Where was Hill Street Blues filmed?
1981
City Locations
Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, Hotel
Location Styles
Federal Building, Classic Car, Georgian/Southern, Colonial, Building Dated/Retro
About Hill Street Blues
Exceptionally crafted by Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll, Hill Street Blues is a groundbreaking American police drama series that garnered audience's hearts from 1981 to 1987. The show introduced an ensemble cast featuring a multitude of talented actors, from Daniel J. Travanti to Veronica Hamel, Michael Conrad to Bruce Weitz, and from James B. Sikking to Betty Thomas; the depth of the performances is something that still strikes a chord with audiences worldwide.
Hill Street Blues unfolds in an unnamed city that could be anywhere in America, reflecting the universality of its themes. The series dives deep into the personal and professional lives of police officers and staff at the Hill Street station, pushing boundaries with its realistic portrayal of the police force. From personal struggles and complex relationships to their jobs' daily trials and tribulations, the show is a raw and unfiltered depiction of life on the force. The series redefines storytelling with innovative techniques, including handheld cameras and overlapping dialogue.
Crowned with critical acclaim, Hill Street Blues won four consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series (1981-1984). It set a record with nine acting nominations for regular cast members at the 34th Primetime Emmy Awards - a clear testament to the performances delivered.
The show's influence is felt across the small screen, inspiring other successful dramas such as NYPD Blue and The West Wing. Recognized as one of the greatest television dramas, it proudly finds its place in TV Guide's list of the 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and deeply affected by this unparalleled television masterpiece.
Hill Street Blues Locations
Primarily filmed in Los Angeles, including on-site locations and at the CBS Studio in Studio City, Hill Street Blues ingeniously crafted an urban environment that was a fusion of several U.S. cities. The series is set in an unnamed location, deliberately designed to mirror the hustle and bustle of a busy urban hub in the Midwest or Northeast. Steven Bochco, the show's creator, reportedly envisioned this fictional city as a blend of Buffalo, Chicago, and Pittsburgh, resulting in a unique backdrop for the series that intriguingly combined the characteristics of these cities.
Most of the scenes, including the show's opening and closing sequences and cut scenes, were filmed in Chicago, giving the series its distinctive midwestern feel. The University Police Station at 943 W Maxwell St, Chicago, anchoring the series in a distinct, real-world location, provided the setting for the police scenes. Other key filming locations included the King Edward Hotel in LA, which doubled as the site for Captain Furillo's meeting with Macafee in an old hotel, and the Lincoln Heights Old Jail in LA, which stood in for a jail in the series.
A visit to these filming locations could be a captivating journey for fans of Hill Street Blues and enthusiasts of television history alike. Beyond their association with the series, these sites — from the historic King Edward Hotel to the intriguing Lincoln Heights Old Jail — are landmarks with their own stories. Exploring these locations offers a deeper connection to the beloved series and an opportunity to discover unique facets of these urban landscapes.
The police station scenes in Hill Street Blues
University Police, 943 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
The opening credits of Hill Street Blues are iconic, capturing a memorable shot of a red brick police station with a patrol car parked nearby, proudly displaying the sign "Metro Police." This visual has become inseparable from the series, evoking a profound sense of nostalgia among fans.
The opening sequence of Hill Street Blues, displaying the distinctive red brick police station with a "Metro Police" patrol car parked nearby, is a symbolic image that fans associate deeply with the series. This scene stirs a powerful sense of nostalgia among its viewers.
The University Police Station, at 943 W Maxwell St, Chicago, provided the backdrop for these unforgettable scenes. The site is the operational base of the University of Illinois Chicago Police Department, a comprehensive law enforcement unit dedicated to ensuring the security and peace of the university and its surrounding communities.
Multiple transportation options are available to reach the site from the city center. Take a taxi or hop onto public buses #37 or 60. Alternatively, walking from the city center is also a viable choice and will take approximately 40 minutes to reach the destination.
Furillo and Macafee’s hotel scene in Hill Street Blues
The King Edward, 121 E 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
The tense negotiations with gangs regarding a Presidential visit dominated the show's first season. The season introduced the character of corrupt detective Sergeant Ralph Macafee (Dan Hedaya) and presented Officer LaRue (Kiel Martin) with a significant bribe challenge. A particularly memorable scene features Captain Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti) meeting with Macafee in an old hotel, a moment forever etched into fans' memories.
The King Edward, 121 E 5th St, Los Angeles, hosted the production team for this scene. Constructed in 1906 as the Edward Hotel, this building is now an apartment complex dedicated to housing the impoverished. Despite the changes its interior has undergone over the years, the exterior of the building has remained the same. It allows fans of Hill Street Blues to revisit the iconic location and reminisce about their favorite TV series.
To reach King Edward from downtown LA, head southeast on N Los Angeles St. The building is conveniently located near Little Tokyo. Alternatively, you can opt for public bus transportation, which will get you there in 10 minutes.
Esterhaus and Kermit Trench’s meeting scene in Hill Street Blues
S. Werdin Place And E. 5th Street, Los Angeles, California 90013, USA
In episode 8 of season 1, Sgt Phil Esterhaus (Michael Conrad) encounters his long-standing nemesis, Kermit Trench (Ron Feinberg), near an old hotel. Esterhaus bravely confronts the dangerous criminal, whom he had once put behind bars, only to discover that Trench has turned to religion and is seeking Esterhaus's forgiveness. This unexpected twist adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, making for a memorable moment in the series.
