Ritesh Sharma
Created by Liz Moore and Nikki Toscano, Peacock’s ‘Long Bright River’ is a powerful limited series based on Moore’s acclaimed novel of the same name. The show stars Amanda Seyfried as Mickey Fitzpatrick, a dedicated police officer patrolling a neighborhood devastated by the opioid crisis. Seyfried brings a raw intensity to Mickey, a character grappling with her own painful past while searching for her estranged sister, Kacey (Ashleigh Cummings), who has disappeared amidst a string of murders targeting vulnerable women. The narrative weaves together crime, family drama, and societal critique as Mickey’s investigation forces her to confront deeply buried family secrets.
The series explores the damaging impact of addiction and poverty on individuals and communities while challenging traditional portrayals of law enforcement. Mickey’s journey is as much about reconciling with her own history as it is about solving the mystery at hand, creating a layered and emotionally resonant story. The setting plays an integral role in shaping the series’ tone and themes. Through its vivid depiction of urban life, the environment becomes an unspoken character in its own right—its streets echoing the struggles and resilience of those who inhabit them. The production captures the rawness and complexity of its surroundings, immersing viewers in a world where every detail adds to the story’s authenticity. This interplay between character and place elevates ‘Long Bright River’ into a haunting exploration of human connection and survival.
Long Bright River Filming Locations
Although ‘Long Bright River’ is set in Philadelphia, America’s Garden Capital in Pennsylvania is not its primary filming location. The inaugural season was predominantly shot in Brooklyn, New York, where the mystery unravels layer by layer. Additional scenes were filmed in New York City, whose urban landscape added depth to the series. Despite not being a main filming location, Kensington, Philadelphia—central to the story—was also used for select sequences, grounding the series in its narrative roots. Filming for the limited series began on February 27, 2024, and concluded seamlessly on June 5 of the same year.
Brooklyn, New York
The majority of ‘Long Bright River’ was filmed in Brooklyn, where the production team transformed several neighborhoods to replicate the gritty atmosphere of the story’s setting. Filming began in late February 2024 and continued through the Spring, with Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst serving as key locations. Streets in these areas were meticulously dressed to resemble those described in Moore’s novel, complete with depictions of homelessness and drug use to reflect the social realities central to the story.
Notable filming spots included New Utrecht Avenue near a train station and residential areas such as Bay Ridge Parkway between New Utrecht and 17th Avenues, where interior scenes were shot in private homes. Community boards informed local residents about street closures and parking restrictions, as production trucks were stationed along nearby streets like 66th Street. The borough’s diverse architecture and urban texture provided an ideal backdrop for capturing the raw emotional tone of the series while maintaining logistical convenience for the production team.
Brooklyn has long been a favored filming destination due to its versatility and accessibility. Several acclaimed productions have used its streets and neighborhoods to great effect. ‘Goodfellas’ was filmed in locations like Prospect Park and Bay Ridge, while ‘Requiem for a Dream’ captured the borough’s urban decay in Coney Island. Furthermore, the production team of titles such as ‘The French Connection,’ ‘Joker,’ and ‘The Irishman’ also filmed key scenes in Brooklyn, taking advantage of its blend of historic and contemporary urban landscapes. The borough’s ability to stand in for multiple cities or time periods makes it an attractive option for filmmakers.
New York City, New York
New York City also played a pivotal role in bringing ‘Long Bright River’ to life. Its urban landscape offered a versatile canvas for re-creating scenes from the novel. The city’s iconic blend of modern infrastructure and older industrial areas allowed for seamless transitions between different settings required for the show. The production team used New York City’s dynamic environment to depict various aspects of Fitzpatrick’s world, from bustling streets to more secluded corners that reflect the isolation experienced by many characters. The city’s inherent energy and diversity added depth to the narrative, enhancing its authenticity without overshadowing the story’s emotional core. Filming here also allowed access to a wide range of resources and talent, ensuring high production quality.
New York City has been one of the most frequently used filming locations in cinema history. It has hosted productions ranging from crime dramas to romantic comedies. ‘Taxi Driver’ famously captured the raw energy of Times Square in the 1970s. ‘Mean Streets’ and ‘Serpico’ used the city’s neighborhoods to build their gritty atmospheres. ‘American Psycho’ featured various high-end locations in Manhattan. In more recent years, ‘John Wick’ and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ filmed major action sequences in the city. ‘Birdman’ made use of Broadway’s theater district for its single-shot illusion. The city’s diverse settings allow filmmakers to craft authentic and immersive backdrops for a wide range of stories.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Although much of ‘Long Bright River’ was filmed elsewhere, the city of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania remains an essential part of the production process due to its significance in Moore’s novel. Kensington, a neighborhood central to both the book and series, was used for select scenes to ground the show in its original setting. Seyfried participated in a police ride-along in Kensington prior to filming to better understand her character’s environment and experiences. This immersive preparation informed her portrayal of Mickey Fitzpatrick, a police officer navigating a community ravaged by addiction and poverty.
The production team collaborated with local advisors, artists, and residents to authentically capture Kensington’s essence on screen. These efforts included incorporating local elements into set design and enlisting community members as extras or consultants. While filming in Philadelphia was limited compared to other locations, it provided invaluable context and texture that enriched the series’ portrayal of place and its impact on characters’ lives. Philadelphia has also been a prominent location for many films, often serving as a backdrop for narratives centered around perseverance and struggle.
The movies in the ‘Rocky’ franchise, including ‘Creed,’ showcase the city’s landmarks, including the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, while ‘The Sixth Sense’ captures its historic streets and neighborhoods. Furthermore, movies such as ‘Silver Linings Playbook,’ ‘Blow Out,’ ‘Trading Places’ took advantage of its diverse architecture. Philadelphia’s blend of historic and contemporary settings continues to make it a compelling choice for filmmakers seeking an authentic urban atmosphere.
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