Some of the most iconic TV shows are set in Chicago.
While a few don’t actually film in the area and are based out of LA, Canada or Georgia, the following nine shows make the city a character of its own and film in the marvelous Windy City. Keep reading to find the actual locations for some of the most iconic TV show spots– from Chicago Fire to Empire and more. Now, let’s make your favorite show come to life before your eyes!
1. Shameless (2011-2021)
If you love the Gallaghers and their hijinks, the iconic house is located in Chicago. It’s actually a residential Chicago address: 2119 S. Homan Ave, Chicago, IL 60623.
Kevin and Veronica’s house is right down the street, too. Located at: 2113 S. Homan Ave, Chicago, IL 60623.
The apartment Fiona manages in later seasons is really a complex in North Lawndale. It can be found at 3310 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60623.
While Patsy’s Pies, the restaurant Fiona works at, is actually Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House in Uptown. Find the charming diner at 4744 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640.
2. Love Is Blind (2022)
Season 2 of Love Is Blind featured Chicago hopefuls, and while the first part of the show took place in secluded rooms, couples got to explore the area later on.
If you want to recreate Jarrette and Iyanna’s date night, head over to 360 Chicago for a heart-pounding view.
Address: 875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
If you’re more of a Mallory and Sal fan, head over to the Humboldt Park Boathouse to recreate their lovely date. Go on an ultra-romantic stroll and take in the view of this beautiful lagoon.
Address:1301 N Humboldt Dr, Chicago, IL 60622
Gather a group of friends and head to North Avenue Beach just as the Love Is Blind cast did for a group picnic. While the show featured plenty of drama, we hope you’ll enjoy the beautiful skyline shots and sandy beach looks galore.
Address: 1600 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago IL 60613
3. Chicago Fire (2012-Ongoing)
The multiple Chicago shows by executive producer Dick Wolf and co-features so many local spots it is hard to name them all. Chicago Med, Fire, Justice, and PD all film in and around Chicago.
Interior shots of Firehouse 51 are taken on a set, but fans of the show can go to the standalone working firehouse known as Chicago Fire Department Engine 18 at 1360 S. Blue Island Avenue Chicago, IL 60608 for a look at the exterior of the iconic firehouse.
Molly’s Pub, where the various crews on Firehouse 51, Station 21, and Med go after a long shift, is really Lotties Pub at 1924 W. Cortland St, Chicago, IL 60622. Most after-work bar scenes at Molly’s were once filmed at Lottie’s Pub but have now moved elsewhere. Visiting the Bucktown bar feels like walking into a scene from the show BTW, and you can even get merchandise that reads “Molly’s by day, Lottie’s by night” or order a Chicago Fire-inspired burger at the bar.
4. Chicago PD (2014-Present)
The District 21 Police Station is actually the UIC Police Headquarters at 943 W. Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60608. The crew often find themselves at local bars after shift, while other locations are filmed in Pilsen around 18th Street.
5. Chicago Med (2015-Present)
The Gaffney Medical Center on the show is actually the Rush University Medical Center, here in Chicago. You can find it at 1653 W Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60612, but it is a working hospital so best to not just drop by.
6. Empire (2015-2020)
For fans of the hit series, you’re in luck. While the show is actually set in New York, there are plenty of Chicago-based filming locations to visit in person.
First up, we have Andre Lyon’s apartment, which you can find at 1364 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60610. Billy Beretti’s apartment can be found at 1120 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611. Jamal and Michael’s apartment is at 2602 W 21st St, Chicago, IL 60608.
The ultra-luxe Lyon’s mansion is located in a residential neighborhood outside of Chicago at 45 Lakeview Ln, Barrington, IL 60010.
Then there’s the Lucious Lyon Sound Building located at 205 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601.
7. Single Drunk Female
New Freeform show Single Drunk Female shows off Chicago’s towering skyscrapers before moving to Joliet, a small town 30 minutes outside of Chicago. This is because *spoiler* main character Samantha ends up moving back into her mother’s house. If you’d like to see the humble abode for yourself, it’s located on the West side of town at Mason Street’s 1500 block. Show producer Christina Varotsis certainly knows her way around Chicago as she also worked on movies and TV shows such as Batman and Shameless. The series was also filmed in Atlanta and merges the two together to create a fictional city and residential town.
8. South Side (2019-Present)
The comedy-drama series follows two friends on the South Side. Set on becoming venture capitalists, Simon and Kareem have to navigate life after community college. Viewers are taken along for the ride as they work in the Englewood neighborhood at a rent-to-own store. Many of the set locations were filmed on Ashland Avenue, Cottage Grove, and Vincennes, while neighborhoods such as South Shore, Chatham, and Gresham are heavily featured.
Hyde Park also makes an appearance as does the South Shore Cultural Center (previously known as the South Shore Country Club). Address: 7059 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649
9. The Chi (2017-Present)
You can tell from the title alone that this series is set in none other than Chicago. Show creator and Chicago native, Lena Waithe showcases the lasting impact the murder of a young man has on a South Side neighborhood. Most of the filming takes place at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios. (Address: 2621 W 15th Pl, Chicago, IL 60608) While other scenes, which take place at a fictional high school in the show, are filmed at Mount Carmel High School.
A gentle reminder: Please use discretion if you choose to visit any of these sites as some are residential homes, etc. Other shows set in Chicago include In The Dark, Mike and Molly, The League, Family Matters, Kenan and Kel, Good Times, Shake It Up, The Mob Doctor, and more.