The Old Man is a gripping thriller series based on the novel by Thomas Perry. It follows Dan Chase (played by Jeff Bridges), a former CIA operative who has been living off the grid for decades.
When his past catches up with him, Chase is forced to go on the run, engaging in a tense game of cat-and-mouse with FBI agent Harold Harper (John Lithgow).
Where was The Old Man Filmed?
The Old Man is set in Morocco and Afghanistan but was filmed entirely in multiple U.S. locations, primarily California, with additional scenes shot in Rhode Island, Arizona, and New York.
The Old Man Season 1 Filming Locations
Los Angeles, California: Many urban and suburban scenes were filmed in and around Los Angeles, showcasing the city’s diversity and matching the show’s blend of domestic drama and international espionage.
Eastern Sierra Nevada, California: The vast, rugged landscapes of the Sierra Nevada provided the perfect backdrop for intense wilderness survival scenes. These snowy mountains reflect the harsh, isolated conditions characters endure throughout the series.
Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California: Known for its distinctive rock formations and otherworldly landscapes, Alabama Hills in Lone Pine were used for several key scenes. Its desert-like terrain was ideal for some of the more intense outdoor shots, contributing to the show’s suspenseful atmosphere.
Idyllwild, San Jacinto Mountains, California: Dan Chase’s home was filmed in the remote town of Idyllwild, providing a serene yet isolated environment that reflected Chase’s need to stay off the grid.
Blue Cloud Movie Ranch, Santa Clarita, California: Used to simulate scenes set in Afghanistan, this movie ranch has also been a popular location for films needing Middle Eastern-style landscapes.
Providence, Rhode Island: This historical city added a different flavor to the series, with its old-world charm contrasting with the rugged California wilderness.
The Old Man Season 2 Filming Locations
Season 2 continues the trend of breathtaking outdoor settings and action-packed sequences, using both new and familiar locations.
Eastern Sierra Nevada and Alabama Hills, Lone Pine: The snow-capped mountains of the Eastern Sierra and the striking rock formations of Alabama Hills near Lone Pine stood in for the Afghan mountains in early Season 2 episodes. Chase and Harper’s search for Emily was filmed in this dramatic, desolate terrain. Some scenes may have been filmed along Whitney Portal Road, offering panoramic views of Mount Williamson, the second-highest peak in California at 14,379 feet. The area is popular with filmmakers due to its accessibility via Movie Road and has been featured in numerous films, including Django Unchained.
Victorville, California: This desert city provided additional scenes that required remote, rugged landscapes.
Sierra Nevada Mountains: Once again, the Sierra Nevada provided the remote wilderness setting essential to many of the series’ survival-themed scenes, amplifying the isolation and danger felt by the characters.
Santa Clarita, California: Returning to Blue Cloud Movie Ranch, production continued to use the location to stand in for Afghanistan in various scenes, recreating war-torn environments.
When did the filming take place?
Filming for Season 1 began in November 2020, experienced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and wrapped in mid-2021. Season 2 started filming in late 2022 and continued into early 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions-
Where was The Old Man filmed?
The Old Man was filmed primarily in California, with notable locations including the Sierra Nevada, Alabama Hills, Los Angeles, and Idyllwild. Additional scenes were shot in Rhode Island and Arizona.
When was The Old Man filmed?
Season 1 was filmed from November 2020 to mid-2021, and Season 2 filming took place from late 2022 to early 2023.
What is the release date of The Old Man season 2?
Season 2 of The Old Man premiered on FX on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Who is in the cast of The Old Man?
The main cast includes Jeff Bridges, John Lithgow, and Alia Shawkat.