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| Where Was Not Suitable for Work Filmed? Every Confirmed Shooting Location Behind Hulu’s New York Comedy Hit. (Credits: Hulu) |
Hulu’s Not Suitable for Work does not waste time pretending to be somewhere else. While plenty of modern series recreate New York on studio lots hundreds of miles away, this 2026 comedy-drama throws itself directly into the chaos, noise, ambition and occasional caffeine-fuelled panic of Manhattan. The result is a series that feels genuinely lived-in, with the city becoming almost as important as the five young professionals trying to survive their twenties. For viewers wondering where the show was filmed, the answer is refreshingly simple: the production embraced real New York locations at every opportunity.
Created by Mindy Kaling, Not Suitable for Work follows five ambitious twenty-somethings juggling demanding careers, complicated friendships and romantic disasters in Manhattan’s Murray Hill neighbourhood.
The series leans heavily into authentic city scenery, giving audiences plenty of recognisable landmarks to spot while AJ, Abby, Kel, Davis and Josh attempt to convince themselves they have their lives under control.
One of the most important filming locations is Murray Hill, Manhattan, which serves as both the setting and a major shooting location throughout the series. Known for its mix of residential buildings, lively bars and young professional crowd, Murray Hill perfectly reflects the show's central theme of people trying to balance career success with personal happiness.
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The neighbourhood's tree-lined streets, apartment blocks and bustling avenues frequently appear on screen, helping create the sense that viewers are following the characters through their actual daily routines rather than carefully staged television sets.
It is also one of Manhattan's most walkable districts, making it a popular stop for visitors looking to experience a more local side of the city. Another major filming destination is Central Park, arguably New York City's most famous green space.
Cast member Ella Hunt revealed that several scenes were filmed here, with production activity taking place around the Upper East Side section of the park. Central Park provides a welcome contrast to the fast-paced office environments featured elsewhere in the series.
The sprawling lawns, walking paths and lakes offer some of the show's most visually relaxed moments, even if the characters themselves remain spectacularly incapable of relaxing.
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For visitors, the park remains one of the city's essential attractions, offering everything from scenic walks to iconic filming locations featured in countless productions. The production also spent considerable time across various parts of Manhattan, using the borough's polished business districts, fashionable streets and upscale venues to reflect the professional worlds inhabited by the main cast.
Since AJ and Davis work in finance while Abby navigates the demanding fashion industry, the series naturally incorporates locations associated with New York's corporate and luxury culture.
Glass office towers, stylish cafés, elegant restaurants and busy avenues all contribute to the atmosphere of ambition that drives much of the story. Manhattan itself often feels like an extra cast member, constantly reminding everyone that success comes at a price.
The elegant Upper East Side also appears throughout filming. Famous for its luxury residences, designer boutiques and sophisticated atmosphere, the neighbourhood provides an ideal backdrop for scenes involving influential clients, industry insiders and high-powered social circles.
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The area's polished appearance perfectly complements the show's exploration of career aspirations, while also delivering some of its most visually striking urban scenery. Another location featured during production is Park Avenue, one of Manhattan's most recognisable thoroughfares.
With its grand office buildings and unmistakable New York skyline views, Park Avenue helps establish the high-stakes corporate environment surrounding several characters.
It is the sort of place where everyone seems to be rushing somewhere important, which fits the show's energy remarkably well. Even the buildings look as though they have deadlines.
Filming also extended to areas around Madison Avenue, particularly for sequences connected to fashion, media and luxury branding. The avenue has long been associated with advertising, style and influence, making it a natural fit for storylines involving Abby's work with celebrity clients.
The polished storefronts and sophisticated streetscapes add another layer of authenticity to the series' depiction of young professionals navigating elite industries. Fans have been particularly enthusiastic about the decision to film on real New York streets rather than relying heavily on studio recreations.
Across social media, many viewers praised the show's authentic atmosphere, saying the city feels alive rather than artificially constructed. Others joked that the most unrealistic element is not the romance or workplace drama, but the remarkably spacious apartments occupied by characters supposedly still figuring out adulthood.
Some viewers have also enjoyed spotting familiar landmarks hidden in the background, turning each episode into an unexpected sightseeing challenge. Not every filming location used during production was publicly disclosed while cameras were rolling, a common practice designed to prevent disruptions and keep schedules running smoothly.
Even so, the confirmed locations already paint a clear picture of the creative team's commitment to capturing a genuine Manhattan experience. That authenticity helps separate Not Suitable for Work from many contemporary workplace comedies and gives the series a distinctive sense of place.
Whether you are a fan of the show, a traveller planning a future New York adventure, or simply curious about where AJ and her friends spend their chaotic days, these locations offer a fascinating glimpse into the real-world backdrop behind Hulu's latest comedy hit.
Which filming location would be first on your list to visit? And did you spot any hidden New York landmarks while watching the series? Let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned to Tonboriday.com for future location updates as more production details emerge.