Ghost Whisperer, the popular supernatural drama series, aired on CBS from 2005 to 2010. The show starred Jennifer Love Hewitt as Melinda Gordon, a woman who can communicate with ghosts and help them cross to the light.
While the series takes place in the fictional town of Grandview, New York, many fans wonder: what town was Ghost Whisperer filmed in? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the filming locations of this beloved show.
Universal Studios Backlot: The Main Filming Location
Most Ghost Whisperer was filmed on the Universal Studios backlot in Los Angeles, California. This famous studio lot has been used for countless film and television productions, providing a versatile backdrop for various settings.
Courthouse Square
Courthouse Square is one of the most recognizable locations on the Universal Studios backlot used for Ghost Whisperer. Fans of the Back to the Future trilogy might recognize this area, as it was prominently featured in those films. However, for Ghost Whisperer, Courthouse Square was heavily modified to represent the town of Grandview. For example, the iconic clock tower from Back to the Future was covered entirely up during filming.
Melinda and Jim’s House
Another notable location on the Universal Studios backlot used for Ghost Whisperer is the exterior of Melinda and Jim’s house. This set has a storied history, as the Finch family previously used it in the classic film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. The charming house provided the perfect setting for Melinda and Jim’s home in the show.
Real-Life Inspiration: Grand View-On-Hudson, New York
While the series was filmed in Los Angeles, the fictional town of Grandview was inspired by the real-life village of Grand View-On-Hudson, located in Rockland County, New York. The show’s creator, John Gray, grew up in nearby Brooklyn, New York, and likely drew inspiration from the scenic Hudson River Valley. The village of Grand View-On-Hudson is situated just north of Piermont, another town frequently referenced in the series.
Additional Filming Locations
Besides the Universal Studios backlot, Ghost Whisperer also filmed at various other locations throughout Southern California. These locations helped to create the atmospheric and mysterious feel of the show.
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park
One such location is the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park in Agua Dulce, California. The park’s unique rock formations have been featured in numerous film and television productions, including several episodes of Ghost Whisperer. The striking landscape provided an eerie and otherworldly backdrop for the show’s supernatural encounters.
Griffith Observatory
Another notable filming location for Ghost Whisperer is the historic Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park. The observatory has been featured in countless film and television productions over the years, and its distinctive architecture made it an ideal location for some of Melinda’s ghostly encounters.
The Queen Mary
In one memorable episode of Ghost Whisperer, Melinda visits the historic Queen Mary ocean liner, which is permanently docked in Long Beach, California. The ship has a long history of reported paranormal activity, making it a fitting location for Melinda’s ghostly adventures. The Queen Mary’s elegant Art Deco interiors and haunted reputation added intrigue to the episode.
Pasadena City Hall
Another iconic Southern California location featured in Ghost Whisperer is the Pasadena City Hall. This beautiful and historic building has been used in numerous film and television productions, including several episodes of Ghost Whisperer. Its distinctive architecture and picturesque setting helped to create the perfect backdrop for the show’s supernatural storylines.
Haunting Stories on Set
Interestingly, the cast and crew of Ghost Whisperer have reported experiencing real-life paranormal activity while filming the series. In interviews, Jennifer Love Hewitt has shared stories of mysterious occurrences on set, such as unexplained lights and ghostly apparitions. One particularly eerie incident involved a photograph of a makeup artist with a strange white film covering her face, which paranormal expert James Van Praagh later confirmed was a ghostly presence.
In Conclusion
So, what town was Ghost Whisperer filmed in? While the series takes place in the fictional town of Grandview, New York, it was primarily filmed on the Universal Studios backlot in Los Angeles, California.
Additional filming locations throughout Southern California, such as Vasquez Rocks and the Griffith Observatory, were also used to create the show’s atmospheric setting. And with real-life paranormal encounters reported on set, it seems that the supernatural world of Ghost Whisperer wasn’t entirely confined to the screen.
