The popular American television series Matt Houston, which aired from 1982 to 1985, was a staple of many households during its three-season run. The show, starring Lee Horsley as the titular character, followed the adventures of a wealthy oil tycoon who moonlighted as a private investigator in Houston, Texas. While the series was set in Houston, not all of the filming took place in the city. In this article, we will delve into the various locations where Matt Houston was filmed, exploring the show’s production and highlighting some of the most notable locations.
The Main Filming Locations
While the show was set in Houston, Texas, the majority of the filming took place in California. The production team chose to film in California due to the state’s favorable filming laws, diverse landscapes, and established film infrastructure.
Los Angeles, California
Many of the show’s interior scenes were filmed at the CBS Studio Center in Studio City, Los Angeles. The studio, which has been the home of many popular TV shows, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Bob Newhart Show, provided the necessary facilities for the production team to film the show’s interior scenes.
In addition to the studio filming, many of the show’s exterior scenes were also filmed in and around Los Angeles. The city’s diverse neighborhoods and landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for the show’s storylines, which often involved Matt Houston investigating crimes and solving mysteries in the city.
San Diego, California
San Diego, California, was another key location for the show’s filming. The city’s picturesque coastline and mild climate made it an ideal location for filming many of the show’s outdoor scenes. The production team often filmed scenes at the city’s famous beaches, including La Jolla Cove and Coronado Beach.
Other California Locations
In addition to Los Angeles and San Diego, the production team also filmed scenes in other California locations, including:
- Santa Barbara: The city’s picturesque coastline and Spanish architecture made it a popular location for filming.
- Santa Monica: The city’s pier and beach were often used as filming locations.
- Malibu: The city’s beaches and coastline were frequently used as filming locations.
On-Location Filming in Houston, Texas
While the majority of the filming took place in California, the production team did film some scenes on location in Houston, Texas. These scenes were often used to establish the show’s setting and provide a sense of authenticity.
The Houston Skyline
The show’s opening credits featured a shot of the Houston skyline, which was filmed on location in the city. The skyline, which has changed significantly since the show was filmed, was a key part of the show’s identity and helped to establish the show’s setting.
Other Houston Locations
In addition to the skyline, the production team also filmed scenes at other locations in Houston, including:
- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: The show’s production team filmed scenes at the annual rodeo, which is one of the largest in the world.
- The Houston Museum of Fine Arts: The museum’s stunning architecture and beautiful gardens made it a popular location for filming.
Notable Episodes and Their Filming Locations
Some episodes of Matt Houston were notable for their filming locations, which often played a key role in the storyline.
“The Visitor” (Season 1, Episode 1)
The show’s pilot episode, “The Visitor,” was filmed on location in Los Angeles and San Diego. The episode’s storyline, which involved Matt Houston investigating a murder at a wealthy businessman’s mansion, was filmed at a number of locations, including a mansion in the Hollywood Hills and a beach in San Diego.
“The Woman in White” (Season 2, Episode 14)
The episode “The Woman in White” was notable for its filming locations, which included a number of scenes filmed at the historic Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. The mansion’s stunning architecture and beautiful gardens made it a popular location for filming.
Conclusion
Matt Houston was a popular TV show that aired from 1982 to 1985. While the show was set in Houston, Texas, the majority of the filming took place in California. The production team chose to film in California due to the state’s favorable filming laws, diverse landscapes, and established film infrastructure. The show’s filming locations, which included Los Angeles, San Diego, and Houston, played a key role in the show’s storylines and helped to establish the show’s identity.
What is Matt Houston, and why is it considered a classic TV show?
Matt Houston is an American crime drama television series that aired from 1982 to 1985. The show revolves around the life of Matt Houston, a wealthy oil tycoon who becomes a private investigator in his spare time. The series stars Lee Horsley as the titular character and features a mix of mystery, action, and drama. Matt Houston is considered a classic TV show due to its unique blend of genres, memorable characters, and the charisma of its lead actor.
The show’s success can also be attributed to its well-crafted storylines, which often featured Matt Houston solving complex cases while navigating his personal life as a wealthy bachelor. The series developed a loyal fan base during its three-season run and remains a beloved nostalgic favorite among many who grew up watching the show. Its blend of style, sophistication, and intrigue has made Matt Houston a timeless classic in the world of television.
