Solving The Mystery: Where Was Murder, She Wrote Actually Filmed?

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Post on Feb 15, 2025

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Solving the Mystery: Where Was Murder, She Wrote Actually Filmed?

Fans of the iconic 80s and 90s mystery series Murder, She Wrote often wonder: where did they film all those quaint New England towns and dramatic crime scenes? The answer, as with many long-running shows, is multifaceted. While the series is set in the fictional Cabot Cove, Maine, the actual filming locations were diverse and spread across several states. Let's unravel the mystery!

The Heart of Cabot Cove: Mendocino, California

While Cabot Cove exists only in the imagination of writer Peter S. Fischer, the charming coastal town of Mendocino, California, served as the primary filming location for Murder, She Wrote. Mendocino's picturesque cliffs, redwood forests, and quaint Victorian architecture perfectly captured the idyllic, yet slightly mysterious, atmosphere of the show's fictional setting. Many exterior shots, including Jessica Fletcher's iconic house, were filmed here. The town's inherent beauty undeniably contributed to the show's enduring charm.

Recognizing Mendocino's Landmarks

Sharp-eyed viewers might recognize specific Mendocino locations, including:

• Headlands State Park: Offers stunning coastal views frequently featured as background scenery.
• The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens: Provided the backdrop for numerous tranquil scenes.
• Various Victorian homes and shops on Main Street: These contributed to the authentic New England feel.

Beyond Cabot Cove: Expanding the Filming Locations

While Mendocino provided the heart of Cabot Cove, the production team frequently ventured elsewhere to capture a wider variety of scenery and settings. This contributed to the show's visual diversity and kept the locations feeling fresh.

Expanding the Mystery: Other California Locations

Beyond Mendocino, Murder, She Wrote utilized various locations throughout California, including:

• Universal Studios Hollywood: Interior sets were often constructed on the studio lot, providing flexibility for complex scenes.
• Santa Barbara: This city's beautiful architecture and landscaping provided an alternative backdrop for scenes requiring a more opulent setting.

Traveling Across the States

Murder, She Wrote occasionally ventured outside of California to offer a change of pace. Filming locations outside of California include:

• British Columbia, Canada: A handful of episodes were filmed in this beautiful province, often utilizing its natural landscapes for dramatic effect.
• Various Locations across the USA: Some episodes feature a variety of locales, highlighting specific aspects of American culture and geography. The show’s production team was not afraid to capture the essence of different regions to add depth to their stories.

The Magic of Location Scouting

The success of Murder, She Wrote's filming locations is a testament to the skill of the show's location scouts. They meticulously selected locations to perfectly capture the essence of the show's narrative, creating a believable and captivating world for viewers. The careful selection and use of these various locations significantly enhanced the show's visual appeal and helped to build its lasting legacy.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

The enduring popularity of Murder, She Wrote is due in part to its captivating mysteries, witty writing, and Angela Lansbury's unforgettable portrayal of Jessica Fletcher. However, the show's idyllic setting, meticulously created through a diverse range of filming locations, also played a significant role. So next time you watch Murder, She Wrote, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the locations that brought Cabot Cove – and its many mysteries – to life. The mystery may be solved, but the beauty of the locations remains.