Ritesh Sharma
Created by Annie Mebane, ‘The Chicken Sisters’ is a heartwarming Hallmark series based on the eponymous book by KJ Dell’Antonia and inspired by an astonishing true story. Set in the small Southern town of Merinac in Kansas, it follows sisters Amanda Moore-Hillier and Mae Moore, who are caught in a decades-long family feud between their competing fried chicken restaurants, Mimi’s and Frannie’s. When a reality cooking competition named Kitchen Clash arrives in town, the rivalry intensifies.
The events force the sisters to confront their past, their differences, and what truly matters. As tensions rise, they must decide whether family is more important than winning. Blending humor, heartfelt moments, and Southern charm, ‘The Chicken Sisters’ explores the complexities of sibling relationships, tradition, and reconciliation. With rich storytelling and a warm, small-town atmosphere, it captures the essence of family loyalty and the power of coming together despite differences.
The Chicken Sisters Filming Locations
Being set in the fictional Southern town of Merinac, the production team of ‘The Chicken Sisters’ carefully selected filming locations in British Columbia, opting for Greater Vancouver and Langley to capture the village-like charm and various scenes. Filming for the inaugural season began on May 6, 2024, with the working title ‘Nesting,’ and wrapped up just a few months later, on July 29 of the same year. The author of the eponymous book, KJ Dell’Antonia, shared in an interview that one of the biggest rewards has been seeing the story come to life in new locations while still honoring its roots.
“By and large, I have heard nothing but positive happiness at seeing these really beloved iconic restaurants portrayed and brought out into the larger world in this way,” she said. “And that has been really fun for me. Kansas doesn’t get a lot of pop culture love, and I was really excited to give it a little.” While the series is filmed in British Columbia, its setting remains deeply inspired by the heart of Kansas, ensuring that the essence of its small-town charm shines through on screen.
Greater Vancouver, British Columbia
The filming of ‘The Chicken Sisters’ takes place in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, a region frequently used for television and film productions due to its adaptable scenery and production infrastructure. The show utilizes various locations within the area to create the small-town setting of Merinac. The series carefully selects locations within the region to authentically recreate the fictional town of Merinac, capturing its cozy, close-knit community feel.
The area’s well-established production infrastructure, experienced crews, and tax incentives further make it a preferred choice for filmmakers, ensuring a high-quality visual experience that brings the story to life. Vancouver’s diverse architecture and rural surroundings provide a visually convincing backdrop for the Southern atmosphere depicted in the series. Many Hallmark and non-Hallmark productions have been filmed in Greater Vancouver, including ‘When Calls the Heart,’ ‘The Good Doctor,’ ‘Virgin River,’ ‘Supernatural,’ ‘The Flash,’ and ‘Firefly Lane.’ The region’s accessibility and skilled local crews make it a preferred filming destination.
Langley, British Columbia
A significant portion of ‘The Chicken Sisters’ is filmed in Langley, British Columbia, a city known for its farmland and rural charm. The primary filming location here is a 93-acre property at 6290 272 Street. This site includes two houses and three barns, serving as an essential setting for key scenes in the series. The location’s authentic rural landscape is used to replicate the feel of a small Southern town, making it a crucial part of the production. Langley has hosted several other productions, including ‘Chesapeake Shores,’ ‘The X-Files,’ ‘Riverdale,’ ‘Batwoman,’ ‘A Dog’s Way Home,’ and ‘The 100.’ The area’s open spaces and scenic backdrops make it an ideal choice for both contemporary and period settings.
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