Where was the TV show Matt Houston primarily filmed?
The TV show Matt Houston was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, and surrounding areas. Many of the show’s exterior scenes were shot on location in various parts of the city, including iconic landmarks like the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Hills. The production team also made use of various studios in the Los Angeles area, including the Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, where many of the show’s interior scenes were filmed.
In addition to Los Angeles, some episodes of Matt Houston were also filmed in other locations throughout California, including the coastal towns of Santa Monica and Malibu. The show’s production team often chose locations that showcased the state’s natural beauty, from its beaches to its mountains, adding to the show’s visual appeal and sense of place.
What are some notable filming locations featured in Matt Houston?
One of the most notable filming locations featured in Matt Houston is the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, which served as the exterior of Matt Houston’s mansion in the show. The mansion’s grand architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens made it the perfect location to showcase Matt’s wealth and sophistication. Another notable location is the Griffith Observatory, which was featured in several episodes of the show and provided a stunning backdrop for many scenes.
Other notable filming locations featured in Matt Houston include the Warner Bros. Studios backlot, which was used to film many of the show’s interior scenes, and the city of Santa Monica, where several episodes were filmed on location. The show’s production team also made use of various other locations throughout Los Angeles, including restaurants, hotels, and other landmarks, adding to the show’s sense of authenticity and realism.
Can fans visit any of the filming locations from Matt Houston?
Yes, fans of Matt Houston can visit many of the filming locations featured in the show. The Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, for example, is open to the public for tours and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy elite. The Griffith Observatory is also open to the public and offers stunning views of the city, as well as a planetarium and exhibits on space and science.
Other filming locations from Matt Houston, such as the Warner Bros. Studios backlot, offer guided tours that give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the show. Additionally, many of the locations featured in the show, such as the city of Santa Monica and the Hollywood Hills, are popular tourist destinations that offer a range of activities and attractions. Fans of the show can visit these locations to see where their favorite scenes were filmed and experience the beauty of California firsthand.
How did the filming locations contribute to the show’s success?
The filming locations used in Matt Houston played a significant role in the show’s success. The use of real locations in Los Angeles and surrounding areas added to the show’s sense of authenticity and realism, making it feel more grounded and believable. The show’s production team made use of a range of locations, from iconic landmarks to more mundane settings, to create a sense of place and atmosphere that drew viewers in.
The filming locations also helped to establish the show’s visual style and tone, which was characterized by a mix of glamour, sophistication, and intrigue. The use of locations like the Greystone Mansion and the Griffith Observatory added to the show’s sense of luxury and opulence, while the use of more everyday locations helped to balance out the show’s tone and make it feel more relatable. Overall, the filming locations used in Matt Houston were a key element of the show’s success and helped to make it a beloved classic among TV fans.
Are there any behind-the-scenes stories or anecdotes about filming Matt Houston?
One behind-the-scenes story from the filming of Matt Houston involves the show’s star, Lee Horsley, who was known for doing many of his own stunts. According to various sources, Horsley was a bit of a thrill-seeker and enjoyed performing his own stunts, which added to the show’s sense of realism and excitement. Another anecdote from the show’s production involves the use of the Greystone Mansion, which was reportedly chosen for its grand architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.
According to the show’s production team, the mansion’s owners were initially hesitant to allow filming on the property, but were eventually won over by the show’s producers. The mansion went on to become one of the show’s most iconic locations, and its use added to the show’s sense of luxury and sophistication. These behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes offer a glimpse into the making of Matt Houston and highlight the hard work and dedication of the show’s cast and crew.
What is the legacy of Matt Houston, and how has it influenced popular culture?
Matt Houston has had a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing a range of TV shows and films that have followed in its footsteps. The show’s blend of mystery, action, and drama has been emulated by many other series, and its use of real locations has become a staple of many TV shows and films. The show’s influence can also be seen in the work of other actors and producers who have cited Matt Houston as an inspiration.
In addition to its influence on popular culture, Matt Houston has also maintained a loyal fan base over the years, with many viewers continuing to enjoy the show in reruns and on streaming platforms. The show’s legacy is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its cast and crew, who worked tirelessly to bring the show to life and make it a beloved classic among TV fans. Today, Matt Houston remains a beloved nostalgic favorite among many who grew up watching the show, and its influence can still be seen in many aspects of popular culture.