Chicago is more than a backdrop; it’s the driving force and primary character energy for some of the most popular TV shows. From high-intensity police dramas to award-winning modern series, the city’s neighborhoods, streets, and landmarks play a starring role for Chicago tv shows. Chicago filming locations may not be the same as tv shows set in Chicago, but with so many shows filmed in Chicago, there is a lot of area to cover. Chicago PD filming locations, like the main office, may look real, but are a set built in a sound stage. Fortunately, many of these Chicago filming locations are real places you can visit IRL.
Jump to a map of Chicago Filming Locations →
Popular TV Shows Set in Chicago
Chicago Fire, 2012 – Current
Chicago Fire follows Firehouse 51 and its firefighters. These brave public servants perform daring rescues, romantic escapades and even some run-ins with police and illegal matters.
Chicago Filming Locations:
- Chicago Fire Academy: Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy, 558 W De Koven St (pictured above)
- Molly’s Pub: Lotties, 1925 W Cortland St
- Firehouse 51: Chicago Fire Department Engine 18, 1360 S Blue Island Ave
Hollywood vs Reality: “The Firefighter’s Bar” also known as Molly’s on the show, is a neighborhood staple in Bucktown. The bar is really named “Lotties” and is no longer actually used on the show, except for exterior neighborhood scenes. The interior has been recreated in a soundstage for the show. Most firehouses stay put in their district and do not venture outside of their designated zone. The show travels all over Chicago. Chicago Fire even had a scene depicting a dramatized version of our Chicago Crime Tour bus (Season 5, Episode 8).
Why fans love it: The fires may be dramatized, as well as the storylines, but you can’t replicate the architecture and city neighborhoods. Also, many small roles are played by local actors. You never know who you’ll run into or what you’ll see on Chicago Fire.
Chicago PD, 2014-Current
This long-running show stars Jason Beghe as Sargent Hank Voight as the leader of Chicago P.D.’s Intelligence Unit. This weekly show follows members of an elite unit through small- and large-scale offenses, including organized crime and even a fictional connection to the current Chicago organized crime “Outfit” which is known to descend from Al Capone’s gang.
Chicago Filming Locations:
- District 21 Police Station: UIC Police Headquarters, 943 W Maxwell St (pictured above)
- Molly’s Pub: Lotties, 1925 W Cortland St
- Chicago Riverwalk: From Lake Michigan to the Loop.
Hollywood vs Reality: Chicago PD is all fictional stories, depicting connections to both politicians and gangsters, while even looking the other way to allow some crimes to go unsolved. The show even had special guest Ram Emmanual, former mayor of Chicago, during his term. The exterior of the old Maxwell Street Police Station is depicted as the headquarters for the team, while the interior is filmed at a soundstage studio in the Pilsen neighborhood.
Why fans love it: The crimes, criminals and politicians may be dramatized, as well as the storylines, but you can’t replicate the architecture and city neighborhoods that provide the backdrop to this TV show set in Chicago. There are so many Chicago PD filming locations that you may run into several of the sites on your next visit. Revisit the Chicago Riverwalk on Season 1, Episode 6.
Chicago Med, 2015-Current
Members of Chicago’s most highly skilled medical team save lives, have dramatized interpersonal relationships and collaborate with the teams at Chicago PD & Chicago Fire. The Gaffney Chicago Medical Center’s elite team of medical professionals face unique challenges in each episode. They even managed to incorporate the challenges of COVID-19 into the show. Chicago Med is a great addition to the Chicago One franchise trio of series.
Chicago Filming Locations:
- Molly’s Pub: Lotties, 1925 W Cortland St (pictured above)
- Gaffney Chicago Medical Center: Rush Hospital, 1653 W Congress Pkwy.
- Rooftop & Exterior Scenes: McCormick Place, 2301 S King Dr.
Hollywood vs Reality: Chicago Med may look like it takes place at a functioning hospital, however, it is really a set built to look like a hospital. Cinespace Chicago Film Studios is located at 2621 W 15th Place on Chicago’s west side. Visit the exterior entryway of McCormick Place Convention Center and you may recognize some of the exterior from Chicago Med scenes.
Why fans love it: Most of the show is filmed on soundstages; however, especially in the first season, look for iconic Chicago landmarks including the riverwalk, the Cloudgate (aka “the bean”), the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. This fascinating medical drama weaves pieces of iconic Chicago into the tapestry of interpersonal relationships that makes Chicago Med so special. From PTSD to childlike wonder, this show has it all.
The Bear, 2022-2026
A young chef from the fine dining world comes home to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop. Jeremy Allen White stars as the owner and head chef. The series confronts the realities of running a small business and restaurant while navigating the dynamics of unique personalities in the kitchen.
Chicago Filming Locations:
- The Bear: Mr. Beef, 666 N Orleans St. (pictured above)
- Margie’s Candies: 1960 N Western Ave.
- Chicago Lakefront Trail: 18-mile paved path along Lake Michigan.
Hollywood vs Reality: The Bear is a great way to learn about the food scene in Chicago. This is true! Chicago is known for its award-winning restaurants and competitive food scene. The fictional part is that the Bear restaurant is really known as Mr. Beef. The Italian beef sandwich was invented in Chicago. Visit a Mr. Beef location to try one of Chicago’s most famous foods.
Why fans love it: The plotlines may be fictional, but this is a great example of a tv show set in Chicago, from the El (elevated train) to the Lakefront Trail. Whether you favor savory or sweet, there is something special for your taste buds. Revisit Margie’s Candies at the end of Season 2, Episode 3 aptly titled “Sundae.”
