“Fellow Travelers” is a 2023 American historical romance political thriller television miniseries based on Thomas Mallon’s 2007 novel. Starring Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey, the series explores the romance between two men during the challenging times of McCarthyism in the 1950s. The miniseries premiered on October 29, 2023, on Showtime, with episodes available on Paramount+ with Showtime two days earlier.
Where was “Fellow Travelers” Filmed?
The majority of “Fellow Travelers” was filmed in Toronto, Ontario. Principal photography began on July 27, 2022, and wrapped up by December 9, 2022. The show also filmed in Ontario, Canada and Virginia, USA.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto, known for its diverse architecture and modern cityscape, served as a stand-in for various locations throughout the series. It helped recreate the bustling streets and important government buildings of Washington, D.C., where Hawkins Fuller (Matt Bomer) and Timothy Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey) first meet in the 1950s.
Fire Island Episode: Lake Ontario, Toronto
In Episode 7, the story takes us to Fire Island. However, in reality, these scenes were filmed on the beaches of Lake Ontario near Toronto. Lake Ontario’s picturesque shores beautifully mimic Fire Island’s coastal vibes, capturing the essence of this crucial location in the series. The serene and expansive beaches of Lake Ontario added a romantic and nostalgic touch to the scenes.
Ontario, Canada
Besides Toronto, other parts of Ontario were used for filming. Ontario’s versatile landscapes and historic buildings added depth to the series, depicting different time periods and settings. The region’s natural beauty and urban environments were utilized to recreate scenes from the 1960s to the 1980s, capturing moments from the Vietnam War protests, the disco era of the 1970s, and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s.
Virginia, USA
Some scenes were filmed in Virginia, USA. Virginia’s historical sites and colonial architecture added authenticity to the series, especially for scenes set in the 1950s. The state’s scenic landscapes and historic towns provided a backdrop for the characters’ journey through different decades, showcasing their evolving relationship against the changing political and social climate.
A Closer Look Behind the Scenes
The production team of “Fellow Travelers” worked meticulously to recreate different time periods and locations across several decades. From the conservative 1950s to the liberating 1970s and the challenging 1980s, each setting was carefully chosen to reflect the era’s mood and atmosphere. The filming locations in Toronto, Ontario, and Virginia played a vital role in bringing this epic romance to life.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Fellow Travelers
Q: Where Was “Fellow Travelers” Filmed?
A: “Fellow Travelers” was primarily filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Additional filming locations included other parts of Ontario and Virginia, USA. The diverse architecture and landscapes of these areas helped recreate the various time periods and settings depicted in the series.
Q: When Did the Filming of “Fellow Travelers” Take Place?
A: Filming for “Fellow Travelers” began on July 27, 2022, and concluded on December 9, 2022. The production spanned several months, capturing scenes across different locations to authentically portray the decades-long romance of the characters.
Q: Where Did They Film the Fire Island Scenes in “Fellow Travelers”?
A: The scenes set on Fire Island in “Fellow Travelers” were actually filmed on the beaches of Lake Ontario near Toronto, Canada. The beautiful shores of Lake Ontario effectively stood in for the coastal setting of Fire Island, adding to the visual appeal of the series.
Q: When Was “Fellow Travelers” Released?
A: “Fellow Travelers” premiered on October 29, 2023, on Showtime. Additionally, episodes were released on Paramount+ with Showtime starting on October 27, 2023, two days before their Showtime broadcast.
Q: What Historical Time Periods Are Depicted in “Fellow Travelers”?
A: “Fellow Travelers” covers a span of several decades, starting from the McCarthy era of the 1950s, moving through the Vietnam War protests of the 1960s, the hedonistic disco era of the 1970s, and concluding during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. The diverse filming locations in Toronto, Ontario, and Virginia helped bring these historical settings to life.
