Where is stranger things filmed

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Stranger Things is primarily filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, with key locations including Jackson and East Point. Netflix's Grady Hall studio in Atlanta serves as the main production hub.

Key Facts

Principal filming for Stranger Things began in 2016 in Jackson, Georgia, standing in for the fictional Hawkins, Indiana.
Over 80% of the series is shot on soundstages at Netflix's Grady Hall studio in Atlanta.
The Hawkins Middle School set was built at Blackhall Studios, located in Atlanta’s Southside.
East Point, Georgia, was used for exterior shots of Hawkins National Laboratory.
Season 4 expanded filming to include locations in California and New Mexico for Russian and Alaska storylines.

Overview

Stranger Things, the popular sci-fi horror series created by the Duffer Brothers, is primarily filmed in Georgia, leveraging the state’s generous tax incentives for film production. While the story is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, nearly all exterior and interior scenes are shot across various locations in and around Atlanta.

Since its debut in 2016, Georgia has served as the backbone for the show’s production, with Netflix establishing a long-term presence at Grady Hall, a dedicated studio complex. The state’s diverse landscapes and well-preserved 1980s-era architecture make it an ideal stand-in for the show’s nostalgic setting.

Principal filming location: Jackson, Georgia, a small town 45 miles east of Atlanta, was used for downtown Hawkins scenes, including the iconic Palace Arcade.
Studio base: Netflix’s Grady Hall studio in Atlanta hosts over 80% of the series’ interior sets, including the Byers’ home and Hawkins Lab interiors.
Blackhall Studios: Located in Atlanta’s Southside, this facility housed the construction of the Hawkins Middle School set for Season 3 and beyond.
East Point, Georgia: The exterior of the decommissioned East Point City Hall doubled as the entrance to Hawkins National Laboratory in early seasons.
Period accuracy: Production designers meticulously restored buildings in Jackson to reflect the 1983–1986 timeline, removing modern signage and vehicles.

How It Works

The production of Stranger Things relies on a hybrid approach combining on-location shooting with extensive studio work, allowing for precise control over visual effects and period details.

Soundstage Filming: The majority of interior scenes are shot on soundstages at Grady Hall. These stages allow for full environmental control, essential for the show’s signature lighting and atmospheric effects.
On-Location Shooting: Exterior scenes in Jackson and East Point are filmed on location to maintain authentic period architecture and natural lighting conditions.
Set Construction: Full-scale sets, such as the Upside Down and Hawkins Lab, are built indoors to facilitate complex stunts and visual effects integration.
Visual Effects Integration: Scenes involving the Demogorgon or Mind Flayer are shot with green screens, later enhanced with ILM (Industrial Light & Magic) effects.
Transportation Logistics: Equipment and cast move between Atlanta, Jackson, and other sites using a fleet of over 30 production vehicles managed by Netflix’s logistics team.
Period Replication: The art department sources 1980s-era props, costumes, and electronics to ensure historical accuracy across all seasons.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key filming locations used across the four seasons of Stranger Things:

Location	Used For	Seasons Filmed	Distance from Atlanta
Jackson, GA	Downtown Hawkins, Palace Arcade	1–4	45 miles
Grady Hall, Atlanta	Main studio for interiors	1–4	0 miles
Blackhall Studios	Hawkins Middle School set	3–4	10 miles
East Point, GA	Hawkins Lab exterior	1–2	12 miles
Abiquiú, NM	Russian lab scenes	4	N/A (out-of-state)

This table highlights how the production has evolved from relying heavily on Georgia locations to incorporating out-of-state sites for expanded storylines. While Georgia remains the core production base, Season 4 introduced filming in New Mexico and California to depict Russian and Alaskan settings, reflecting the show’s growing scale.

Why It Matters

The choice of Georgia as the primary filming location has had significant economic and cultural impacts, both for the state and the global perception of regional filmmaking.

Economic boost: Stranger Things has contributed over $200 million to Georgia’s economy since 2016, supporting local crews and businesses.
Tax incentives: Georgia offers a 20–30% tax credit for film production, making it a top destination for Netflix and other studios.
Job creation: The series employs over 500 local crew members per season, from carpenters to makeup artists.
Tourism growth: Fans visit Jackson and East Point for self-guided tours, boosting local tourism revenue.
Infrastructure development: Netflix’s investment led to the expansion of Grady Hall into a 40-acre production campus.
Industry influence: Stranger Things helped solidify Atlanta as a major hub for sci-fi and genre television, attracting other high-profile productions.

As the series concludes with its fifth season, the legacy of its Georgia-based production will continue to shape the future of American television filmmaking.