Empire, 2015-2020
Empire follows the powerful and dysfunctional Lyon family as they battle for control of a successful hip-hop music empire. Terrence Howard stars as music mogul Lucious Lyon, while Taraji P. Henson delivers a standout performance as Cookie Lyon, his outspoken ex-wife determined to reclaim her place in the business. The series blends family drama, corporate power struggles, and the high-stakes world of the music industry.
Chicago Filming Locations:
- Empire Entertainment Headquarters: 353 N Clark St.
- Club from pilot episode: Double Door, 1572 N Milwaukee Ave.
- Antony & Cleopatra fashion house: Chez, 247 E Ontario St.
Hollywood vs Reality: Empire’s entire backdrop places the show in New York City; however, most of the show was filmed in Chicagoland. The show utilized different places all over Chicagoland, including various event spaces, a mansion in Barrington Hills and Cinespace Chicago Film Studios in the West Loop, among many others.
Why fans love it: The show was inspired by some of today’s top hip hop, rap and R&B artists. Watch Empire to see the dramatized start of drug dealing to a prosperous and successful music and fashion empire. The show portrays family dynamics, divorce, raising children and the ups and downs of collaboration and partnership.
Shameless, 2011-2021
Nothing comes easily to the unrefined and wildly unapologetic Gallagher family. This South Side family experiences one drama after another. The show confronts everything from teen pregnancy to alcoholism and physical/mental abuse, all while laughing together. The Gallagher family makes lemonade from lemons, and they have a lot of lemons.
Chicago Filming Locations:
- The Gallagher House: 2119 S Homan Ave.
- Patsy’s Pies: Golden House Restaurant, 4744 N Broadway St. (pictured above)
- Fiona’s Apartment Building: 3310 W 19th St.
Hollywood vs Reality: The exterior of the houses, including the Gallagher house, was all filmed in Chicago. Mostly located in the Canaryville neighborhood on Chicago’s south side. Almost all the interior scenes were filmed on soundstages and the Warner Brothers studio lot in Burbank, CA.
Why fans love it: Kind of like watching a car crash, we can’t look away and ignore the damage; we must continue to watch Shameless. It’s one downward spiral after another; the Gallagher family is always making messes, cleaning them up, and picking each other up after each downfall. They are a messy family, but the love they share is evident in how they stick together.
The Original Chicago TV All-Stars
Some honorable mention TV shows set in Chicago and historic shows that you can still catch reruns: Shows:
- The Oprah Winfrey Show, 1986-2011
- The Jerry Springer Show, 1991-2019 (filmed at NBC studios pictured above)
- ER, 1994-2009
- Good Times, 1974-1979
- The Untouchables, 1959-1963
- The Bob Newhart Show, 1972-1978
- Hill Street Blues, 1981-1987
Chicago TV Filming Locations You Can Visit
The idea of visiting the places we love to see on screen may seem impossible. Here are some tips for visiting the infamous Chicago filming locations listed above IRL (In Real Life).
Tips for visiting TV filming locations:
- Stay in the public way: Sidewalks are typically safe; stay clear of driveways and high-traffic walking areas.
- Some homes (like Shameless’ Gallagher house) invite visitors to leave a donation when visiting and taking photos from the porch.
- Most office buildings are not open to the public. Stay outside of the buildings to keep things safe.
- Restaurants love visitors who plan to stay for a meal and remember to pay a tip.
- Plan your route in advance, keep in mind parades, street closures, construction, etc., so that your visit and route on location is seamless.
- Have fun, ask questions, and be curious, attentive, and gracious.
Explore Chicago Beyond the Screen
The Chicago Crime Tour & Night Crimes Tour are great ways to learn more about Chicago and its history. Ride through 6 different neighborhoods throughout the tour route and drive near some of the locations used for shows filmed in Chicago. The history covered on the Chicago Crime Tour or Night Crimes Tour is true crime, unlike the fictional stories covered on Chicago PD. Sometimes the stories are so good, we can’t make it up. Learn more on an upcoming tour!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Chicago PD filmed?
- Chicago PD is filmed on location throughout Chicago, with many scenes shot in real neighborhoods and streets. The show’s main exterior police station is in the Pilsen neighborhood, though interior scenes are often filmed on soundstages.
- Do Chicago TV shows use real locations or sets?
- Most Chicago-based TV shows use a mix of real locations and studio sets. Exterior shots and many street scenes are filmed around the city, while interiors are often recreated on soundstages for production control.
- Can you visit filming locations from Chicago TV shows?
- Yes, many filming locations from Chicago TV shows are real places you can visit. From neighborhood streets to recognizable landmarks, fans can explore areas featured in shows like Chicago PD, Shameless, and The Bear.
- Where is The Bear filmed in Chicago?
- The Bear is filmed primarily in Chicago, with many scenes shot in River North and surrounding neighborhoods. The restaurant exterior used in the show is a real location, making it a popular stop for fans visiting the city.
- Are there tours that show filming locations in Chicago?
- Chicago Crime Tours travels through neighborhoods like River North, where shows like The Bear have filmed, while also sharing the real stories behind the city’s history, offering a unique mix of pop culture and real-life context.
Explore these filming locations for a fresh way to experience Chicago, connecting familiar scenes to real neighborhoods and landmarks. Whether you’re a fan of these shows or simply looking for something different to do, visiting these spots adds another layer to how you see the city. Blend entertainment, pop culture, history, and real-world experience on an upcoming Chicago Crime Tour or Night Crimes Tour. Many of the real historic crime scenes visited on the tour are also in films based on Chicago’s mobsters, criminals and gangsters.
