Bad Thoughts is a six-episode dark comedy series created by and starring stand-up comedian Tom Segura. The show is a collection of vignettes that explore provocative, absurd, and often disturbing themes through a darkly comedic lens, blending elements of Black Mirror, The Twilight Zone, and Segura’s unapologetic humor. Each episode features surreal sketches, with Segura playing multiple roles. But where was Bad Thoughts filmed? Let’s explore the key filming locations—primarily Los Angeles, California, with some details on rumored spots—and why these places were perfect for bringing Segura’s vision to life.
What Is Bad Thoughts All About?
Released on Netflix on May 13, 2025, the series features Tom Segura not only as the creator but also as a star playing multiple roles. With a cast including Daniella Pineda, Bobby Lee, and Dan Stevens, the show delivers six standalone vignettes. Each one tackles dark, satirical ideas—like a washed-up musician ruling a dystopian town or bizarre parodies of action films. Think of it as a mix of Black Mirror’s eerie storytelling and Chappelle’s Show’s fearless humor, all wrapped in high-quality visuals.
The filming locations are a big part of the show’s charm. From gritty urban streets to sprawling ranches, the locations feel as varied as the stories. That’s why the filming spots needed to be versatile enough to match the show’s ambitious, genre-hopping style.
Where was Bad Thoughts filmed?
The majority of Bad Thoughts was filmed in Los Angeles, California. The city’s diverse topography and architecture provided an ideal backdrop for the show’s varied and unconventional stories.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is the filmmaker’s playground. With its sunny Mediterranean climate, palm-lined streets and range of modern and historic architecture, it all works well for a show with such a broad representation of stories. Want a scene that looks like something out of a French film? Experiment with the hills of Silver Lake. Are you seeking a tranquil, desert-like atmosphere? City fringes bring you those goods. And Los Angeles is filled with iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory and Universal Studios, all of which can provide some cinematic flair, thanks to the fact they are simply in the background.
The versatile nature of the city is what made it perfect for Bad Thoughts. The show’s sketches jump from horror-inspired sets to comic behind-the-scenes chaos, and Los Angeles served as the ideal backdrop. Many scenes were undoubtedly shot on soundstages in a studio like those in Hollywood or Burbank, where green screens and set design could conjure the more fantastical moments of the show, such as alien invasions or surreal dreamscapes.
Austin, Texas
Another important place of filming for Bad Thoughts was Austin, Texas—which is a lively capital of the state. The production company used Troublemaker Studios, located at 4900 Old Manor Road, a superior facility with soundstages, greenscreens, and other production amenities. These amenities were essential for bringing Segura’s ambitious satire to life, especially for larger-than-life sketches, such as the dystopian town ruled by a country star.
Why Austin Was Perfect
Austin’s appeal goes beyond studios. The city’s idyllic countryside, warm weather, and robust infrastructure make it a filmmaker’s paradise. Its vibrant live music scene added a cultural backdrop that could inspire the show’s quirky, music-related sketches. Cast and crew described Austin as a “vital spot” for the show’s colorful, imaginative settings, according to production notes. The city’s mix of urban and rural areas allowed for diverse scenes, from gritty downtown shots to sprawling ranch-style sets.
Austin’s filmmaking cred is well-established; Friday Night Lights and Dazed and Confused are among the projects shot here. Its landmarks include the Texas Capitol, Bullock Texas State History Museum, and Zilker Metropolitan Park, and it features lush visuals, although it’s not clear if they were in Bad Thoughts. The southern part of the city is also home to the Circuit of the Americas, a Formula One race track, further confirming Austin’s vibrant sex appeal. With its history, heritage and beautiful architecture, Austin added a unique flavour to the show.
Segura’s Austin Connection
Tom Segura’s ties to Austin, where his YMH Studios is based, likely influenced the choice. “Austin has this creative energy that goes hand in hand with what we’re doing,” Segura said on a podcast, noting the city’s influence on his work. Whether filming in Troublemaker Studios or out amongst the countryside for rural scenes, Austin lent Bad Thoughts a level of authenticity and versatility.
Behind the Scenes: Filming Bad Thoughts
The creation of Bad Thoughts was a bold journey, with filming centered in Los Angeles, California, to capture its wild, genre-bending stories. Production ramped up after Tom Segura self-funded a pilot in 2021, which he later pitched to Netflix, securing a six-episode deal. By June 2024, the crew was hard at work, using Los Angeles’ top-tier studios and diverse landscapes to craft the show’s cinematic look. Segura, who also directed alongside Rami Hachache and Jeremy Konner, aimed for each episode to feel like a unique short film.
“We wanted every sketch to have its own vibe, like you’re watching a different movie,” Segura shared in a Netflix interview. Actress Daniella Pineda praised the set’s creative energy, saying, “Tom’s vision was fearless—it was like playing in a sandbox of weird ideas.” From soundstages for surreal scenes to urban streets for gritty sketches, Los Angeles’ versatility brought Segura’s dark comedy to life, making Bad Thoughts a visual and comedic standout.
Bad Thoughts Official Trailer
Have you watched Bad Thoughts yet? Let us know your favorite episode or if you spotted any familiar locations in the comments! And if you’re curious about other Netflix shows’ filming spots, check out our other guides for more insider info.
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