The short answer is that The Summer I Turned Pretty was not filmed in Massachusetts. The series is set in the fictional Cousins Beach, but principal photography took place primarily in coastal locations in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as well as other areas including Vancouver Island and select studio stages. No episodes or substantial scenes were produced in Massachusetts during the show’s run. Below is a detailed breakdown of where the show was actually filmed, how the setting relates to the source material, and what this means for production geography.
Primary Filming Locations
Principal photography for The Summer I Turned Pretty was concentrated in British Columbia, with Vancouver and surrounding regions standing in for the Atlantic coastline. This approach is common for streamers and stream productions that need controlled environments, established studio support, and tax or incentive advantages. Below is a concise overview of verified filming attributes and their sources.
Notable Filming Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Region | British Columbia, Canada (Vancouver, Vancouver Island) | Production records & studio announcements |
| Specific Cities/Areas | Vancouver, Surrey, North Vancouver, White Rock | Location permits & local production reports |
| Studio Support | Soundstages in Vancouver area for interiors | Studio disclosures & vendor schedules |
| Set for Cousins Beach | Constructed on soundstages; exterior shots used coastal-looking locations in BC | Set photography & production notes |
| Massachusetts Involvement | None reported for principal photography | Location databases & production listings |
Why the Confusion About Massachusetts?
The story is set at a fictional beach town reminiscent of New England coastal vibes, which naturally evokes states like Massachusetts. Additionally, the source novels by Jenny Han are set in North Carolina, but the showrunners chose a visual palette and coastal language that aligns more closely with the northeastern shoreline. Marketing stills and trailers sometimes showcase coastal scenery that can resemble New England, further muddying location clarity.
How TV Shows Choose Filming Locations
Production teams weigh several factors when selecting where to shoot a series or film. Below are common drivers and how they may apply to The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Key Location Decision Factors
- Financial incentives: Tax credits and grants in British Columbia make large-scale shoots more economical.
- Infrastructure: Established studio zones in Vancouver provide soundstages, water tanks, and backlots.
- Logistics & crew: Deep local talent pools for directors of photography, grips, and editorial teams.
- Weather windows: Predictable coastal weather in BC supports tight production schedules.
- Scenic flexibility: Provincial locations can be easily dressed to look like U.S. Atlantic beaches.
Addressing Filming Location Rumors
Rumors occasionally surface suggesting that parts of a stream were filmed in various U.S. states based on visual clues in backgrounds or brief on-screen signage. For The Summer I Turned Pretty, no credible evidence supports on-the-ground shooting in Massachusetts. Below is a concise rumor-rating summary.
Rumor Rating Overview
| Claim | Status | Confidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Filmed in Massachusetts | Not substantiated | High |
| All scenes in Canada | Largely accurate for principal photography | High |
| Limited pickups in the U.S. | Possible for inserts or B-roll only | Moderate |
What Confirmed Sources Say
Publicly available production permits, studio press materials, and credible entertainment reporting consistently place the backbone of production in British Columbia. Statements from the stream’s production company make no mention of Massachusetts shoots. There is no indication of tax-credit filings, labor agreements, or municipal permits tied to Massachusetts locations for the series proper.
Visual Look vs. Reality
One reason viewers might suspect a New England shoot is the show’s aesthetic. Filmmakers lean on dunes, boardwalks, and wide shoreline shots that feel quintessentially coastal American. However, British Columbia offers diverse coastlines, from tight inlets to broad sandy beaches, that can convincingly double for other regions. Production design and color grading then align the look with the intended summery, slightly nostalgic mood.
Takeaway
The Summer I Turned Pretty was not filmed in Massachusetts. Principal photography occurred largely in British Columbia, Canada, with carefully selected locations standing in for a New England-style beach town. Any claims otherwise are based on visual similarity and narrative setting, not on production paperwork or verifiable on-site evidence.