot in Times Square, New York City, by evacuating the area and using visual effects to clear crowds, creating the unforgettable opening scene.
- Why Chosen:
- Times Square instantly grabs attention—it’s iconic, bright, chaotic. For a story about “Jane Doe found in a duffel bag,” starting in the heart of NYC amps the mystery.
- The producers cleared out cars and people with CGI/visual effects to film the deserted scene, making it look eerie.
- What You Get by Visiting:
- Feel the buzz of flashing billboards, performers, and crowds. You can imagine the adrenaline of filming there.
- Snap photos at the same sidewalks where Jane appeared. Even if you can’t replicate the empty look, you get the energy that inspired the scene.
Chinatown, NYC
Why was Chinatown used in Blindspot? Chinatown’s narrow streets, neon signs, and authentic street life give undercover or tense street-chase vibes, fitting the show’s gritty aesthetic.
- Why Chosen:
- The maze-like alleys and busy storefronts create a sense of urgency or secrecy—great for scenes where characters tail suspects or meet informants.
- It feels real: lots of texture, sounds, and smells that ground the thriller in an actual urban world.
- What You Get by Visiting:
- Try tasty dumplings or bubble tea; soak up flickering lanterns overhead. You’ll see why it pops on screen.
- Walk the streets imagining Jane or the FBI team on a covert stakeout. It’s immersive for fans.
FBI Sets (NY Soundstages)
Were FBI scenes filmed on location? Most interior FBI office scenes were shot on soundstages in New York-area studios—carefully built sets to mimic the FBI building.
- Why Chosen:
- Controlled lighting/sound/environment helps nail tense dialogue and tech-heavy scenes (tattoo analyses, briefings).
- Easier to manage schedules and crew than real government buildings.
- What You Get by Visiting Nearby Studios:
- While the actual sets aren’t open to public, many NYC studio tours exist—you can learn how big shows build detailed offices from scratch.
- See behind-the-scenes on how set designers recreate an FBI world.
Harriman State Park, NY
Where were outdoor hideout scenes filmed? Some forested hideout or chase scenes were shot in Harriman State Park, NY, offering dense woods and lakes for mysterious vibes.
- Why Chosen:
- Diverse trails, ponds, and rock formations let directors stage ambushes or secret meetings away from city noise.
- Close enough to NYC for logistics but feels remote.
- What You Get by Visiting:
- Hiking trails through tall pines; you might recall scenes of characters trekking or hiding.
- Picnic or camp near lakes—experience the calm that contrasts the show’s thrill.
Bear Mountain, NY
Why Bear Mountain in Blindspot? Bear Mountain’s panoramic views and rocky terrain provide dramatic backdrops for suspenseful stakeouts or reflective moments.
- Why Chosen:
- Elevation and vistas create cinematic shots—characters overlooking water or city skyline for introspection or tense standoffs.
- Easy access from NYC but visually striking.
- What You Get by Visiting:
- Drive or hike up to scenic overlooks—feel the breeze where characters might have scouted or reflected.
- Outdoor activities like boating on the Hudson—connect to the setting’s raw feel.
Venice, Italy
Featured Snippet:
Did Blindspot film abroad? Yes season 3 included Venice, Italy, using canals and historic architecture for episodes involving international intrigue.
- Why Chosen:
- Adds a globe-trotting layer Venice’s labyrinth of canals matches the show’s themes of hidden clues and mystery.
- Iconic landmarks (Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge) instantly signal an international plot twist.
- What You Get by Visiting:
- Glide on a gondola through narrow canals, imagining chase scenes or clandestine meetings.
- Explore old palazzos and alleyways—feel the past blending with present-day intrigue.
- Excellent photo ops that resonate with the show’s adventurous spirit.
When Did the Filming of Blindspot Take Place?
- Seasons 1–5: Filming spanned 2015 to 2019, mostly around NYC for seasons 1–2.
- Season 3 International: Travel shoots for Venice happened around 2017–2018.
