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| Where Was RJ Decker Filmed? Full List of Shooting Locations Behind ABC’s 2026 Crime Drama. (Image via: ABC) |
ABC’s 2026 crime drama RJ Decker may be set in the chaotic and colourful world of South Florida, but much of the show was actually filmed elsewhere. Production for the first season took place largely in North Carolina, particularly around Wilmington, with additional filming in several real locations across Florida to maintain the show’s coastal atmosphere.
Created by Rob Doherty and based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel Double Whammy, the series follows disgraced newspaper photographer turned private investigator RJ Decker, played by Scott Speedman, as he navigates unusual cases in South Florida with the help of a complicated circle of allies.
While the story unfolds in Florida, the production team relied on multiple locations to recreate the show’s environment.
Not all filming sites were publicly revealed during production, as studios often keep certain locations private to prevent large crowds from disrupting filming. However, several confirmed spots used in RJ Decker Season 1 have since been identified.
Confirmed RJ Decker Filming Locations
For fans curious about where the series was shot, here’s a detailed breakdown of the key filming locations featured in the show.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington served as the main production hub for RJ Decker, with several interior and exterior scenes filmed throughout the city.
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Known for its long history as a filming location for television and film projects, the coastal city offers architecture and waterfront scenery that can easily double for Florida settings.
Key locations used in Wilmington include:
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Suites On Market – 2828 Market Street
The production crew filmed several scenes in and around this property. The location was reportedly used for both interior and exterior sequences connected to investigative scenes and character interactions. -
New Hanover County Courthouse – 316 Princess Street
This historic courthouse building appeared in scenes involving legal proceedings and official investigations. -
Brooklyn Arts Center – 516 North 4th Street
A popular events venue that was temporarily transformed for production use. Its architecture provided a visually striking backdrop for several scenes. -
Lake Forest Baptist Church – 1626 Lake Branch Drive
Used for select dramatic moments in the series. -
Alton Lennon Federal Building – 2 Princess Street
The building’s federal architecture made it a convincing stand-in for government locations within the show’s storyline.
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Other businesses around Wilmington also appeared briefly in filming:
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Ly Nails – 5225 Sigmon Road
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C C Grissom & Sons Inc. – 1802 Castle Street
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Julia’s Florist – 900 South Kerr Avenue
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White Front Breakfast House – 1518 Market Street
These locations helped give the series a lived-in atmosphere that fits the gritty investigative tone of the story.
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Wilmington Riverwalk – A scenic waterfront boardwalk lined with restaurants and historic views of the Cape Fear River, often visited by tourists exploring the city.
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
The beach town of Carolina Beach, located just south of Wilmington, was frequently used to recreate parts of South Florida in the show.
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Key filming locations include:
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SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar – 227 Carolina Beach Avenue North
The exterior of this popular bar was used as the basis for F.M. Station Bar & Grill, a recurring location in the series where many conversations and plot developments occur. -
Nest Realty – 1000 North Lake Park Boulevard
The surrounding area served as a backdrop for several street scenes.
Carolina Beach’s coastal scenery helped the production capture the warm seaside look associated with Florida.
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Carolina Beach Boardwalk – A lively seaside promenade known for restaurants, amusement rides and ocean views.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site, Kure Beach
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Fort Fisher State Historic Site – 1610 Fort Fisher Boulevard South
This historic coastal site was used for several outdoor sequences. Actor Scott Speedman revealed that some sunrise scenes were filmed here early in the morning.
The location’s natural dunes, ocean views and historical landmarks provide dramatic visuals for the series.
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North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher – A popular attraction showcasing marine life from the region.
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Wrightsville Beach appears in multiple scenes across the series, particularly for coastal shots and investigative moments near the water.
Actor Scott Speedman mentioned the beach as one of the production’s most frequently used outdoor locations.
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Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier – One of the most recognisable landmarks in the area, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Miami Beach, Florida
Although most filming took place in North Carolina, the production also shot several sequences in real Florida locations to capture authentic scenery.
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Miami Beach coastline
Outdoor scenes filmed along the beach help establish the series’ South Florida setting.
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South Beach – Known for its iconic Art Deco architecture and vibrant beachfront atmosphere.
West Palm Beach, Florida
Several scenes were filmed across the city during January 2026.
Key locations include:
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Palm Beach County Courthouse – 205 North Dixie Highway
Used for courtroom and investigation scenes. -
Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum – 300 North Dixie Highway
A historic building that appears in several sequences. -
218 Pershing Way
A residential property used for select dramatic scenes.
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Clematis Street – A lively downtown street filled with restaurants, nightlife and waterfront views.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The coastal city of Fort Lauderdale also appears in exterior shots throughout the series.
Notable locations include:
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Las Olas Boulevard
Used for driving scenes filmed in early 2026. -
Las Olas Oceanside Park – 3000 East Las Olas Boulevard
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State Road A1A
These locations help reinforce the show’s South Florida identity, with palm-lined streets and oceanfront scenery.
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Fort Lauderdale Beach Promenade – A popular beachfront area ideal for walking and sightseeing.
Why Some Locations Were Kept Secret
During production, studios often keep certain filming locations undisclosed. This helps avoid large crowds or overly enthusiastic fans accidentally interrupting filming schedules.
Because of this, not every location used in RJ Decker Season 1 has been publicly revealed. More locations may become known over time as the series gains popularity.
For now, the confirmed filming sites already provide a fascinating look at how the production recreated the world of South Florida using a mix of real Florida scenery and carefully chosen locations in North Carolina.
If more filming locations are discovered in the future, Tonboriday will update the list.
So if you’re a fan of RJ Decker, would you consider visiting any of these places to see where the series was filmed?