Where is obx filmed

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The Netflix series Outer Banks (OBX) is primarily filmed in Charleston, South Carolina, and surrounding areas, not in the actual Outer Banks of North Carolina. Production moved to South Carolina after initial filming in the real Outer Banks during the pilot episode in 2019, with Charleston serving as the main filming location for all subsequent seasons. Specific filming spots include locations like Mount Pleasant, James Island, and Shem Creek, which double for the fictional Kildare Island.

Key Facts

The pilot episode was filmed in the actual Outer Banks of North Carolina in 2019 before production moved to South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina has been the primary filming location for Seasons 1-3, with over 90% of scenes shot there
Specific filming spots include Mount Pleasant, James Island, Shem Creek, and the Hunting Island Lighthouse
The show's production has contributed an estimated $50+ million to South Carolina's economy since 2019
The fictional Kildare Island is based on real Outer Banks locations but filmed entirely in South Carolina

Overview

Outer Banks (often abbreviated as OBX) is a popular Netflix teen drama series that premiered in April 2020, created by Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke. The show follows a group of teenagers in the Outer Banks of North Carolina as they navigate treasure hunts, class conflicts, and dangerous adventures. Despite its setting in the coastal region of North Carolina, the series is filmed almost entirely in South Carolina, creating an interesting disconnect between the fictional setting and real-world production locations.

The decision to film in South Carolina rather than North Carolina's actual Outer Banks was primarily driven by financial considerations and production logistics. South Carolina offers competitive tax incentives for film productions, with up to 25% rebates on qualified expenses, making it more cost-effective for Netflix's production. Additionally, Charleston provides diverse filming locations that can convincingly double for the Outer Banks landscape while offering better infrastructure for a television production of this scale.

How It Works

The production of Outer Banks involves careful location scouting and set design to recreate the Outer Banks atmosphere in South Carolina.

Primary Filming Hub: Charleston, South Carolina serves as the central production base, with approximately 90% of filming occurring in Charleston County and surrounding areas. The production team has utilized over 50 different locations throughout the Charleston region since Season 1 began filming in 2019, creating a consistent visual identity despite the geographical relocation.
Specific Location Doubling: Mount Pleasant frequently stands in for the fictional Kildare Island's residential areas, while James Island provides beach and marsh scenes. Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant serves as the backdrop for many waterfront scenes, and the Hunting Island Lighthouse in Beaufort County appears as the iconic lighthouse featured prominently throughout the series.
Production Timeline: Season 1 filmed from May to August 2019, Season 2 from August to November 2020, and Season 3 from February to June 2022. Each season involves approximately 4-5 months of principal photography, with post-production adding several additional months before Netflix release.
Economic Impact: The production has injected an estimated $50+ million into South Carolina's economy since 2019, creating hundreds of local jobs and supporting numerous businesses in the hospitality and service industries. This significant financial contribution demonstrates how film productions can benefit regional economies beyond entertainment value.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Actual Outer Banks, NC	Filming Locations, SC
Primary Setting	Real coastal islands including Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Ocracoke	Charleston area doubling as fictional Kildare Island
Production Economics	Limited film incentives (15% rebate cap)	More generous incentives (up to 25% rebates)
Infrastructure	Smaller production facilities and crew base	Established film industry with experienced crews
Geographic Features	200+ miles of barrier islands with distinctive dunes	Similar coastal landscapes with adaptable beaches
Tourism Impact	Increased interest but limited filming presence	Direct economic benefits from production spending

Why It Matters

Economic Development: The $50+ million production spending in South Carolina has created approximately 300-400 local jobs per season and supported countless small businesses. This demonstrates how film and television productions can serve as significant economic drivers for regions that offer competitive incentives and infrastructure.
Tourism Dynamics: Despite being filmed in South Carolina, the show has boosted tourism in the actual Outer Banks of North Carolina by an estimated 15-20% since its premiere. This creates an interesting phenomenon where the fictional setting benefits economically while the filming location receives direct production revenue.
Production Industry Trends: The location decision reflects broader industry patterns where streaming services like Netflix prioritize financial incentives and production efficiency over geographical authenticity. This case study illustrates how tax policies directly influence where billion-dollar content gets created.

The filming location strategy for Outer Banks represents a modern approach to television production where financial pragmatism often outweighs geographical authenticity. As streaming services continue to dominate entertainment, similar location decisions will likely become more common, with states and regions competing through incentives to attract high-profile productions. The success of Outer Banks demonstrates that audiences are willing to suspend disbelief about filming locations when the storytelling is compelling, opening new possibilities for production logistics worldwide. Future seasons may continue this South Carolina-based production model while potentially incorporating more location shooting in the actual Outer Banks for specific establishing shots or special episodes.