Where is Murder, She Wrote Set?
The popular American television mystery series "Murder, She Wrote" aired from 1984 to 1996, captivating audiences with its blend of witty banter, charming characters, and intricate murder plots. The show revolved around the life of mystery novelist and amateur detective Jessica Fletcher, played by Angela Lansbury, as she solved crimes in her idyllic hometown of Cabot Cove, Maine.
What is Cabot Cove?
Cabot Cove is a fictional coastal town in Maine, USA. The town’s name is derived from the real-life town of Kennebunkport, Maine, where the show’s creator, Peter S. Fischer, would often vacation. Cabot Cove is portrayed as a picturesque, small-town community with a strong sense of nostalgia and a close-knit population.
Physical Setting
The show’s creators wanted to capture the essence of a quintessential American small town, and Cabot Cove‘s physical setting was carefully crafted to achieve this. The town is situated on the coast of Maine, with rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and a charming waterfront area. The town’s architecture is a mix of traditional New England styles, including colonial, Victorian, and Cape Cod designs.
Key Locations
Here are some of the key locations featured in the show:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Jessica’s Cottage | Jessica’s home, a cozy Cape Cod-style cottage with a wraparound porch and stunning ocean views. |
| Cabot Cove Police Department | The local police station, where Chief William Seth Hazard and his officers investigate crimes. |
| The Wharf Restaurant | A popular seafood restaurant and gathering place for the townspeople. |
| The Bookshop | Jessica’s bookstore, where she often holds book signings and literary events. |
| The Town Hall | The local government building, where town meetings and community events take place. |
Cabot Cove in Reality
While Cabot Cove is a fictional town, its settings are inspired by real locations in Maine. The show’s creators used a combination of actual locations and soundstages to create the town’s atmosphere. Some of the real-life locations that inspired the show’s settings include:
- Kennebunkport, Maine: As mentioned earlier, Kennebunkport was the inspiration for Cabot Cove’s name and setting.
- Boothbay Harbor, Maine: This picturesque coastal town was used as the backdrop for many of the show’s exterior scenes.
- Yarmouth, Maine: This coastal town was used as a filming location for some of the show’s episodes, particularly those featuring Jessica’s travels to nearby towns.
Conclusion
Murder, She Wrote is a beloved television series that has captivated audiences for decades. The show’s setting, Cabot Cove, is a key element of its charm, providing a idyllic backdrop for the show’s intricate murder plots and witty banter. While Cabot Cove is a fictional town, its settings are inspired by real locations in Maine, making it easy to imagine the show’s characters and settings coming to life in the real world.