This pivotal scene was filmed at an alley on S. Werdin Place and E. 5th Street in Los Angeles, just south of 5th Street. Despite the passage of time, fans visiting this location may feel like they've stepped right into an episode of Hill Street Blues, as the surrounding buildings have remained unchanged.
Fans can also visit Indian Alley, a short distance away. Known for its significance to the impoverished American Indian community from the ‘70s to the ‘90s, Indian Alley has become a notable site for Los Angeles street art. Murals and sculptures commemorating its historical significance to Skid Row's American Indian community adorn the alley.
Fans have a multitude of options to reach this location from downtown LA. The site is conveniently close to the city center, a 15-minute walk away. Additionally, public bus services and the metro system are readily accessible for those seeking alternative modes of transportation.
The jail scene in Hill Street Blues
Lincoln Heights Jail, 421 N Ave 19, Los Angeles, CA 90031, USA
The episode "Politics as Usual" features a scene where LaRue (Kiel Martin) tries to return a bribe to Macafee (Dan Hedaya), only to be caught in the act by Internal Affairs Department agents. At the same time, Furillo's ex-wife Faye (Barbara Bosson) finds herself in the wrong place and ends up behind bars. Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti) manages to get her out of jail, but on the condition they discuss a mutually agreeable alimony arrangement.
The Lincoln Heights Jail, 421 N Ave 19, Los Angeles, provided the backdrop for the jail scene. No longer a functioning prison, the Lincoln Heights Jail was constructed in the late ‘20s with a distinguished Art Deco style. The building has served as the backdrop for several films, including the boiler room scenes in the 1984 horror movie Nightmare on Elm Street and the prison break scene in Iron Man 2 featuring antagonist Ivan Vanko. While the jail's interior is closed to the public, fans can still appreciate the structure's exterior and cinematic history.
A few options are available to get to this destination from downtown LA. You can hire a taxi for convenience or take the public bus #76 or 45. Once you arrive at the Main / Lamar stop, a pleasant 20-minute walk will bring you to your final destination.
The studio scenes in Hill Street Blues
Radford Studio Center, 4024 Radford Ave, Studio City, CA 91604, USA
Hill Street Blues has many memorable episodes, but "Fruits of the Poisonous Tree" stands out for many fans. In this episode, LaRue (Kiel Martin) and Washington (Taurean Blacque) find themselves accused of entrapping a mugger. Their situation is further complicated as night court proceedings interfere with their "Monday Night Football" viewing. Simultaneously, Bates (Betty Thomas) and Coffey (Ed Marinaro) are on the hunt for the gang members responsible for a child's drive-by shooting. Amidst all this, Fay (Barbara Bosson) drops a bombshell announcement - she's getting married again.
Like many others in the series, the Radford Studio Center, a historic television and film studio in the Studio City district of the San Fernando Valley, served as the setting for this scene. The studio was first opened by silent film producer and director Mack Sennett in May 1928, marking the beginning of its long and storied history in the film industry.
Over the years, the Radford Studio Center has been the filming location for numerous iconic shows. The Mary Tyler Moore Show began filming here in 1970, and from 1991 to 1996, the competitive sports show American Gladiators also used the location. During the mid-1990s, the studio's backlot added a New York Street for Seinfeld's exterior shots. Today, visitors can explore the studio's three backlot areas, including New York Street, immersing themselves in film and television.
To reach Radford Studio Center from downtown LA, head towards US-101 N. Continue on US-101 N to Ventura Blvd. Take exit 15 from US-101 N and drive to Radford Ave in Studio City. The studio will be on your left. Using public transport will require nearly an hour of your time.
Conclusion
Hill Street Blues brought a fresh perspective to the police drama genre with its innovative approach to storytelling and character growth. At a time when police shows were seen as outdated, Hill Street Blues rejuvenated television, setting a new standard for narratives that were both realistic and raw.
The performances by the ensemble cast, including Daniel J. Travanti, Bruce Weitz, Michael Warren, and James Sikking, were universally acclaimed. Their portrayals of police officers as fallible humans added a layer of realism missing from previous police dramas.
While set in an unspecified city in the North, Hill Street Blues used the exteriors of Chicago for filming, effectively capturing the energy and ambiance of a busy urban hub in the Midwest or Northeast. Nevertheless, most of the series was captured in Los Angeles, encompassing a range of locales throughout the city and CBS Studio Center. This rich tapestry of settings was a captivating backdrop, lending diversity to the series.
The series made significant contributions to the television industry, revolutionizing the drama genre by resisting formulaic storytelling and introducing the concept of an ensemble cast. Unlike earlier police shows where cases were neatly resolved within an episode, Hill Street Blues dared to present complex, ongoing storylines that often spanned several episodes.
The show's impact extended beyond its critical acclaim and record-setting Emmy wins. It attracted a dedicated, almost cult-like following, resonating with viewers who typically didn't watch much television. It became a topic of discussion among opinion-makers, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Given its historical significance and enduring quality, Hill Street Blues is worth watching, and it might just inspire your vacation plans! Whether you're a fan of police dramas or appreciate well-crafted television, this series offers a viewing experience that is as engaging as it is influential.