Hello, fans of crime dramas! If you’re curious about the Long Bright River filming locations, you’ve landed in the right spot. Long Bright River, which debuted on March 13, 2025, released all eight episodes at once, delivering us into an exciting, suspenseful environment. Based on Liz Moore’s best-selling book of the same name, the show stars Amanda Seyfried as Mickey Fitzpatrick, a Philadelphia police officer on patrol in the Kensington district, devastated by the opioid crisis. Combining her own history—especially her search for her missing sister, Kacey, an addict—with the case, the narrative follows Mickey as she investigates a string of killings that strike nearby.
The show was adapted by Liz Moore and Nikki Toscano, who also serve as executive producers alongside Seyfried, Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Amanda Lewis, and Amy Pascal. Hagar Ben-Asher directed the opening episode and is also an executive producer. The cast includes Nicholas Pinnock as Truman Dawes, Ashleigh Cummings as Kacey, and Callum Vinson as Mickey’s son, Thomas, among others. This article dives deep into the Long Bright River filming locations, giving you an insider look at the places that shaped the series’ dark and intense world.
Where Was Long Bright River Filmed?
Long Bright River was filmed primarily in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with key scenes shot in Kensington, North Philadelphia, and various urban locations to maintain authenticity. Additional filming took place in Brooklyn and New York City, New York, adding depth to the series’ gritty atmosphere.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Long Bright River revolves around Philadelphia. The show was primarily filmed on location in Philadelphia, particularly in Kensington, where much of the story takes place.
Director Nikki Toscano shared, “We wanted authenticity, and there’s no better way to capture the reality of Mickey’s world than filming in the actual streets that inspired the novel.”
Philadelphia has been a popular filming destination for gritty, realistic dramas. Other famous productions shot here include Rocky, Creed, Silver Linings Playbook, and The Sixth Sense.
Kensington, Philadelphia
The neighborhood of Kensington plays a central role in the series, depicting the harsh realities of addiction and crime. The production team worked closely with the community to ensure the portrayal was respectful and accurate.
Amanda Seyfried noted, “Filming in Kensington was eye-opening. It gave me a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by the people here, which added depth to my performance.”
North Philadelphia
North Philadelphia was used for various street scenes and police precinct sequences. The blend of urban landscapes and historical buildings gave the show a distinct look.
Producer Liz Moore explained, “We scouted multiple locations, but North Philly gave us the perfect balance of raw beauty and storytelling depth.”
Brooklyn, New York, USA
Certain action-packed sequences and interior scenes were filmed in Brooklyn, taking advantage of its diverse urban landscape. The production team utilized Brooklyn’s industrial areas and abandoned buildings to create realistic crime scenes.
A crew member shared, “Brooklyn gave us the perfect gritty backdrop for some of the series’ most intense moments.”
Brooklyn has also been a backdrop for major productions like The Dark Knight Rises, John Wick, and Joker.
New York City, New York, USA
New York City was used to film several scenes, including flashback sequences and law enforcement headquarters. The city’s cinematic history makes it a great setting for expanding the show’s visual storytelling.
Director Nikki Toscano remarked, “New York’s energy added an extra layer of intensity to the scenes we shot there.”
NYC has been in numerous legendary films and television episodes, including The Godfather, Law and Order, and The Wolf of Wall Street.
When was Long Bright River filmed?
Long Bright River filming took place between Feb 27, 2024 and Jun 5, 2024. Despite the severe weather circumstances during summer filming, the production team’s efforts paid off in the form of a visually gorgeous and emotionally intense series.
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Long Bright River Plot Summary
Mickey Fitzpatrick, played by Amanda Seyfried, is a Philadelphia police officer working the beat in Kensington—a neighborhood hit hard by drugs and despair. She’s not just chasing criminals; she’s also searching for her missing sister, Kacey, who’s caught up in addiction. Things get intense when a string of murders pops up and Mickey realizes they’re tied to her own life. The journey blends family drama with the grit of crime-solving.
The show digs deep into tough stuff—think opioid struggles, broken homes and a city that’s seen better days. Mickey’s a mom too, juggling her son Thomas while patrolling streets filled with secrets. Her old partner, Truman Dawes, steps back into her world, adding more layers to the mystery.
The series doesn’t just focus on crime—it’s a powerful exploration of family, addiction, trauma, and redemption. Long Bright River, with its tense, emotional storyline and stunning cinematography, grips viewers and sheds light on real-world issues.
Long Bright River Cast Details
- Amanda Seyfried as Mickey Fitzpatrick
- Ashleigh Cummings as Kacey Fitzpatrick
- Riley Keough as Liz
- Pablo Schreiber as Officer Davis
- Bill Camp as Captain O’Leary
- Shea Whigham as Frank Fitzpatrick
- Margo Martindale as Nana Fitzpatrick
Long Bright River Behind the Scenes
The cast and crew put immense effort into making Long Bright River as authentic as possible. Amanda Seyfried trained alongside real police officers in Philadelphia—where she learned about law enforcement processes and the realities of working in high-crime regions. In addition the production crew worked with local organizations that serve people struggling with opioid addiction to ensure a genuine and sympathetic portrayal.
Director Nikki Toscano revealed, “We wanted this to be more than just a crime drama. It was important to highlight the human stories behind the statistics.”
Long Bright River Official Trailer
Peacock has unveiled the official trailer for Long Bright River, which provides a glance into the riveting storyline, dramatic acting, and gorgeous photography.
The Long Bright River filming settings contribute significantly to the show’s raw and authentic tone. If you enjoy criminal dramas with a deep emotional core and authentic locations, Long Bright River is a must-see.
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