Wild Cards is back with a thrilling second season and this time, the stakes—and the scenery—are even more exciting. This lighthearted police drama pairs a tough detective with a clever con artist, creating an entertaining mix of crime-solving and smart humor. Giacomo Gianniotti stars as Detective Cole Ellis, while Vanessa Morgan takes on the role of Max Mitchell. The series is co-produced by CBC in Canada and The CW in the United States.
The second season not only continues their unique partnership but also showcases stunning real-world locations. In fact, Season 2 was filmed entirely in Vancouver, British Columbia, with the city portraying itself—not standing in for any other place. This brings a lot of authenticity to the story, and fans will notice many familiar sights if they’ve ever visited or lived in Vancouver.
NetFilming confirms that the production team made excellent use of real neighborhoods, waterfronts, and architectural landmarks throughout the city.
Where Was Wild Cards Season 2 Filmed?
Wild Cards Season 2 was filmed entirely in Vancouver, British Columbia, from August 19 to November 21, 2024. The show captures the city’s unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Here are key filming locations used in Season 2:
False Creek: Detective Ellis’s Houseboat
One of the most memorable settings is Cole Ellis’s houseboat, docked in False Creek. This beautiful waterfront location, full of boats and lovely views of the lake, is the perfect setting for the detective’s relaxed yet tormented life. Giacomo Gianniotti has said that filming on the houseboat was one of the best parts because the panorama in False Creek is so beautiful. The site is featured in a lot of episodes, which makes it a fan favorite that really captures the seaside mood of Vancouver.
Vancouver Public Library: A Modern Landmark
The Vancouver Public Library which is famous for its circular design was used as a filming location on October 10 & 11, 2024. This architectural jewel sits in the heart of Vancouver and lends a touch of city style to the performance. Its striking design and central placement make it easy to spot, which gives situations a very local feel. If you’re watching, look for this landmark at important times.
Granville Island: Vibrant and Cultural
Another gem is Granville Island, tucked under the Granville Street Bridge. This busy area, famous for its markets and artsy flair, was used for many scenes. The bustling environment and vistas of the lake make it a great place for the show’s combination of action and character-driven scenes. The series gets more interesting because of Granville Island’s appeal, which shows off Vancouver’s cultural core.
Burrard Street Bridge and Downtown Vancouver
The Burrard Street Bridge and the streets of downtown Vancouver show up in a lot of episodes. The bridge’s Art Deco architecture and the city’s tall skyline make a great setting for chases, stakeouts and other events. The harborfront is also quite important, with vistas of the ocean and busy pathways that make the city come alive. These places give each episode a sense of Vancouver’s particular energy.
Production Hub: 775 Cambie Street
The production team set up shop at 775 Cambie Street in downtown Vancouver. This office was the main place for planning and organizing the shoot. This is where the magic of Wild Cards Season 2 came together, even though it wasn’t a filming location.
When Was Season 2 Filmed?
The production schedule for Season 2 of Wild Cards was carefully planned to show Vancouver at its best. The first day of filming was 19 August 2024 and it ended on 21 November 2024. Some sources say the dates are a little different, like September to December, but the August to November timetable is commonly agreed upon. During this time, the crew could enjoy Vancouver’s late summer and fall surroundings, which included sunny waterfronts and cool city streets.
The production of Wild Cards Season 2 followed a clear timeline:
- Pre-production started: July 2, 2024
- Main filming period: August 19 – November 21, 2024
Wild Cards Season 2: Behind the Scenes
Season 2 of Wild Cards wasn’t just filmed in Vancouver—it was brought to life with deep collaboration, dedication and lots of heart. Behind the camera, the cast and crew immersed themselves fully in both character and place, creating a show that feels genuine and connected to its surroundings.
Giacomo Gianniotti, who portrays Detective Cole Ellis, shared his enthusiasm for filming on False Creek, saying:
“Certainly where my character lives on the houseboat, those were some of my favorite scenes. It’s in this place called False Creek in Vancouver… that’s where a lot of the fun scenes… kind of come together and those are some of the more meaty, more character scenes.”
He also highlighted how fortunate the team felt to be working during a challenging time for the industry:
“We were one of the few productions that got permission to work during the strike, so we were just very fortunate, very lucky. We all came to work with a lot of gratitude.”
The show’s dynamic leads, Vanessa Morgan (Max Mitchell) and Gianniotti, often wrapped up their days on the houseboat, reflecting the real-life bond they built on set. For Morgan, playing the sharp, charismatic Max was a dream:
“It was so much fun to play Max… she’s a con artist, but she knows how to read people. There’s so much depth to her and she is such an intelligent character.”
Executive Producer and director James Genn reinforced the series’ creative vision, shaping episodes with intention. Early episodes of Season 2, he notes, carry “nods to well-known films and television series,” turning each case into a tightly crafted mini-movie, blending character-driven drama with nods to classic storytelling.
The crew also liked how real Vancouver’s police were. Gianniotti studied with the RCMP and went on ride-alongs and tactical training to get ready for his role. This made sure that his portrayal of a detective felt real and realistic.
Week after week, the team brought a sense of gratitude, professionalism, and shared passion to the shoot—resulting in a season that resonates both visually and emotionally.
Wild Cards Season 2 Official Trailer
NetFilming will continue to bring you updates on the latest filming locations, TV productions, and behind-the-scenes content.
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