- Nature Scenes: Park shoots in Harriman/Bear Mountain scheduled off-peak to avoid heavy visitor traffic.
Meet the Cast (Quick Look)
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Jaimie Alexander | Jane Doe |
| Sullivan Stapleton | Kurt Weller |
| Audrey Esparza | Tasha Zapata |
| Ashley Johnson | Patterson |
| Rob Brown | Edgar Reade |
These actors bring energy and emotion—imagine them navigating Times Square crowds or trekking through dark woods in Harriman.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia & Fun Facts
- Evacuating Times Square:
Producers used a mix of real night shoots, crowd control, and CGI to clear cars/people. They wanted a truly empty square for Jane’s shocking reveal - Studio Magic for FBI HQ:
The “FBI building” interior was a set built in a New York-area studio, complete with realistic offices, briefing rooms, and tech labs. - Nature Logistics:
Filming in Harriman State Park and Bear Mountain required permits and shooting at off-peak times to minimize disturbances to hikers. - Venice Challenges:
Shooting in Venice meant coordinating gondola traffic and local permissions. The narrow waterways and pedestrian zones demanded creative camera setups. - Global Filming Beyond These:
While main locations above are highlighted, the show also filmed secondary scenes in Yonkers, White Plains, Mt. Vernon, and other cities as needed for suburban or office looks - Fan Visits:
Some tours in NYC highlight film/TV spots; fans sometimes spot “Blindspot” markers in Times Square walking tours. In Venice, guided tours mention film shoots when recognizable.
Why These Locations Matter
- Authenticity & Mood:
Using real NYC streets (Times Square, Chinatown) makes the story feel grounded. Nature spots like Harriman give contrast—a break from the city’s chaos into quiet tension. - Visual Impact:
Bear Mountain’s vistas, Venice’s canals—these places deliver memorable imagery that sticks with viewers. - Logistical Balance:
Locations are close enough to production hubs (NYC studios, regional parks) yet offer distinctive looks—urban grit vs. remote woods vs. historic European settings. - Viewer Engagement:
Fans enjoy seeing real spots they can visit—walking the same streets or hiking the same trails deepens connection to the show.
Final Thoughts
Blindspot isn’t just about tattoos and FBI puzzles it’s also a travelogue of sorts, moving from the bright lights of Times Square to serene forests, and even to the winding canals of Venice.
These filming locations breathe life into the story: they add authenticity, drama, and a sense of adventure.
If you’re a fan, consider visiting these spots. You’ll get a pinch of that on-screen excitement in real life standing in Times Square imagining Jane’s discovery, hiking Harriman trails picturing stakeouts, or gliding a gondola in Venice dreaming of hidden clues. That connection keeps you hooked and talking about the show long after the credits roll.
Keep an eye out for similar thrillers next time you watch, see if you recognize these vibes. And if you ever plan a trip, throw “Blindspot” filming locations on your map—you might find your own adventure.
Top 5 FAQs About Blindspot Filming Locations
Where was Blindspot filmed?
Filming took place mainly in New York City (Times Square, Chinatown, studio sets for FBI), outdoor scenes in Harriman State Park and Bear Mountain, and international segments in Venice, Italy.
Why did they film in Times Square empty?
To create a striking opening: Jane appears alone in a usually crowded spot. Producers used night shoots, permits, and CGI to clear the area.
Can fans visit the filming spots?
Yes, Times Square, Chinatown, Harriman State Park, Bear Mountain, and Venice are public places. You can walk the same streets, hike the same trails, or cruise canals, imagining scenes from the show.
What benefits come from visiting Harriman State Park or Bear Mountain?
You get fresh air, exercise on trails, scenic views, and a sense of immersion in the show’s atmosphere. It’s a break from city life and a peek at where hidden scenes were filmed.
How did Venice fit into the story?
Season 3 used Venice’s canals, bridges, and historic sites to heighten global stakes characters chasing leads abroad. The setting amplifies mystery with its maze-like waterways.