If it seems that images of Chicago’s skyline, historic brick bungalows, sidewalk hot-dog stands and “L” stops have been flashing across TV screens a lot lately, that’s because they have been.
More TV shows shot in Chicago have aired on regular and cable networks this year than ever before, according to the Chicago Film Office, including the political-drama “Boss,” canceled last week by the Starz cable network.
“To have four series, shot in their entirety here, in the course of a year is something that has never happened,” said Rich Moskal, director of the film office, which is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. “In the past we’ve had three, but not four.”
There are many reasons television producers are choosing Chicago, Moskal said. Not only does the city have a large talent pool to work on screen and behind the scenes, but tax incentives and production space also make the city appealing, he said.
“Creatively, it has to work for the show, but Chicago is a good place to set a story. It has an identity, a great look, diverse character and things that are identifiable to an audience,” Moskal said. “Chicago’s profile to a national audience and the (television) industry has been steadily increasing over the years.”
In addition to the shows shot here, some others are based in Chicago but shot elsewhere, Moskal said. Here’s a look at TV shows shot and/or set in the city this year:
Shows shot in Chicago in 2012
“Boss” — Starz
Kelsey Grammer, Sanaa Lathan
Two seasons
City Hall, O’Hare Airport, Financial District, Kenwood neighborhood
“Chicago Fire” — NBC
Jesse Spencer, Eamonn Walker
One season
West Loop condominums, Chicago Fire House at 1300 S. Blue Island Ave., El platforms
“The Mob Doctor” — Fox
Jordana Spiro, William Forsythe, Michael Rapaport
One season
UIC Medical Campus, Lakefront
“Underemployed” — MTV
Michelle Ang, Sarah Habel
One season
Millennium Park, El stops, Lincoln Park
Among the current shows set in Chicago or the Chicago area, but filmed primarily elsewhere
“Happy Endings” — ABC
Damon Wayans Jr., Elisha Cuthbert
Three seasons
“Mike and Molly” — CBS
Melissa McCarthy, Billy Gardell
Three seasons
“Shake It Up” — Disney
Bella Thorne, Zendaya Coleman
Three seasons
“Shameless” — Showtime
William H. Macy, Joan Cusack
Three seasons
“The Good Wife” — CBS
Julianna Margulies, Christine Baranski
Four seasons
“The League” — FX (Set in Winnetka)
Mark Duplass, Stephen Rannazzisi
Four seasons
“Whitney” — ABC
Whitney Cummings, Chris D’Elia
Two seasons
