“Bad Monkey” is an American black comedy-drama series created and produced by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses. The show, a collaboration between Warner Bros. Television, Two Soups Productions, and Doozer Productions, is based on Carl Hiaasen’s 2013 novel of the same name. The story follows Andrew Yancy, a disgraced detective sent to the Florida Keys after being demoted. While trying to adjust to the laid-back life there, Yancy stumbles upon a dismembered arm, leading him into a mystery filled with dangerous criminals, murder, and even a monkey. As he digs deeper, he uncovers corruption and greed that threaten the beautiful surroundings of Southern Florida and the Bahamas. With its crime-comedy storyline set against coastal landscapes, viewers might wonder where the show was actually filmed.
Where Was “Bad Monkey” Filmed?
The filming for the first season of “Bad Monkey” took place in Key West and Miami, Florida. Principal photography began in February 2022. The cast and crew faced several challenges during production due to the location in South Florida. The high humidity made it necessary to frequently change clothes on camera because they would get soaked, which could mess up the continuity. Wildlife, such as Key deer, birds, and iguanas, often interrupted the shooting, straying into the scenes.
Key West, Florida
For an authentic feel, the production team chose Key West as the main filming location for the first season. Key West is an island city in Florida, known for its beautiful beaches and unique architecture. The commercial downtown area, particularly Duval Street, can be seen in various scenes throughout the season. The colorful Victorian-era houses and conch-style cottages on Duval Street add a charming visual appeal to the show. The crew filmed at 500 Duval Street to capture the tree-lined stretch and pastel-colored buildings. The island’s beaches and piers were also used as stunning backdrops for the show.
Beautiful aerial shots of the island and its long coastline reveal its lush greenery and peaceful beaches. These shots contrast the calm environment with the intense drama unfolding in the story. Key West is located in Monroe County and is made up of several islands, including Stock Island, Fleming Key, Sunset Key, and Dredgers Key. Key West proved to be an ideal filming location for “Bad Monkey,” as it corresponded to the setting of the book on which it is based. The island’s unique charm and lively atmosphere complement the show’s mix of crime and comedy.
Miami, Florida
Miami, in Miami-Dade County, was also a primary filming location for the first season of “Bad Monkey.” Miami’s cityscape was used to depict scenes of Andrew conducting detective work. It also represented the Bahamas. Filming in a foreign country, such as the Bahamas, could have been complicated, so the production team recreated Andros Island’s environment in Miami. South Florida is not typically regarded as a desirable location for filming due to a lack of adequate infrastructure, incentives, and challenging weather conditions when compared to other states. Many films and television shows set in Florida are actually filmed in Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and even Los Angeles.
Despite these challenges, the production team believed that Florida’s natural beauty and unique atmosphere were worth the effort. Another major reason for choosing Florida was that creator Bill Lawrence is from the area and a fan of Carl Hiaasen’s novel, which focuses on the environment. This necessitated filming in locations that could accurately recreate the story’s settings. Other notable works filmed in and around Miami include “Bad Boys,” “War Dogs,” the 2017 film “Baywatch,” and “Striptease,” which is based on a Hiaasen novel.
Cast of Bad Monkey
he cast of “Bad Monkey” includes Vince Vaughn as Andrew Yancy, a former detective who is now working as a restaurant inspector. Michelle Monaghan plays Bonnie Witt, a woman in an abusive marriage with a mysterious past. Jodie Turner-Smith portrays Dragon Queen, also known as Gracie, an Obeah-practicing woman living in Andros, Bahamas. Meredith Hagner is Eve Stripling, the wife of a drowning victim named Nick Stripling, while Rob Delaney plays Christopher, Eve’s boyfriend. Natalie Martinez appears as Rosa Campesino, a medical examiner from Miami who helps Andrew Yancy. L. Scott Caldwell plays Ya-Ya, Dragon Queen’s grandmother, and Ronald Peet is Neville Stafford, a young Bahamian fisherman. John Ortiz takes on the role of Rogelio Burton, a police detective and Yancy’s best friend.
The show also features a recurring cast, including Charlotte Lawrence as Caitlin, a model and recovering addict who is Eve’s stepdaughter. Roberto Escobar plays Mateo Campesino, Rosa’s father. Alex Moffat is Evan Shook, a real estate developer working on a mansion next to Yancy’s property. Victor Turpin portrays Montenegro, Yancy’s lawyer and close friend. Reese Antoinette appears as Dawnie, Lulu’s mother, and the niece of a local fisherman named Charles in Andros, Bahamas. David St. Louis plays Carter “Egg” Ecclestone, a hired thug working for the Striplings on Andros, while Amina Massai is Lulu, Dawnie’s daughter.
The filming locations for “Bad Monkey” in Key West and Miami, Florida, were crucial in bringing the show to life. The beautiful beaches, lively streets, and lush greenery added authenticity to the story and provided an ideal backdrop for the combination of crime and comedy. Despite the challenges encountered during production, the decision to film in Florida paid off, giving the series a distinct look and feel that is consistent with the spirit of the original novel.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Bad Monkey Season 1
Q: Where was “Bad Monkey” filmed?
A: “Bad Monkey” was primarily filmed in Key West and Miami, Florida. Key West provided the authentic island setting, while Miami was used to depict scenes in both Miami and The Bahamas.
Q: When was “Bad Monkey” filmed?
A: Filming for “Bad Monkey” began in February 2022. The production took place over several months, facing challenges due to the humid climate and frequent wildlife interruptions.
Q: When is the release date of “Bad Monkey”?
A: “Bad Monkey” was released on Apple TV+ on August 14, 2024.
Q: Who is in the cast of “Bad Monkey”?
A: The main cast of “Bad Monkey” includes Vince Vaughn as Andrew Yancy, Michelle Monaghan as Bonnie Witt, Jodie Turner-Smith as Dragon Queen/Gracie, and Meredith Hagner as Eve Stripling, among others.
Q: What is the show “Bad Monkey” about?
A: “Bad Monkey” follows the story of Andrew Yancy, a disgraced detective turned restaurant inspector, who gets entangled in a mysterious case involving a dismembered arm, criminal enterprises, and a monkey, set against the backdrop of the Florida Keys and The Bahamas.
