Where was Big Little Lies shot? Revisiting key filming locations of the HBO dark comedy as Season 3 moves forward 

The Monterey Five will soon return to screens, as Big Little Lies is reportedly moving ahead with its third season. That means we'll be able to revisit all the gorgeous landscapes from earlier seasons.

The series is still in an early development stage, with Francesca Sloane being roped in as the writer and executive producer, according to Deadline. Still, it would be exciting to see all the cast and characters and find out how they're doing after everything they have been through. It's not clear whether they have grown past their traumas or are still struggling with those worries.

What matters is that we get to see them face all those complications while being surrounded by the stunning backdrops of shores and oceans. Big Little Lies was primarily shot in and around Monterey, California, featuring locations like Bixby Creek Bridge, Lovers Point Park, Fisherman's Wharf, and more. The showrunners ensure that these places are not simply for beauty but serve a purpose. A run on a beach is not just a routine activity in Jane's life but a way for her to reclaim her confidence.

The waves seemingly represent the chaos in their lives, while the cafes offer a much-needed respite. Let's find out where exactly these places are in the real world through their filming locations.

Big Little Lies filming locations explored

Monterey, California

The show is based on Liane Moriarty's eponymous book, Big Little Lies, which takes place in Australia. However, the showrunners changed the locations and shifted the story to an American setting: Monterey, California. The show was filmed primarily in locations in and around this coastal city, which is filled with gorgeous seascapes.

First things first: the show's opening credits, backed by Michael Kiwanuka's hauntingly beautiful song Cold Little Heart, begin with a shot of a bridge overlooking a fresh, blue ocean. This was reportedly shot at the Bixby Creek Bridge, located in Big Sur, Monterey County. It sets up the brooding, mysterious mood for the entire show.

Later, the show depicts characters walking through local streets that occasionally showcase places like Monterey City Hall, Lovers Point Park and Beach, and Fisherman's Wharf. The shots of crashing waves were reportedly filmed around Garrapata State Park Beach, while the beach that Jane runs on regularly is next to the Pacific Ocean, near the town.

Del Monte Beach also served as a backdrop for some of its sandy seascapes, while the yoga studio that the mothers visit is reportedly located at Wanderlust Hollywood. While some houses that the characters lived in are in Monterey, others are situated in Malibu, Pasadena, and other locations.

More details about Big Little Lies

Reese Witherspoon has headlined the HBO show since its beginning, alongside Nicole Kidman. While Witherspoon played the strong-willed Madeline Mackenzie, Kidman starred as her close friend, Celeste Wright. Celeste seemed happy in her marriage with Perry (Alexander Skarsgård), but it was a facade, as he was privately violent toward her.

The show's first season centered around Celeste's battle against him. It was also about her and the other women from the Monterey Five trying to reclaim the spaces where they were supposed to feel comfortable and emotionally supported. The other three in this group include Shailene Woodley as Jane Chapman, Zoë Kravitz as Bonnie Carlson, and Laura Dern as Renata Klein.

David E. Kelley created and wrote the show, with Jean-Marc Vallée serving as director for the first season and Andrea Arnold helming the latter. We have yet to receive similar updates for the show's third season.

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Also read: "They are writing it": Big Little Lies Season 3 gets promising production update from Reese Witherspoon

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