Explore Canton Through the Lens of Your Favorite Shows

Nov 21, 2025

Did you know Canton has appeared in some of the most-watched shows on streaming and cable? This World Television Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the filming locations that have brought Canton’s unique charm to the screen. Serving as a backdrop for everything from gripping dramas to quirky comedies, let’s explore the locations that have made Canton a star on our TV screens.

OZARK

Although the show is set in Central Missouri, this intense Netflix thriller starring Jason Bateman was filmed primarily in Georgia. One of its most recognizable locations sits right here in Canton on the shores of Lake Allatoona. At 6979 Bells Ferry Road, you'll find J.D.'s on the Lake, the real-life restaurant and bar that fans of "Ozark" will immediately recognize as the 'Blue Cat Lodge.'

Across the street, the Little River Marina also served as a filming spot for the series. Today, J.D.'s welcomes visitors seasonally, offering delicious meals and stunning views of Lake Allatoona. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the iconic 'Blue Cat Lodge' sign above the bar!

The Big Door Prize

The Historic Canton Theatre has been a cornerstone of Canton’s entertainment scene for over a century. While it’s best known for hosting movie screenings and world-class stage productions, the theatre has had its own moments in the spotlight.

Most recently, it appeared in the Apple TV+ comedy series "The Big Door Prize," which follows a small-town community as they react in humorous and heartwarming ways to a mysterious machine that claims to reveal each person’s true potential.

Fun fact: this isn’t the Theatre’s first on-screen role - it also appeared in the 2016 film "The Founder," starring Michael Keaton!

Hawkeye

The Jones Building is a Downtown Canton landmark, situated next to Cannon Park and just across from the Historic Canton Theatre. Once home to Jones Mercantile, a bustling department store, the building had been vacant for years before a major renovation was completed in 2023.

Before its transformation, it served as a filming location for the Marvel Disney+ series "Hawkeye," starring Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld. The abandoned 'K•B Toy Store' from the show now houses P.O.P.S, B&B Social, and THRIVE within the newly restored building.

See this iconic filming location and Canton landmark at 130 East Main Street in Historic Downtown Canton.

The Outsider

Jason Bateman couldn't help but return to Canton for another production, emphasizing the City’s appeal as a versatile filming location.

This time, he stepped behind the camera to direct HBO’s "The Outsider" - a nail-biting thriller in which a seemingly straightforward investigation takes a supernatural turn.

While the series is set in Oklahoma, many scenes were actually filmed right here in Canton, including the Riverview Cemetery on 94 North Street and at American Legion Field at 160 McClure Street.

A Friend of The Family

The building that now serves as Canton City Hall at 110 Academy Street has a deep-rooted history in education. Originally Canton High School from 1924 to 1956, it was the only high school in Cherokee County at the time. Then, from 1956 to 1974, it became Canton Elementary School.

Give this history, it’s only fitting that the interior was transformed back into a school for the 2022 Peacock mini-series "A Friend of the Family".

In addition to City Hall, the production also filmed at the Historic Cherokee County Courthouse in Downtown Canton and captured exterior shots around Downtown Canton, including the corner of Academy Street and Main Street.

The Resident

The popular medical drama "The Resident" filmed the opening sequence of Season 1, Episode 3 at Blankets Creek Bike Trail, which served as the site for the 'Doctors Against Cancer' charity race in the show.

Bring your bike and spend a day exploring the winding trails, enjoying the fresh air while taking a ride through this little piece of Hollywood right here in Canton.

Blankets Creek is located at 2261 Sixes Road.

Dolly Parton's Heartstrings

The final stop on our filming location tour brings us back to Historic Downtown Canton.

This eight-episode Netflix mini-series starring Dolly Parton showcases several Canton landmarks, with Downtown Kitchen, located at 140 E. Marietta Street, taking center stage.

Did you know that Downtown Kitchen, along with other spots in Downtown Canton, was also featured in the film "High Expectations" starring Kelsey Grammer? Be sure to check out this favorite among locals and location scouts, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and take a moment to appreciate a local establishment that has made its mark on both the big and small screens.

As you can see, Canton has earned its place in the Hollywood spotlight. This list highlights just a few of the TV shows that have called the City home. For a closer look at all the movies and shows filmed here, along with a handy guide to filming locations, check out our 'Filmed in Canton' page HERE!