If you’re into detective dramas with a smart twist, then High Potential on ABC is probably already on your watchlist.
The show is based on the French hit HPI (Haut Potentiel Intellectuel) and follows Morgan, a single mom with an insanely sharp brain who helps cops crack tough cases in Los Angeles.
But the big question is📍 where was High Potential filmed? Let’s dig into the filming locations, why they were picked, and what makes them cool for fans to check out.
Where was High Potential filmed?
| 🎥 Location | 🌟 Why It’s Used | 🏖️ What You’ll Love if You Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, California | Main filming hub with Fox Studio Lot + LA streets | Museums, food, Hollywood vibe |
| Malibu, California | Beachy luxury vibes for certain scenes | Stunning coastline, celebrity hangouts |
| Vancouver, Canada | Pilot episode shot here | Scenic city + tax benefits for studios |
Los Angeles, California 🌇 (Main Filming Location)
The heart of High Potential is right in Los Angeles. Most of the filming happens here, especially at the Fox Studio Lot (10201 West Pico Boulevard).
👉 Why it was chosen:
- LA is Hollywood’s playground, meaning access to top studios, professional crews, and endless filming resources.
- The Fox Studio Lot has ready-made police offices, interrogation rooms, and other sets perfect for detective dramas.
- Driving scenes? They’re not always real streets! Production uses a “virtual driving stage,” where cars are stationary but surrounded by giant screens showing LA roads.
👉 What you get if you visit:
- Fox Studio Tour (if available) lets you see behind the scenes of iconic shows.
- Visit Hollywood Boulevard for Walk of Fame selfies.
- Explore The Petersen Automotive Museum (a gem for car and movie lovers).
- LA also offers endless street food, rooftop bars, and that buzzing city vibe.
Malibu, California 🏖️ (Beach Scenes)
When the show wants a break from city life, it heads to Malibu. Think sun, sand, and luxury—the perfect contrast to LA’s urban edge.
👉 Why it was chosen:
- Malibu beaches add a fresh, airy feel to the show.
- Producers wanted viewers to see Morgan’s world beyond dark crime scenes.
- Malibu also screams California lifestyle, balancing the gritty crime-solving with relaxing views.
👉 What you get if you visit:
- Chill at Zuma Beach or El Matador State Beach—two of Malibu’s most Instagrammable spots.
- Drive the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) with breathtaking ocean views.
- You might even spot celebrities (Malibu is a celeb hotspot).
- Local cafes and surf shops make it a fun weekend trip.
Vancouver, Canada 🍁 (Pilot Episode)
Before the cameras rolled in LA, the pilot episode was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia.
👉 Why it was chosen:
- Vancouver is famous for standing in as “any city” thanks to its versatile look.
- Huge tax breaks for studios = cheaper production.
- Vancouver already has a track record with shows like Criminal Minds, The Flash, and Riverdale.
👉 What you get if you visit:
- Walk along Stanley Park Seawall with epic ocean + mountain views.
- Downtown Vancouver is a mix of glass skyscrapers and cozy cafes—perfect for exploring.
- Tons of movie tours are available (you can literally stand where other shows were filmed).
- The city is also a gateway to Whistler for skiing or hiking.
Why These Locations Were Perfect 🎯
- LA = Authenticity – Real detective stories set in LA feel natural.
- Malibu = Aesthetic Balance – Adds beauty + variety, making episodes visually fun.
- Vancouver = Practical Pilot Choice – Affordable, flexible, and production-friendly.
- Tourist Gold – Fans can actually visit these places for a mix of Hollywood, beaches, and travel adventures.
Final Thoughts 💡
High Potential (2025) doesn’t just deliver sharp mysteries it also captures the vibe of California living mixed with detective grit.
LA brings the crime-solving edge, Malibu adds sunny relaxation, and Vancouver gave the show its start.
For fans, these filming locations aren’t just backdrops. They’re real places you can explore, making you feel even closer to Morgan’s world.
Whether it’s Hollywood energy, Malibu’s sandy shores, or Vancouver’s urban beauty, the show’s locations add layers of personality that keep us hooked episode after episode.
FAQs
Where was High Potential mainly filmed?
Most of the show is filmed in Los Angeles, California, with the Fox Studio Lot being the main hub.
Why was Malibu used in High Potential?
Malibu adds stunning beach views and gives the show a luxurious, fresh vibe.
Why did the pilot episode film in Vancouver?
Vancouver offers great tax benefits and can easily mimic different cities, making it ideal for pilots.
Can I visit the Fox Studio Lot in LA?
Some studio tours are open to the public, but it depends on availability.
When was High Potential filmed?
The pilot filmed in Vancouver (2023), and main production moved to Los Angeles in 2024 for the first season.