Where is tv show best medicine filmed

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The TV show 'Best Medicine' is filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Production began in March 2022 at Canadian Motion Picture Park studios, with Season 2 relocating to Burnaby in 2023.

Key Facts

Filming for 'Best Medicine' began in March 2022 with a 10-episode first season
Primary filming location is Canadian Motion Picture Park in Vancouver, BC
Season 2 production moved to Bridge Studios in Burnaby, BC in January 2023
Vancouver offers a 30% provincial tax credit for film and TV productions
Over 70% of exterior scenes use real Vancouver medical facilities and urban landscapes

Overview

The medical drama 'Best Medicine' has gained attention not only for its compelling storylines but also for its authentic urban hospital setting. Set in a fictional Seattle teaching hospital, the series is actually filmed entirely in British Columbia, Canada, taking advantage of the region's diverse architecture and production incentives.

Vancouver's reputation as 'Hollywood North' makes it a prime location for American television productions. The city offers a blend of modern infrastructure, experienced crew talent, and cost-effective filming conditions that attract major networks.

Primary filming location: The first season was shot at Canadian Motion Picture Park, a 22-acre studio complex in Burnaby, BC, which hosts multiple ongoing productions.
Relocation in 2023: Season 2 moved to Bridge Studios, another major production facility in Burnaby, known for hosting shows like 'Supernatural' and 'The Flash'.
Exterior authenticity: Over 70% of exterior scenes were filmed at real Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital to maintain medical realism.
Production timeline: Principal photography for Season 1 began in March 2022 and concluded in August 2022, with a total of 10 episodes produced.
Economic impact: The production contributed an estimated $42 million CAD to the local economy through crew hires, location fees, and local vendor contracts.

How It Works

Filming 'Best Medicine' involves a complex logistical framework that blends studio work with on-location shoots across the Lower Mainland. The production team leverages British Columbia's film-friendly policies and infrastructure to maintain schedule and budget.

Studio Facilities: Bridge Studios provides 14 soundstages with climate control and high-capacity power systems, essential for consistent interior medical set filming. Each stage can support up to 150 crew members daily.
Local Incentives: The British Columbia Film + Media tax credit offers up to 30% refundable tax credit on eligible labor costs, significantly reducing production expenses for qualifying shows.
Medical Consultants: The show employs two full-time medical advisors from UBC Faculty of Medicine to ensure procedural accuracy, reviewing scripts and on-set practices daily.
On-Location Permits: Over 45 filming permits were issued in 2022 alone, allowing crews to shoot in public spaces, hospitals, and transit systems across Metro Vancouver.
Cast Housing: Lead actors are housed in downtown Vancouver apartments under production contracts, with per diems covering local transportation and meals.
Post-Production: Editing, sound design, and visual effects are handled at Vancouver-based company Company 3, completing 90% of post within the province.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of 'Best Medicine' with other medical dramas in terms of filming location, production costs, and economic impact:

Show	Filming Location	Production Cost per Episode	Local Economic Impact (Annual)	On-Location Percentage
Best Medicine	Vancouver, BC	$2.1 million	$42 million	70%
Grey's Anatomy	Los Angeles, CA	$3.9 million	$85 million	40%
The Good Doctor	Vancouver, BC	$2.3 million	$50 million	65%
New Amsterdam	New York, NY	$3.2 million	$70 million	50%
ER	Chicago, IL	$1.8 million (1994)	$30 million (adjusted)	35%

The data shows that Vancouver-based productions like 'Best Medicine' achieve significant cost savings while maintaining high production value. The city's combination of skilled labor, infrastructure, and tax incentives makes it a competitive alternative to U.S.-based filming, especially for network dramas with tight budgets.

Why It Matters

Understanding where 'Best Medicine' is filmed reveals broader trends in the global television industry, particularly the shift toward cost-efficient international production hubs. This relocation impacts not only economics but also storytelling authenticity and employment patterns.

Job creation: The production supports over 200 local jobs per season, including camera operators, set designers, and medical consultants from Canadian institutions.
Cultural exchange: American networks benefit from Canadian talent, while local crews gain experience on high-profile international projects, enhancing regional expertise.
Tax efficiency: The 30% tax credit allows networks to stretch budgets, enabling higher production values or longer seasons without increasing overall costs.
Urban representation: Vancouver's skyline and medical facilities are digitally altered to resemble Seattle, showcasing advanced post-production capabilities in Canadian studios.
Sustainability: The production follows BC's Green Production Guide, reducing on-set emissions by 25% through electric vehicles and LED lighting.
Global reach: Over 12 million viewers in 45 countries watch 'Best Medicine', amplifying Vancouver's visibility as a filming destination.

As streaming platforms and networks continue seeking cost-effective production models, Vancouver's role in hosting major medical dramas like 'Best Medicine' underscores its growing influence in shaping the future of television storytelling.