Where was Dept. Q filmed? Filming locations of Netflix's latest crime thriller, explored

Netflix's Dept. Q, which premiered on May 29, 2025, showcases an ensemble of picturesque locations. According to reports, Dept. Q is filmed primarily in Edinburgh, Scotland, with production spanning from February to June 2024. The show is an adaptation of Jussi Adler-Olsen's Danish crime novels, and juxtaposes the narrative from Copenhagen in the novel to the streets of Edinburgh, which also offers some historic and atmospheric backdrop.

Dept. Q follows the story of Detective Carl Morck, a brilliant but emotionally damaged Edinburgh cop who is reassigned to a basement office to work on long-forgotten cases after a traumatic incident. Carl is shown resentful and broken, but slowly starts to find meaning in the crime cases and pairs up with Assad, who bears unique secrets.

The show got a fabulous rating of 8/10 on IMDb and an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and its gripping visuals, complemented by unique choices of locations, need to be credited.

Where was Dept. Q filmed? Locations explored

As mentioned, Netflix’s Dept. Q was primarily shot in Scotland, centred around Edinburgh and nearby East Lothian. It is originally set in the neighbourhoods of Copenhagen, Denmark, but the show takes a bold leap by relocating the story to Edinburgh, which redefines the tone and setting of the series.

In an interview with Netflix, lead actor Matthew Goode (who plays DCI Carl Morck) praised the decision, stating:

"Scottt [Frank] brilliantly transposed it from Denmark to Scotland. Edinburgh is smaller than Copenhagen, but both are big port cities. (With its) Gothic architecture, and it being the judicial centre of Scotland, it’s just a really lovely fit."

The department shows some noir undercurrents — therefore, Edinburgh proves to be a perfect location for the city’s moody charm, rich history, and judicial legacy.

Here are the particular locations in Edinburgh where Dept. Q is filmed

The show's opening scene features a dramatic ambush inside a gritty housing estate. The scenes establish the city's diverse neighbourhood perfectly. This is shot in The Calders in Wester Hailes. The series also features iconic areas like the Royal Mile and the City Chambers to offer a mix of medieval architecture and modern urban life. This is a major highlight of Edinburgh's Old Town.

In addition, the production was based out of FirstStage Studios in Leith, with various scenes shot around this vibrant district, including the exterior of Carl Morck's flat on Links Place. On the other hand, the surrounding region of East Lothian provided additional scenic locations, contributing to the visual narrative and film world. The historic cathedral of St Mary’s Episcopal also finds its place in the series, adding to the atmospheric mise en scene of Dept. Q.

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