Friends

The opening to the hit show “Friends” was not filmed in New York, but rather in Burbank, California.  The fountain seen in the show was located on “Park Blvd” at the Warner Bros. Ranch, a small property that sat off-site from the main Warner Bros. Studios lot.  The ranch was not open to public visitation.  The entire ranch was demolished in 2023, with sound stages taking over the space. However, the fountain was relocated to the Embassy Court of the main Warner Bros studio lot. Here is how it originally appeared at the ranch.

LOCATION: 411 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505 (demolished), relocated to 4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

What is open to the public is a recreation of the “Central Perk” cafe, which can be found on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour over at the main lot.

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LOCATION: 4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

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Some autographed scripts can also be found on display on the Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

Jeopardy!

The long-running game show “Jeopardy!” is filmed on the Sony Pictures studio lot.  Often the set can be visited as part of their studio tour.

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LOCATION: 10202 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Some of the contestant podiums, which were previously used on the actual show.

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A view behind the contestant podiums.

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A view behind one of host Alex Trebek’s former podiums.

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Fuller House

Unlike the original “Full House” TV series, which used a real house in San Francisco for exterior shots of the Tanner house, Netflix’s “Fuller House” opted to instead build this replica on the Warner Bros. lot.  This could change in the future, however, due to the fact show creator Jeff Franklin purchased the original house from the show in 2016.

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LOCATION: 4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

Related articles: Full House

Full House

The opening credits to the TV series “Full House” is of course remembered for a shot of the Tanner family driving across San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

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LOCATION: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

Another San Francisco landmark seen in the opening credits is the Painted Ladies, a row of Victorian homes facing Alamo Square Park.

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LOCATION: 710 – 720 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94117

The house from the series can be found in San Francisco as well, where the show was famously set.  In 2016, it was purchased by the show’s creator, Jeff Franklin, who hopes to use it for filming, as well as possibly opening it up to the public.  We’ll see what happens with the home, now that it’s back in the Tanner fold, so to speak.

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LOCATION: 1709 Broderick St., San Francisco, CA 94115

Michelle’s honey bee uniform from the show can be found on display on the Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

LOCATION: 4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

Related articles: Fuller House

Breaking Bad

In the wake of the popular television series “Breaking Bad,” it’s difficult to even mention the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico without thinking of the show.  Albuquerque plays a central role in the series and there’s a vast array of filming locations scattered all across the city.  Here, we’ll take a look at those, as well as a some props and even a pop-up set.

First, we begin with one of the more notorious film locations; the Walter White house.  Beyond the notoriety of the house within the show itself, the real home has it’s own reputation, due to the sometimes adversarial owner.  While most of the time it’s fine to visit properties once seen in films or TV shows, on occasion, property owners of these locations are not receptive to visitors.  While that’s not exactly the case with the Walter White house, the owner could be considered particular to the acceptable ways in which visitors approach her home.  This is not without reason, however, as some past guests have abused their visiting privileges, by doing things like trespassing into their back yard, while others have even gone as far as throwing pizza on her roof, in a distasteful attempt to parody a famous scene from the show.  The pizzas in particular escalated to the point where series creator Vince Gilligan himself had to publicly denounce these acts and tell fans to stop doing it.  That’s not to mention the sheer volume of guests that visit the house, which was said to be dozens per day at the height of the show’s popularity.  So while there’s seemingly no harm in looking at a house, it is nevertheless understandable if the property owner has developed a low tolerance for intrusive visitors.  Since the show ended, the owners have made a habit of opening their garage up each day and sitting in front of the house, from dawn to dusk.  It isn’t often you’ll visit the property in the daytime where the owners won’t be perched out front.  They also installed cameras around the house, posted a “no trespassing” sign and erected a steel gate at the front door, in an effort to curb the repeated trespassing issues.  While the owner of the house can be friendly, she has also had some verbal altercations with visitors, if she feels they are being intrusive.  All of this, however, is not to say visitation is discouraged.  The owner has stated she does not mind fans of the show stopping by and taking photos, as long as they remain on the opposite side of the street and do not disturb them.  While one can make a valid argument that it’s perfectly legal to walk right up to the curb in front of the house and take a photo, doing so will likely provoke the ire of the homeowners, so please respect their wishes if you intend on visiting the property and you’re unlikely to encounter any issues.

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LOCATION: 3828 Piermont Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

Jesse Pinkman’s house requires a bit less discretion when visiting, as we are unaware of any animosity between the owners and fans of the show.

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LOCATION: 322 16th St. SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104

Agent Hank Schrader’s house is located in this cul de sac.

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LOCATION: 4901 Cumbre Del Sur Ct. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

Next we take a look at the infamous “Los Pollos Hermanos,” the restaurant owned by criminal mastermind Gus Fring.  Here we have photos from both the real location (a restaurant named “Twisters”), as well as a pop-up replica of the restaurant, which was used to promote “Better Call Saul.”  First, lets look at the actual location in Albuquerque, called “Twisters.”  There are a few of these restaurants in the area, so be sure if you plan to visit, you go to the one on Isleta Blvd, in order to see the location used in the show. The location also resurfaces in “Better Call Saul.”

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LOCATION: 4257 Isleta Blvd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

The counter inside at the real location, which features a small “Los Pollos Hermanos” sign.  You can also sit and eat at the table Walter White sat in, if it isn’t already occupied by another customer.

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This is a “Los Pollos Hermanos” logo painted inside the real Twisters location, on the wall beside the entrance door.  This was added by the “Breaking Bad” production and the restaurant allowed it to remain up.  They are very welcoming to fans of the show.

