Where is Murder, She Wrote Filmed?
The popular television series "Murder, She Wrote" premiered in 1984 and ran for 12 seasons, captivating audiences with its blend of mystery, drama, and humor. The show followed the adventures of Jessica Fletcher, a clever and resourceful mystery writer, as she solved complex crimes in the small town of Cabot Cove, Maine. But where was the show actually filmed?
Main Filming Locations
While the show was set in the picturesque town of Cabot Cove, the majority of the filming took place in other locations in California and Oregon. Here are some of the main filming locations:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Columbia, California | The town’s main street, known as "Cabot Cove", was actually filmed in Columbia, a small town located in the Sierra Nevada foothills. |
| Fort Bragg, California | The coastal scenery and cliffs were filmed in Fort Bragg, a coastal town in Northern California. |
| Ketchum, Oregon | The town’s snowy landscapes and mountainous areas were filmed in Ketchum, a small town located in the Sawtooth National Forest. |
| Los Angeles, California | Some interior scenes, such as Jessica’s home and the local tavern, were filmed in studios in Los Angeles. |
Why Not Filmed in Maine?
You might be wondering why the show wasn’t filmed in Maine, the state where Cabot Cove is supposed to be located. The reasons were largely logistical and practical:
- Climate: Maine’s harsh winters and short filming seasons would have made it difficult to produce the show.
- Cost: Filming in Maine would have been more expensive due to travel and accommodation costs for the cast and crew.
- Availability of locations: The show’s producers found it easier to find suitable locations in California and Oregon, which offered a more versatile range of settings.
Other Interesting Facts
• The show’s producer, Peter S. Fischer, was a fan of Agatha Christie’s books and wanted to create a similar show with a similar setting.
• Angela Lansbury, who played Jessica Fletcher, was a stage actress with limited television experience before taking on the role.
• The show was originally intended to be a series about a detective, but Angela Lansbury’s character and the show’s tone proved so popular that it shifted focus to Jessica’s character.
The Legacy of Murder, She Wrote
Despite the show not being filmed in Maine, its impact on the state’s tourism industry was still significant. The show’s popularity led to a surge in tourism in coastal towns in Maine, and many fans of the show still visit the state in search of Cabot Cove’s fictional landmarks.
Conclusion
While Murder, She Wrote may not have been filmed in the picturesque town of Cabot Cove, Maine, it still has a special place in the hearts of millions of fans around the world. The show’s mix of mystery, drama, and humor, combined with Angela Lansbury’s iconic performance as Jessica Fletcher, has made it a timeless classic.
