Deadwood is an American television series set in California. It aired on HBO between 2004 and 2006. Set in Deadwood, South Dakota, in the 1870s, the show follows the town's evolution from camp to an actual town. David Milch created and wrote the show, and after a three-season run with 36 episodes, the series returned with a movie on May 31, 2019.
Deadwood is located in an irregular mining town. This town attracts people looking to succeed in a vast gold mine and those looking to exploit the lack of law and order instead of building on land stolen from the Sioux.
There is a great moment of truth: the townspeople struggle to make that life on the frontier. This intensifies the power struggle. As newcomers arrive in the city and temporary governments are formed, the balance of power in the city constantly shifts.
Deadwood is more than just a show; it's a real place with a rich history and real people who live throughout the series. The interesting characters and intriguing storylines contributed to the show's popularity. The authentic and engaging setting also plays a significant role in making the show feel authentic. Here, we shall dive deep and see where the show was filmed.
Exploiting all the filming locations of Deadwood TV series
The show is set in the wild and rough-and-tumble town of Deadwood, South Dakota, in the late 1800s. It is the setting for a story that follows characters like Seth Bullock, Al Swearingen, Calamity Jane, and Wild Bill Hickok. Notably, these characters are real people, and the town is a real place. Although the TV show was filmed in California, not South Dakota, it was praised for being true to history.
1. Melody Ranch, Santa Clarita, California
Since 1915, Melody Ranch Studio in Santa Clarita Valley, California, has produced non-stop action-packed westerns. This 22-acre back lot in the 30-mile zone is still a popular spot for movie and TV series shoots today. Recent productions include Westworld, Deadwood, Last Man Standing, and Once Upon a Time In Hollywood.
2. Paramount Ranch, Agoura Hills, California
Paramount Ranch is a famous filming location in the Santa Monica Mountains near Agoura Hills, California. It's known for its old Western town set, which has been the backdrop for many iconic movies and TV shows since the 1920s. It is not just about the movies - you can hike and ride horses here. The Conejo Valley provides a scenic view.
3. Santa Clarita, California
Besides the unique filming spots, some scenes from the show were shot in Santa Clarita, California. This lively city gave the show a flexible setting for its town scenes, letting the creators show the different sides of life in a thriving mining town.
4. Frazier Park, California, USA
Frazier Park, California, is located in Kern County. The town has a rural atmosphere, and most people own their homes. Many families call Frazier Park home, and its community is conservative.
5. Customised sets
The Deadwood production team built some amazing sets at their main filming spots to bring the story to life. They made the Gem Saloon, the Bella Union, and the Grand Central Hotel, among others. The details in these sets were incredible, making both the actors and viewers feel like they were back in the wild Old West.
Deadwood was an actual mining camp in South Dakota that thrived in the 1800s. The show took inspiration from the city's history and characters but drastically changed them to make them more interesting.
Some of the original buildings mentioned in the series still stand, but many have been demolished or destroyed. The show's sets and locations attempted to recreate what that city would have looked like back in the day.
All three show's seasons are available to stream on HBO and HBO Max.