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Now we move on to what is a pop-up replica of “Los Pollos Hermanos,” which was built on an open parking lot space in Los Angeles for just a few short days, in promotion of “Better Call Saul.”  These are not photos of the real restaurant and the pop-up has long since been dismantled.

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A “Los Pollos Hermanos” restaurant sign built for the pop-up.

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Visitors to the pop-up were given a complimentary order of french fries and a cup of water, both bearing the “Los Pollos Hermanos” name.

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A mock application form was also given out to visitors of the pop-up.

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Back in Albuquerque and to the real show locations, here is a look at the office of Saul Goodman.

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LOCATION: 9800 Montgomery Blvd., Albuquerque, NM 87111

A few businesses have come and gone from the location since the show aired, but the current restaurant actually has their front door made up to look like Saul’s office.

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The Whites’ car wash.

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LOCATION: 9516 Snow Heights Cir. NE, Albuquerque NM, 87112

Tuco’s headquarters, which is left in bad shape after a visit from Walter.  The real building is actually a coffee shop.

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LOCATION: 906 Park Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102

This is Walt and Jesse’s RV from the show, which can be seen as part of the Sony Pictures Studio Tour in Culver City, California.  The show had 2 identical RVs for filming, one of which actually was destroyed on the show.  This is the only remaining RV from the production.

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Walter White’s vehicle from the show is also on display at the Sony Pictures Studio Tour.

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Next up are some props from the show, also seen on the Sony Pictures Studio Tour.  Included are Gail’s lab notes, Walt’s missing person flier, the stuffed animal that falls into Walt’s pool and much more.

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Last, but not least, we leave you with a couple of Bryan Cranston’s costumes from the show.  First up, this Heisenberg outfit can be found on display on the Sony Pictures Studio Tour.

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Another of Walter’s outfits can be found on display at Planet Hollywood in Florida.

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LOCATION: 1506 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Related articles: Better Call Saul

Growing Pains

The Seaver house from the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains” can be found in Burbank, California, but you won’t find it in just any neighborhood.  The house is actually part of the Warner Bros. Studios lot and can be seen as part of their tour.  It can also be seen the the films “Gremlins,” “The Monster Squad” and “Deadly Friend,” as well as the TV series “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.”

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LOCATION: 4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

Dewey High in the show is John Marshall High School.  A regular location in film and television, it has also appeared in such movies as “Rebel Without A Cause,” “A Nightmare On Elm Street,” “Pretty In Pink,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Bachelor Party,” “Grosse Pointe Blank,” “Grease” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” as well as such TV shows as “Boy Meets World,” “Boston Public” and many more.  It was even used in the Van Halen music video for “Hot For Teacher.”

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LOCATION: 3939 Tracy St, Los Angeles, CA 90027

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Curb Your Enthusiasm

Throughout the long-running comedy series, “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Larry David’s character has lived at a couple different locations.  In more recent seasons, this Brentwood house has been his home.

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LOCATION: 537 Moreno Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049

For much of the series, Larry’s manager Jeff and his temperamental wife Suzie lived at this house in the Pacific Palisades.

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LOCATION: 745 Alma Real Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

American Pickers

On the banks of the Mississippi River, literally right across the street, you’ll find the store of the “American Pickers.”  Antique Archeology is located in LeClaire, Iowa, home of Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and Dannie D.  The shop is packed full of items seen on the show and whether you’re a collector or simply a fan of the show, the staff is very welcoming to all visitors.

Due to the popularity of the show, the location has since been remodeled a bit and a second building has been added to the property, to sell merchandise from the show.  A second store has also opened in Nashville, Tennessee (1300 Clinton St., Ste. 130 (Marathon Village), Nashville, TN 37203).

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LOCATION: 115 1/2 Davenport St, LeClaire, IA 52753

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Some items purchased by Mike and Frank, which fans of the show may recognize.

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Just around the corner, cast member Danielle Colby (Dannie Diesel) formerly ran an arts, crafts and clothing shop which sold her designs, called 4 Miles 2 Memphis.  The LeClaire shop later closed and relocated to Chicago.  The Chicago location has since closed as well, but you can see a couple photos of the old LeClaire location below.

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LOCATION: 303 S 2nd St., Le Claire, IA 52753 (now closed)

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The Wonder Years

Much like “The Simpsons,” the setting of “The Wonder Years” was intended to be nonspecific, as to represent any American town.  However, the Arnold house from the show can be found in a very specific city; Burbank, California.  The house still looks nearly identical to how it appeared on the show.

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LOCATION: 516 University Ave, Burbank, CA 91504

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Just across the street is Winnie Cooper’s house, exactly as depicted on the show.  The house has changed a bit, but still mostly resembles how it appeared on the show.

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LOCATION: 525 University Ave, Burbank, CA 91504

After three seasons, the Coopers relocate to a new home, said to be miles away.  In reality, the house is in the same neighborhood.

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LOCATION: 501 Tufts Ave, Burbank, CA 91504

Paul Pfeiffer’s house wasn’t seen much in the series, but it did pop up a couple times.  It can be found on the same street as Winnie Cooper’s second house.

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LOCATION: 536 Tufts Ave, Burbank, CA 91504

An alternate home was also used for Paul Pfiefer’s house.  It can be found in the same vicinity as the other homes.  In fact, it’s located directly beside the first Pfeifer house.

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LOCATION: 537 University Ave, Burbank, CA 91504

While the Arnold house is of course the most well known, fans of the show should also check out the other houses when in the neighborhood.  All of them are within blocks of one another and can be seen in mere minutes.