Ritesh Sharma
Created by Zoe Robyn, ‘Pulse’ is a high-intensity medical drama set in a bustling Level 1 Trauma Center called Maguire Medical Centre, where chaos is the norm and every second counts. The series follows Dr. Danny Simms, a third-year resident who is suddenly thrust into a leadership role after the suspension of the Chief Resident, Dr. Xander Phillips. Their dynamic is further complicated by a personal history that lingers beneath the surface. As they navigate the relentless demands of emergency medicine, an approaching storm forces them into lockdown, intensifying both professional and emotional pressures.
The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the story, immersing viewers in a world where urgency never fades. While the hospital mirrors the emotional turbulence of its doctors, the outside world showcases an ever-changing landscape of unpredictability that reflects the fragility of life itself. Through intricate relationships and high-stakes cases, ‘Pulse’ explores the human cost of medicine with stellar authenticity.
Pulse Filming Locations
While ‘Pulse’ is set in Miami, Florida, its production team utilizes two distinct locations for filming. Primarily, the show is filmed in Miami-Dade County to capture the area’s vibrant energy and medical urgency. In addition, Albuquerque, New Mexico, also plays a crucial role in bringing the medical drama to life, serving as a secondary filming site. The inaugural season of the series took place from March 2024 to August of the same year, during which the production seamlessly integrated both Miami’s iconic landscapes and Albuquerque’s controlled studio environments to create a cohesive and immersive viewing experience.
Miami-Dade County Film Commissioner Marco Giron expressed his gratitude for the opportunity in a post, stating, “The project was partially filmed across Miami-Dade County…” He concluded, “Thank you to Netflix for choosing Miami-Dade to film this multimillion-dollar project, significantly impacting our local economy.”
Miami-Dade County, Florida
Miami-Dade County in southeastern Florida serves as the primary setting for ‘Pulse,’ with filming taking place in several notable locations that capture the vibrant atmosphere and medical urgency of the region. The series takes full advantage of Miami’s distinctive urban and coastal landscapes, blending the city’s fast-paced medical environment with its scenic beauty. One of the key filming sites is Jackson Memorial Hospital, one of the largest trauma centers in the country. The production team’s probable use of the hospital’s rooftop helipad adds a layer of authenticity, emphasizing the life-or-death stakes of emergency medicine. The helipad, with its panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, visually reinforces the intensity of the hospital setting—where every second counts. The choice to film at a real, functioning trauma center rather than a soundstage lends credibility to the show, grounding its medical scenes in a tangible reality.
Another potential filming location is Sunny Isles Beach, a stretch of pristine coastline lined with luxury high-rises. The decision to shoot here could highlight Miami’s dual identity: a city known for both its fast-paced medical world and its picturesque, high-end waterfront lifestyle. Scenes filmed in this area provide a stark contrast to the high-stress environment of the hospital, showcasing moments of respite or personal reflection for the characters. The visual contrast between the relentless urgency of trauma care and the calm, scenic oceanfront further enhances the show’s storytelling.
The scenes set in the fictional Maguire Medical Center, central to the show’s storyline, are likely taped near downtown Miami, possibly in the vicinity of the Miami River Condos. This location was possibly chosen for its modern architecture and urban energy, helping to establish a high-pressure trauma center that feels both contemporary and grounded. The proximity to the Miami River also adds an extra dimension to the setting, allowing for dynamic cinematography that captures the city’s mix of sleek high-rises and natural waterways. Additionally, outdoor sequences are seemingly shot along the Intracoastal Waterway, particularly in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale corridor. This choice expands the visual scope of the series, incorporating Miami’s distinctive mix of urban and waterfront elements.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, located in Bernalillo County in New Mexico, serves as a secondary filming location for ‘Pulse,’ offering cost-effective production opportunities while maintaining the visual consistency of the show’s Miami setting. Given the logistical challenges of filming in a real hospital for extended periods, controlled studio environments are likely used to recreate the interior of the trauma center. This approach allowed for greater flexibility in filming complex medical sequences without disrupting actual hospital operations.
Filming for the inaugural season in Albuquerque took place throughout August, with over 200 local crew members and 30 background actors contributing to the production. The city’s well-established production infrastructure and skilled workforce played a key role in streamlining the shoot. Utilizing a studio setting also meant the crew could carefully design and control every aspect of the hospital environment, ensuring continuity in lighting, layout, and set design to match the Miami-based exterior shots. While ‘Pulse’ is set in Miami, the seamless integration of Albuquerque-shot interior scenes with Miami’s real-world locations helps maintain a cohesive and immersive visual experience for viewers.
Read More: Is Maguire Medical Center a Real Hospital in Miami?
