Where Did They Film True Detective Season 1?
True Detective Season 1 is a critically acclaimed anthology series that premiered on HBO in 2014. The show is a crime drama that follows two detectives, Rust Cohle and Martin Hart, as they investigate a series of crimes in rural Louisiana over the course of 17 years. But where did the filmmakers go to capture the eerie and atmospheric setting of the show? In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the various locations where Season 1 was filmed.
New Orleans, Louisiana
While True Detective is set in rural Louisiana, some scenes were filmed in and around New Orleans. The French Quarter, specifically, was used as the setting for the Lil’ Easy, a character’s favorite restaurant. Fans of the show can spot the iconic Cafe du Monde and St. Louis Cathedral in the background of these scenes.
New Orleans Filming Locations:
| Filming Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Cafe du Monde | Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) has a cup of coffee here |
| St. Louis Cathedral | Background scenes of Rust and Martin investigating |
| French Quarter | Various scenes including the exterior of Lil’ Easy restaurant |
Rougarou Territory: North Louisiana
North Louisiana played a significant role in filming True Detective, with its rural landscapes and eerie atmosphere providing the perfect backdrop for the show. Jackson Parish, Lincoln Parish, and Richland Parish were the main filming locations in this region.
Some notable spots include:
• Tall Timber Road: The road where Rust and Martin first meet the Louisiana State Police.
• Winn Parish: The site of a car chase scene, where Rust’s car blows a tire and crashes into a ditch.
• Downtown Jonesboro: The main street of Jonesboro was transformed into the town of Carwood.
Other Filming Locations
While North Louisiana and New Orleans were primary filming locations, other spots around Louisiana, Tennessee, and Oklahoma were used to capture additional scenes.
• Jena: The First Baptist Church was used as the exterior of Carwood Baptist Church, where Martin and Rust visit.
• Fiske: This small town in Louisiana doubled as Willingboro, where the two detectives investigate a possible crime scene.
• Nashville, Tennessee: Scenes were filmed in East Nashville, which stood in for Sulphur, Louisiana.
Oklahoma
In Broken Bow, Oklahoma, filming took place on Beavers Bend Lake State Park. Rust and Martin camp here and have a intense conversation.
Conclusion
True Detective Season 1 is known for its eerie atmosphere, complex characters, and outstanding performances. To create this gripping narrative, the filmmakers drew inspiration from Louisiana’s unique landscapes and history. While some scenes were filmed on location in New Orleans, the majority of filming took place in North Louisiana, where the Rougarou territory provided a haunting setting for the story. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or simply enjoy immersing yourself in captivating storytelling, a journey to these filming locations is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Useful Information
- Official True Detective Season 1 Filming Location Map: This interactive map provides a comprehensive guide to filming locations throughout Louisiana.
- Louisiana Office of Motion Pictures: For more information on filming locations and Louisiana’s film industry.
- True Detective Reddit Community: Fans of the show can share their thoughts, discuss theories, and share fan art.
Visit these locations and experience the atmospheric settings that brought the world of True Detective Season 1 to life!
