As we find ourselves adjusting to our new reality of social distancing and self-isolation, many of us have found ourselves with an increased amount of time on our hands. And while someone recently joked on-line that they had “finished Netflix”, we also know that finding something entertaining to watch can be a challenge. Vancouver is known as Hollywood North and regularly stands in for other cities in movies and television shows. But what about the rest of Metro Vancouver? Filming in Surrey has exploded in recent years and can be spotted in countless productions. Here are a few television series that have filmed in Surrey that are definitely binge-worthy.
Fringe
Created by JJ Abrams (Star Trek, Lost, Star Wars), Fringe ran for 5 seasons and was nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys. The show starred Vancouver-born Joshua Jackson as an FBI agent investigating a storm of unexplained phenomena. Cloverdale played the role of Westfield, a nearly deserted town whose remaining residents have turned deranged and homicidal. Stream on iTunes or Google Play.
The Flash
A part of the CW version of the DC Comics Universe, most people from the lower mainland have stumbled across the set of The Flash at some point. Based on the DC Comics character Barry Allen / Flash, a costumed superhero crime-fighter with the power to move at superhuman speeds. The show has filmed all over BC, just like its CW siblings and has been nominated for multiple awards. Surrey locations featured include City Hall (as A.R.G.U.S. Headquarters), Seaquam Secondary School (as Central City University) and Guildford Town Centre (as Central City Mall). Seasons 1 – 6 can be streamed on Netflix.
iZombie
Airing on CW, the network that loves shooting in BC like no other, iZombie is based on a graphic novel of the same name. The series follows the adventures of a doctor-turned zombie named Olivia “Liv” Moore, a Seattle Police medical examiner who helps solve murders. Never boring, all five seasons can be streamed on Netflix.
The Magicians
What if magic were real? That’s the question that SyFy explores with their hit show The Magicians. The show circles on characters who are recruited into a secretive magician academy in which they learn that mystical arts are real. Evidently, they found Green Timbers Urban Forest to be magical enough to use as “The Flying Forest,” home to many a mystical creature. Stream seasons 1 – 4 of The Magicians on Prime Video.
Arrow
The show that started it all, Arrow was The CW’s first foray into DC Universe adaptations. The show has built a strong following and has become a significant fixture at Comic Cons around North America. Torontonian Stephen Amell has embraced the role of the Green Arrow, sitting firmly atop the throne of DC Universe television adaptations. Stream 8 seasons of Arrow on Crave.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Based on the character in the Archie comic book series, the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, features Sabrina, as her 16th birthday approaches, choosing between the witch world of her family and the human world of her friends. Surrey features in quite a few scenes, but most recognizably at Cerberus Books (5657 176 Street) and the enchanted hanging tree is located in Redwood Park.
The Good Doctor
The Good Doctor follows the story of Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and Savant syndrome, who is recruited into the surgical unit of a prestigious hospital. Surrey features prominently with Surrey City Hall, Civic Plaza and Campbell River Store all making regular appearances. Stream the first 2 seasons on Crave.
Feature Image courtesy of Netflix