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Where is Mayor of Kingstown set? The tense and gritty atmosphere of this crime thriller series unfolds in the fictional town of Kingstown, Michigan, serving as an exploration of themes like corruption, inequality, and systemic racism, against the backdrop of a community dominated by the prison industry. Although the story is set in Michigan, the show utilizes diverse filming locations, with much of the production occurring in Canada and Pennsylvania. Each location, from the former Kingston Penitentiary in Ontario to urban landscapes in Pittsburgh, brings authenticity and depth to the show's portrayal of a world struggling with fractured justice.
| Real-world Location | Featured in | Scenes/Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kingston, Ontario, Canada | Season 1 | Prison scenes at Kingston Penitentiary |
| Hamilton, Ontario, Canada | Season 1 and 2 | McLusky's office; urban landscapes |
| Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA | Season 2 and 3 | Western Penitentiary; urban scenes |
| Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Season 1 | Red Carriage diner (Lakeview Restaurant) |
| Brantford, Ontario, Canada | Season 1 | Various street scenes |
| Erie, Pennsylvania, USA | Season 2 | Waterfront activities at Lampe Marina |
The gritty realism of Mayor of Kingstown doesn’t just come from its script—it’s brought to life by carefully chosen filming locations that perfectly capture the show’s bleak atmosphere. Despite being set in the fictional Kingstown, Michigan, the show’s creators have masterfully used locations across Canada and the U.S. to build its crime-ridden world.
Kingston, Ontario, heavily influences the fictional town of Kingstown, and it’s no surprise that much of the early filming took place there. The former Kingston Penitentiary—a haunting, decommissioned prison—provided an authentic backdrop for many of the show’s intense prison scenes. If those brick walls could talk, they’d likely have stories just as dark as the ones in Mayor of Kingstown.
Beyond the prison, Hamilton, Ontario, became another key location. The McLusky family’s office, for example, is housed at 290 Queenston Road in the Glenview East neighborhood. Additionally, Hamilton’s industrial landscapes helped cement the raw, down-and-dirty feel of Kingstown.
As the series progressed, production expanded to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, particularly in its second and third seasons. Known for its steel industry past, Pittsburgh offers the perfect mix of urban decay and resilience to stand in for Kingstown’s crime-filled streets.
Toronto has also played a role, with recognizable spots like the Lakeview Restaurant doubling as the Red Carriage Diner, a key meeting place for characters. Meanwhile, the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant in Scarborough occasionally appears as a stand-in for a female prison facility.
The show’s production has never been shy about using a mix of real-world locations to paint its bleak yet captivating world. For fans who love to spot these settings, a trip through Toronto, Hamilton, or Pittsburgh might feel oddly familiar.
Are any of these locations near you, or do you have a favorite filming spot from the series? Drop a comment and let’s talk about the places that bring Mayor of Kingstown to life!
Although the fictional town of Kingstown is set in Michigan for the series "Mayor of Kingstown," the primary filming took place in Kingston, Ontario. For the second and third seasons, the production moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas.
Filming for "Mayor of Kingstown" in Pittsburgh includes scenes in McKees Rocks, specifically at the borough building and police department. The show, featuring Jeremy Renner, utilizes various parts of the area to bring its gripping narrative to life.
Kingstown is entirely fictional and does not exist in Michigan or anywhere else in the United States. Additionally, filming for the series has not taken place in Michigan, and current indications suggest that will continue to be the case in the future.
Great news for fans—Paramount+ has renewed "Mayor of Kingstown," starring Jeremy Renner, for a fourth season. Announced on December 18, 2024, the acclaimed drama series will continue to captivate audiences.
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