Where is Criminal Minds Based?
Criminal Minds is a popular American crime drama television series that premiered in 2005 and has since become a household name. The show follows a team of FBI agents as they investigate and solve heinous crimes across the United States. But where is this crime-ridden world set? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question and delve into the behind-the-scenes details of the show’s filming locations.
Where is Criminal Minds Based?
Criminal Minds is based in Quantico, Virginia. The show’s main characters are part of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), which is located in Quantico, a small town about 35 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. Quantico is a real place, and the FBI does have a training facility there, but the show’s storyline is fictional.
Why Quantico?
So, why did the creators of Criminal Minds choose Quantico as the setting for their show? According to the show’s executive producer, Ed Bernero, they wanted a location that was close to Washington, D.C. but still had a small-town feel. Quantico fit the bill perfectly. Bernero also mentioned that the show’s writers were drawn to the idea of a FBI training facility being located in a small town, which added to the show’s sense of realism.
Filming Locations
While the show is set in Quantico, Virginia, the majority of the filming takes place in Los Angeles, California. The show’s producers have used a variety of locations throughout LA to recreate the streets of Quantico. Here are some of the most notable filming locations:
| Location | Episode |
|---|---|
| Venice Beach | Many episodes have been filmed at Venice Beach, which is used to represent the streets of Quantico. |
| Santa Monica Pier | The iconic pier has been featured in several episodes as a crime scene. |
| Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Headquarters | The LAPD headquarters building has been used as the exterior of the FBI building in Quantico. |
| The Griffith Observatory | The observatory has been used as a location for several episodes, often as a crime scene or a meeting spot for the BAU team. |
Other Filming Locations
While Los Angeles is the primary filming location for Criminal Minds, the show has also filmed in other locations throughout the United States. Some notable examples include:
- San Francisco, California: Several episodes have been filmed in San Francisco, which has been used to represent various cities across the country.
- New Orleans, Louisiana: The city has been used as a filming location for several episodes, often as a crime-ridden city in the southern United States.
- Portland, Oregon: The city has been used as a filming location for several episodes, often as a cold and rainy city in the Pacific Northwest.
Conclusion
Criminal Minds is a show that is steeped in crime and drama, but its connection to Quantico, Virginia is what makes it unique. While the show’s storyline is fictional, the town of Quantico has become synonymous with the BAU team and their efforts to solve heinous crimes across the United States. From the streets of Venice Beach to the LAPD headquarters, the show’s producers have used a variety of locations throughout Los Angeles to bring the world of Criminal Minds to life.
Behind-the-Scenes Facts
- The show’s cast, including Matthew Gray Gubler (Dr. Spencer Reid), Joe Mantegna (David Rossi), and A.J. Cook (Jennifer "JJ" Jareau), have all said that they love filming on location in Los Angeles.
- The show’s production team has used a combination of real-life locations and studio sets to create the world of Criminal Minds.
- The show’s costume designers have said that they often draw inspiration from real-life FBI agents and their attire when creating the BAU team’s costumes.
