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Scott Speedman is making the move from Grey’s Anatomy’s Seattle to RJ Decker‘s South Florida — but where is his show actually filmed?
Based on Carl Hiaasen‘s novel Double Whammy, RJ Decker, focuses on a disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con who “starts over as a private investigator in the colorful-if-crime-filled world of South Florida, tackling cases that range from slightly odd to outright bizarre, with the help of his journalist ex, her police detective wife and a shadowy new benefactor — a woman from his past who could be his greatest ally … or his one-way ticket back to prison.”
Speedman plays the titular role while Jaina Lee Ortiz, Kevin Rankin, Adelaide Clemens and Bevin Bru round out the rest of the cast.
While RJ Decker, which premieres on Tuesday, March 3, is set in the Sunshine State, filming actually took place largely in Wilmington, North Carolina, with some additional shoots in South Florida. During Us Weekly‘s set visit for RJ Decker, Ortiz spoke about the change of scenery.
“I’m from the Bronx in New York. I don’t know what it’s like to live in a small town where everyone knows each other and it’s quiet. It’s really nice and peaceful,” Ortiz told Us. “Because I’m a city girl, it’s nice to just soak in the calmness of it all because it is so laid back. There’s no traffic and you can get anywhere in under 20 minutes.”
Ortiz continued, “People are really, really nice here. So I do love and appreciate the peaceful energy that it brings. It’s been an experience and I love it.”
The actress pointed out that RJ Decker stood out because of the role Florida plays in the show.
“[The state] itself is a character. It’s chaotic, it’s fun, it’s sexy and it’s weird. But then you also have these mysterious crime cases that continue to evolve,” Ortiz teased. “They twist and they turn. You don’t know how it’s going to unfold so it’s very unpredictable. Then you have these characters whose relationships are just unconventional. They’re human. I think people are going to truly be entertained at the end of the day.”
Rankin, meanwhile, told Us it was “interesting” to find places in North Carolina that can double as Florida, adding, “I think they meld together pretty well.” The actor also pointed out that his character perfectly “embodies the state” on the show.
“He’s Florida with legs and I always tell people that he’s the guy that knows a guy that knows a guy — and he’s also the guy that somebody knows,” he quipped. “So he’s got his ear to the ground and he owns the bar. He knows what’s happening in town.”
Keep scrolling for a glimpse at Us‘ behind the scenes visit to the RJ Decker set:
Nautical Theme
Many RJ Decker scenes will be set in a bar designed after a real location.
Behind the Bar
RJ Decker‘s F.M. Station Bar & Grill is full of custom cocktails, including The Local Lauderdale, Rum Runner, Zaddy, Cin City and more.
In the Office
During Us‘ visit, we got to interview the cast on location.
Keeping in Theme
The walls of the bar are decked out in decorative stickers.
The Florida Man
Everyone knows about the Florida Man Meme, with articles lining one of the walls on the set of the bar.
Which Meme Are You?
From animals to exorcisms to aliens, the wall has it all.
Mermaids or Marlins
Is the choice when going to the restroom at the bar.
A Beachy Vibe
While RJ Decker is filmed primarily in North Carolina, the bar is meant to bring Florida to life.
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