The Most Famous TV Shows Filmed In Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Television is one of the most popular pastimes in America, and Maryland offers numerous cities and scenic spots for filming. “The Wire,” “House of Cards,” and even “Lady in the Lake” were primarily filmed in our state, and some shows even visit Maryland for a once-ever episode. If you love TV, then here are five popular shows filmed across the diverse regions of Maryland.

Lady in the Lake

First up on our list is “Lady in the Lake.” This show was filmed in Baltimore, with the lake scenes having been shot at Loch Raven Reservoir. Other scenes in “Lady in the Lake” were filmed at various locations throughout Baltimore and the surrounding towns, including the Armour Performance Center and East Redwood Street.

In “Lady in the Lake,” Natalie Portman plays a journalist who investigates the death of a young woman. “Lady in the Lake” is a miniseries, which means that it only has one season, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best shows filmed in Maryland to date.

Originally, “Lady in the Lake” was a novel written by Laura Lippman, but its critical success set the foundation for the Apple TV+ miniseries in 2024.

House of Cards

One show filmed in Maryland that might shock some readers is “House of Cards,” as the hit political drama’s plot is set in Washington, D.C. Many of the scenes in “House of Cards” were shot in either Baltimore or Joppa, Maryland, with scenes occasionally filmed in Havre de Grace to represent Frank’s hometown.

If you like thrillers that mix the themes of politics and power, then “House of Cards” is the perfect binge for a Marylander, especially since it has six seasons to enjoy. Based on a novel by Michael Dobbs, there’s more to enjoy from this franchise once you watch the show.

“House of Cards” was one of Netflix’s first original shows to gain mass popularity, and viewers often attribute it to the streaming platform’s long-term success in the media industry.

The Wire

“The Wire” is one of the most well-known pieces of media made in Maryland, and it’s still a popular streaming option to this day. Set in Baltimore, “The Wire” is a crime drama that follows various characters as they navigate crime, drugs and other challenging topics in the city of Baltimore.

There are a lot of reasons that “The Wire” is so popular, but one of the highlights is the real Baltimore neighborhoods used during filming. “The Wire” filmed most of its scenes in Baltimore for years, and residents of the city will likely recognize some of the buildings and neighborhoods within the show.

“The Wire” finished up its last season over a decade ago, in 2008, but its popularity still hasn’t faded.

Lioness

“Lioness” is a thrilling Paramount+ show that follows a CIA team as they work to defeat a dangerous terrorist organization. With big names like Morgan Freeman, Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman, there’s a variety of great actors who bring this show to life.

Filming for “Lioness” took place throughout Maryland and even in parts of Washington, D.C., so local residents will likely recognize the architecture and scenery.

Maryland.gov and Gov. Larry Hogan even announced that the production of “Lioness” would take place throughout Maryland in 2022. The former governor said, “We are excited that Maryland will serve as the backdrop for a production from one of the most prolific creative teams working in the television industry today.”

Veep

“Veep” is a political comedy where Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as a politician who eventually becomes president of the United States. Unlike “House of Cards,” “Veep” offers more satirical moments and an overall lighter tone, though it’s still a fascinating window into the world of fictional politics.

Like “House of Cards,” “Veep” was often filmed at spots in Baltimore, even though its in-universe setting was Washington, D.C., while other locations throughout Maryland were also used as a backdrop on occasion.

There has been plenty of media filmed in Maryland that fall under the horror and drama genres, making “Veep” unique since it’s a comedy.

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