World Television Day: Canton in TV

Nov 21, 2024

Did you know that Canton has served as the backdrop for some of your favorite movies and TV shows? In honor of World Television Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the TV productions that have brought Canton’s unique charm to the screen. From gripping dramas to quirky comedies, let’s explore the shows that have made Canton a star in its own right.

OZARK

Despite the show taking place in Central Missouri, this gritty Netflix thriller starring Jason Bateman was shot mostly in Georgia, with one of the show's most iconic landmarks located on the banks of Lake Allatoona, right here in Canton. At 6979 Bells Ferry Road, you will find J.D.'s on the Lake; the real-life restaurant and bar that fans of "Ozark" will recognize as the infamous 'Blue Cat Lodge.' In addition to shooting at what is now J.D.'s, the Little River Marina directly across the street was also used as a filming location for the show. Today, you can visit the seasonally-operated restaurant for a great meal while taking in the scenic views of Lake Allatoona. While you're there, be sure to get a picture in front of the "Blue Cat Lodge" sign above the bar!

The Big Door Prize

The Historic Canton Theatre has long been a centerpiece of entertainment in Canton, captivating audiences for over a century. While its history as a movie theater is well known, the Theatre itself has stepped into the spotlight on more than one occasion. Most recently, it played role in the Apple TV+ comedy series "The Big Door Prize." The show explores the humorous and heartwarming ways a small-town community reacts to the arrival of a mysterious machine promising to reveal each person’s true potential. Fun Fact: This isn’t the Theatre’s first appearance on screen; it also featured in the 2016 film "The Founder," starring Michael Keaton!

Hawkeye

The Jones Building is an iconic landmark in Downtown Canton, located adjacent to Cannon Park and across the street from the Historic Canton Theatre. Once the site of Jones Mercantile, a bustling department store, the building recently sat empty before a major renovation which was completed last year. Before its extensive renovation, the building was used 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 is now where POPs, B&B Social, and THRIVE are located within the newly-restored Jones Building. The Jones Building is located in Historic Downtown Canton at 130 East Main Street.

The Outsider

Returning to Canton for another production, Jason Bateman cements the City's appeal as a versatile and compelling filming location. This time, Bateman steps behind the camera as the director of HBO's "The Outsider." This dark psychological thriller takes place in Oklahoma, however many scenes were actually filmed in Canton at Riverview Cemetery at 94 North Street, as well as the American Legion Field, located at 160 McClure Street.

A Friend of The Family

The building that currently houses Canton City Hall, located at 110 Academy Street, was originally the site of Canton High School from 1924 to 1956. At the time, it was the only high school in Cherokee County! From 1956 to 1974, it was occupied by Canton Elementary School. Therefore, it only makes sense that the interior of the building was converted into a school once again for the 2022 Peacock mini-series, "A Friend of the Family." In addition to City Hall, the show also filmed at the Historic Cherokee County Courthouse in Downtown Canton, as well as getting exterior shots in Downtown Canton and the corner of Academy St. & Main St.

The Resident

The popular medical drama "The Resident," filmed the opening sequence of Season 1 Episode 3 at Blankets Creek Bike Trail - the setting of the 'Doctors Against Cancer' charity race in the show. Grab your bicycle and spend a day outdoors discovering this scenic filming location at 2261 Sixes Road in Canton!

Dolly Parton's Heartstrings

This eight-episode Netflix mini-series, starring Dolly Parton, features a handful of Canton landmarks and sites, most notably Downtown Kitchen located in Historic Downtown Canton! Did you know that Downtown Kitchen (and other locations throughout Canton) was also featured in the feature film "High Expectations" starring Kelsey Grammer? Stop by and get a delicious meal while discovering this Hollywood hotspot!

As you can see, Canton is no stranger to the Hollywood Spotlight. This list is just a peek at some of the TV shows that call Canton home. For a deeper dive into all the movies and TV shows filmed here, as well as a handy guide of filming locations, visit our 'Filmed in Canton' page HERE!