Where was Community filmed?
2009
City Locations
Los Angeles (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, College
Location Styles
Modern Building, Modern Car
About Community
Community is a sitcom created by Dan Harmon that aired from 2009 to 2015. Set at a community college, the show follows an eclectic group of students and teachers whose lives become intertwined. The self-aware show is filled with pop culture references and parodies of common TV and film tropes.
It stars Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, and Danny Pudi as students, and Chevy Chase and Ken Jeong as teachers. Though it struggled in the rating department, Community gained a devoted cult following over its six seasons.
Harmon drew inspiration for the sitcom based on his own experiences at community college. He employed his "story circle" technique to craft each episode's narrative, aiming for an effective storytelling structure. Harmon also served as the showrunner for the first three seasons but was fired before season four.
The new showrunners received poor reviews, so Harmon was rehired for season five. Despite improved reviews, NBC canceled Community after season five. However, Yahoo! Screen picked up the show for a sixth and final season to provide closure for fans.
The show gained a devoted cult following and critical acclaim. Lauded for its acting, writing, and meta-humor, Community won an Emmy and Critics' Choice Award. After years of rumors, a movie sequel was announced in 2022.
Unlike most sitcoms, Community has been widely studied academically. Scholars frequently analyze the show's self-aware semiotics: its references to common TV and film tropes highlight the medium's storytelling devices. Through parody and meta-humor, Community creatively examines the nature of television itself.
Some critics argue that Community is fundamentally about semiotics itself. As Mordicai Knode writes, "Community is about the tropes of every single genre. The cinematic language of a movie taps into this common well of shared meaning, crafting a persuasive message that reaches us in a deeply personal yet culturally universal way." The show deconstructs storytelling devices and the viewer's relationship with media, making semiotics a central theme.
Community Locations
The TV series was primarily shot in Los Angeles, California, making use of both the Paramount Studios lot in Hollywood and the CBS Studio Center. The backdrop of this region offers a stunning view of the city with its impressive skyline, landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, and sprawling mountain ranges that provide a stunning contrast to bustling downtown life.
Traveling to the Community filming locations is a worthwhile endeavor for any fan of the sitcom. Most of the exterior scenes were shot at Los Angeles City College, which provides a backdrop for some insight into the educational institutions featured in the show while also offering up plenty of opportunities to explore other areas of Los Angeles.
Fans can be sure to find exciting attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood or Griffith Park Observatory as well as interesting dining experiences in trendy neighborhoods like Fairfax or Silver Lake. With so much to do and explore, it's easy to see why a trip to Los Angeles would be worthwhile.
Anna arrives on the campus scene in Community
Los Angeles City College, 855 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029, United States
In episode 3 of Season 1, titled "Introduction to Film," multiple scenes were shot on the campus of Los Angeles City College. The scenes include the opening credits, where we see Annie (Alison Brie) arriving on campus and interacting with other students.
Additionally, the cafeteria of Los Angeles City College was used as a filming location for the episode. Jeff (Joel McHale) tries to convince the Dean (Jim Rash) to re-establish the school's once-renowned film program. The cafeteria served as a great location for the scene, with its long rows of tables and bright lighting adding to the feeling of a bustling college campus.
Los Angeles City College (LACC) is a public school located in Los Angeles, California. Established in 1929, LACC is one of the oldest community colleges in the county and has a rich history of academic excellence and community outreach. The campus is home to several well-maintained buildings that showcase a blend of classic, modern, and contemporary architectural styles.
The college also has an impressive library and a cutting-edge media center that includes a TV studio and cinema. The students can also enjoy a variety of athletic facilities, including a gymnasium, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and a football stadium.
From the north, take Highway 101 South and take the Vermont Ave exit. Turn right onto Vermont Ave and continue for approximately 2 miles. 855 N Vermont Ave will be on your left-hand side.
Take the Metro Red Line to the Vermont/Sunset Station. Exit the station and walk approximately 0.5 miles north on Vermont Ave. 855 N Vermont Ave will be on your left-hand side.
Jeff and Britta working scene in Community
Camino Theater, Los Angeles City College, N Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90029, United States
The Camino Theater was transformed into the fictional "Crossbar.” where Jeff (Joel McHale) and Britta (Gillian Jacobs) work. The scenes at the bar were shot in the spacious theater lobby, which has a grand staircase leading up to the balcony.
The Camino Theater also served as the backdrop for several other scenes in the episode, including the "Save Greendale" rally. The stage acted as the perfect setting for the speeches and performances delivered by the characters of the show.
Several scenes seen in episode 19 of Season 5, titled "VCR Maintenance and Educational Publishing," were shot also filmed at the Camino Theater. The performing arts and entertainment venue is located on the grounds of Los Angeles City College (LACC). Constructed in 1935, it is one of the oldest theaters in the Los Angeles area and has been an integral part of the cultural history of the city for decades.
The Camino Theater has also served as a popular filming location for movies and television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gilmore Girls. The Camino Theater is located on the LACC campus at 855 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029.
To get to Camino Theater at Los Angeles City College, head southwest from your location toward Santa Monica Blvd. Then turn left onto Santa Monica Blvd. Continue straight onto N Vermont Ave. The college will be on your right on N Vermont Ave between Santa Monica Blvd and Franklin Ave.
Chang sleeping scene in Community
Paramount Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
The former study group is surprised to reunite at Greendale Community College after graduating. They find Ben Chang (Ken Jeong) still lingering around the school, sleeping in their old study room. Having dropped his "Kevin" persona, Chang admitted to his past misdeeds and was sentenced to probation. As part of his work release, he is now a math teacher at Greendale.
Paramount Studios is one of the oldest film studios in Hollywood. Founded in 1912, Paramount Pictures has produced some of the most famous films in cinema history. The studio is headquartered in Hollywood, Los Angeles on a large production facility that includes multiple soundstages, sets, and offices.
Paramount has produced several productions including Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Godfather, Forrest Gump, and the Star Trek franchise. The studio's water tower and arched entrance are recognizable landmarks. The Paramount backlot has also been featured in numerous movies and TV shows. It was the setting for shows like I Love Lucy in the ‘50s and more recently served as the Greendale Community College campus in Community.
Take Metro Red Line subway to the Hollywood/Western station and walk southeast on Melrose Ave for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, hop on bus 210 and get off at the Melrose Ave/Gower St stop.
You can also drive to Paramount Studios, which is about a 30-45 minute drive from downtown LA or LAX airport depending on traffic. Head east on Melrose Ave and the studio entrance will be on your right. There is a parking garage on the lot for visitors.
Conclusion
The beloved sitcom Community has made its mark on television, and its unique filming locations have played a large part in creating its aesthetic. The series was largely filmed at Paramount Studios lot in Hollywood, California for the first five seasons, but moved to CBS Studio Center for season six.
To give the show an even greater sense of realism, exterior shots were recorded at Los Angeles City College during the sixth season. This variety of locations provided audiences with a feeling of authenticity that many other shows don’t have.
By adding various settings to the show over its six-season run, Community was able to expand the scope of its stories and create an even more immersive experience for viewers. Whether it's on a college campus or a soundstage studio lot, Community has maintained a strong presence throughout Hollywood over the last decade thanks to these unique filming locations.