Where was Zoey 101 filmed?
2005
City Locations
Los Angeles (USA), Malibu (USA), Valencia (USA)
Location Types
University, Unusual, Unique
Location Styles
Modern Building, Modern Car, Beachfront
About Zoey 101
Zoey 101, a delightful comedy-drama television series, was brought to life by the creative genius of Dan Schneider. It graced the screens of Nickelodeon from January 9, 2005, until May 2, 2008, captivating audiences with its charm and wit. The show captivated viewers with its engaging storyline, combining humor and drama to create a memorable viewing experience. The narrative centers on Zoey Brooks, portrayed by Jamie Lynn Spears, and her brother Dustin, portrayed by Paul Butcher, along with their close-knit group of friends. Together, they navigate life at the esteemed Pacific Coast Academy, a boarding school in Southern California. Through the series, Zoey and her fellow students navigate teenage life together, forming platonic and more than just friendly friendships.
Zoey 101 was notable for being the first series in which Jamie Lynn Spears (then 16 years old) starred in her show. Until then, she had been known primarily as a supporting actress through appearances with older sister Britney Spears. It was also one of the first shows to be shot in high-definition format on a 35mm camera.
The storyline of Zoey 101 follows a group of friends as they attend Pacific Coast Academy. Throughout the series, they keep growing closer together, making new memories while trying to survive teenage drama and more unusual situations. In addition to tackling regular day-to-day issues, Zoey and her pals often find themselves involved with ghosts, pixies, and robots. As they bravely tackle these obstacles, we witness their characters evolve and get an inside look at what it’s like to grow up.
The series was a hit with its target audience, especially younger viewers. It broke records for Nickelodeon, achieving the best premiere performance in almost eight years. The highly anticipated series finale, "Chasing Zoey," reached an unprecedented milestone on Nickelodeon. In a remarkable feat, it surpassed even the ratings of the renowned American Idol among the coveted 12-17 age group. Common Sense Media gave the show a 3/5 rating, while on Rotten Tomatoes, the first season received an 80% rating from 5 critics. However, some older viewers have criticized the show for being unrealistic.
Zoey 101 Locations
The popular Nickelodeon TV series, Zoey 101, is filmed in many locations that add up to the show's charm. Most scenes were shot at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and stages in Valencia. Malibu offers breathtaking views of the ocean and its cliffs and a peaceful atmosphere that can be felt throughout the entire campus. It is a great place for a getaway or vacation with its wide array of activities, from surfing to nature trails. Moreover, the town of Valencia has an equally beautiful backdrop with mountains, hills, and valleys, providing a perfect backdrop for any scene.
Pepperdine University provides an excellent environment for shooting with its modern buildings, lush vegetation, and stunning scenery. Moreover, its popularity also adds to the overall appeal of this location for visitors from all over the world who come to take part in filming or just enjoy what it has to offer. It's no wonder why this university was chosen as one of the main locations for Zoey 101. Not only does it add to the show’s setting, but it also allows viewers to explore different parts of California while watching their favorite show.
A trip to these locations would be worthwhile given their scenic views and historical sites, such as Malibu's famous pier featured prominently in Season 3's episode "Welcome Back." Besides Pepperdine and Valencia, numerous other places were used during production, such as Langley Air Force Base in Virginia or Catalina Island in California, offering unique backdrops for any scene. Whether you are looking for something more urban like Langley or something more serene like Catalina Island, these filming locations have something unique to offer to everyone who visits them.
The basketball challenge scene in Zoey 101
Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
On Zoey Brooks' (Jamie Lynn Spears) first day at PCA, she is confronted with a basketball challenge by Logan Reese (Matthew Underwood), a bullish guy. Logan forms his team, comprising Chase Matthews (Sean Flynn) and Michael Barrett (Christopher Massey), for a boys vs. girls match. Zoey carefully selects her team, comprising Nicole Bristow (Alexa Nikolas), Dana Cruz (Kristin Herrera), and Quinn Pensky (Erin Sanders).
Pacific Coast Academy scenes were shot at Pepperdine University. It is a prestigious Christian university located in Malibu, California. With a solid commitment to academic excellence and Christian values, Pepperdine provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields. Pepperdine University is founded in 1937 and offers various undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines. The university is known for its top-ranked schools, including the business school, education and psychology school, law school, liberal arts school, and public policy school.
If you are coming from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), head south on World Way towards West Way and Sacramento. Continue on CA-1 N towards Santa Monica. Stay on CA-1 N for approximately 12 miles.
Disc golf scene in Zoey 101
Alumni Park, 3570 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA
In the scene, Logan (Matthew Underwood) impresses everyone with his exceptional disc golf skills, prompting them to invite him to join their team. Chase (Sean Flynn) picks a school randomly for their competition, unaware that it turns out to be a group of teenage criminals. However, due to the limited number of participants, they ask Nicole (Alexa Nikolas) to sit out and not participate in the game.
This scene was filmed at Alumni Park. It is a picturesque outdoor space in Los Angeles, specifically within the University of Southern California (USC) campus. It holds significant historical and sentimental value as it was dedicated in 1935 as the "Alumni Memorial Campus." The park spans one square block and features lush green lawns shaded by beautiful sycamore and magnolia trees. The park's central location within USC's campus makes it easily accessible to the university community. It is often used as a venue for various events, including concerts, performances, and gatherings. Notably, the park faces the iconic Bovard Tower and features a fountain that adds to its charm.
Getting to Alumni Park is quite straightforward. Using a GPS or map is recommended to ensure smooth navigation. On-site parking is available, but it can get busy during peak hours, so allow extra time for travel.
Zoey coming to Chase's room scene in Zoey 101
Mann Biomedical Park LLC, 25104 Rye Canyon Loop, Valencia, CA
Once everyone has settled into their new rooms, Chase (Sean Flynn) approaches Zoey (Jamie Lynn Spears) and expresses his desire to have a private conversation with her. Lola (Victoria Justice) and Quinn (Erin Sanders) speculate that Chase wants to confess his love for Zoey, but she remains skeptical. To verify their claims, Zoey confronts Chase in his room, only to unintentionally interrupt him kissing his new girlfriend, Rebecca (Daniella Monet).
Chase’s room scene was filmed at Mann Biomedical Park LLC in Valencia, California. It is a notable business park spanning 167 acres. The park offers a range of unique features and amenities, making it an attractive location for businesses in the biomedical industry. The park provides a variety of facilities for companies operating in the biomedical field, accommodating their specific needs for research, development, and manufacturing. It serves as a hub for various businesses in the biomedical industry, providing them with a conducive environment for growth and innovation. Now it is temporarily closed, but visitors can see the exterior.
If you are coming to Mann Biomedical Park LLC from Los Angeles, take the I-5 North freeway onto Valencia Blvd and McBean Pkwy. Turn left onto Rye Canyon Rd.
Conclusion
The TV series Zoey 101 took viewers on a journey through the Pacific Coast Academy, following the adventures of Zoey and her friends. The show was primarily filmed at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, during its first two seasons, and then shifted to stages in Valencia for season 3 onwards. Despite the location change, the show still managed to capture the spirit of P.C.A., giving viewers an authentic look into the boarding school's unique culture and environment. From forming friendships to dealing with teenage drama, Zoey 101 provided an entertaining glimpse into life at a prestigious academy.