Puerto Rico's idyllic landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant Boricua culture have made it a popular filming location for numerous TV shows, showcasing its versatility and unique charm on the small screen. It's convenient proximity to the U.S. and attractive film industry tax incentives further enhance its appeal for filmmakers and producers.
From the colorful streets of Old San Juan to the serene beaches and popular hot spots, the Island offers diverse settings that bring various stories to life. It has hosted productions of both popular TV shows and cult-favorite series, making it a prime destination for set-jetting enthusiasts. Don't just watch the magic of your favorite TV shows; experience it firsthand in Puerto Rico.
The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico in Río Grande served as the setting for the Fantasy Island series.
Fantasy Island
Fox
A reboot of the cult-favorite 1970s series, Fantasy Island takes place at a Caribbean resort where guests have their wildest fantasies fulfilled – and that resort is the real-life Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico in Río Grande. Puerto Rican actress, singer, and songwriter Roselyn Sanchez stars on the show as Elena Roarke, a descendant of Mr. Roarke from the original series.
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With so many idyllic beaches, it's no wonder Puerto Rico's shorelines have been featured in many shows about pirates.
Our Flag Means Death
HBO Max
While recorded in a studio and not on location exactly, this hit pirate comedy utilizes projections of several of the Island's picture-perfect horizon beach locations, showcasing its blue skies, pristine ocean waters, and swaying palm trees. The sequences were projected onto an LED wall while the actors performed on a partial ship built on a soundstage. The series stars Rhys Darby as real-life “gentleman pirate” Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi as the infamous Blackbeard, who was no stranger to Puerto Rico’s shores. Vico Ortiz, a Puerto Rican actor and queer activist, also appears on the show as Jim, a non-binary pirate.
Crossbones
NBC
Since Puerto Rico is in the heart of the Caribbean, it's no wonder the pirate show "Crossbones" chose it as the main set. The series was filmed East regions within the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba and in the coastal towns of Fajardo, and Luquillo. Other scenes took place in the historical city of Old San Juan. Starring John Malkovich and Claire Foy, the series follows the tale of the notorious pirate Blackbeard as he rules over a rogue nation.
Explore the East Region
Experience a sustainable yet luxurious stay at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
The Resort
Peacock
This comedy thriller stars Nick Offerman, William Jackson Harper, Cristin Milioti, and Skyler Gisondo. Described as a love story disguised as a mystery, the Peacock original series uses Puerto Rico as a stand in for Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Given the series name, filming took place at some of Puerto Rico’s top resorts, including the pool area of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and suites at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel. If you look closely, you can spot the fountain area of Museo Casa Blanca, a landmark in Old San Juan built as the main residence for Puerto Rico's first governor, Juan Ponce de León. Additionally, jungle scenes were shot at Julio Monagas National Park in Bayamón, and a big chase scene took place at La Placita, a marketplace by day that transforms into a hotspot for street dancing and bar hopping when the sun goes down.
Take in sweeping views of the old city from atop Castillo San Cristóbal.
Marvel's Agents of SHIELD
ABC
Marvel fans will be happy to discover that the series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which follows an elite team of agents investigating strange occurrences around the globe and beyond, filmed several episodes in Old San Juan. Locations such as Castillo San Cristóbal, Plaza Colón, La Garita del Diablo, and the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña can be spotted in these episodes.
Legend has it that the Chapel of Christ the Savior was erected to honor a miracle.
Homeland
Showtime
The famous series Homeland, starring Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin, and Damian Lewis, filmed crucial scenes of the third season in Old San Juan, which stood in for Caracas, Venezuela. The show follows a CIA operative who becomes convinced that a prisoner of war is planning to carry out a terrorist attack.
SEAL Team
CBS
SEAL Team, which follows an elite unit of United States Navy SEALs portrayed by David Boreanaz, Max Thieriot, and Jessica Paré, filmed parts of season two on location in Puerto Rico. Be on the lookout for iconic spots like Calle del Cristo in Old San Juan, and Esquina Watusi in Santurce.
Movies filmed in Puerto Rico
In the 16th century, Hotel El Convento was a religious school that later became Puerto Rico's first convent in the 17th century with Carmelite nuns.
The Baker and the Beauty
ABC
The majority of The Baker and the Beauty was filmed in Puerto Rico, with a special episode featuring a getaway to the Island. This romantic comedy, featuring a mostly Latino cast, tells the story of a baker and an international superstar who fall in love. Filming took place primarily in the town of Carolina, but you can also spot locations like the Condado Ocean Club in Condado and Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan. Look for the beautiful Puerto Rican flag featured in some shots!
El Escambrón Beach offers clear-blue water and snorkeling right in San Juan.
Gina Yei
Disney +
Gina Yei: Con Todo El Corazón y Más, features a Boricua cast and is the first Puerto Rican Disney+ Original series. The plot follows Gina, a talented young woman who wins a scholarship to the prestigious Caribbean Musical Institute. The series is filmed in many beautiful landscapes of Puerto Rico, including Old San Juan, Playa El Escambrón, and the Centro de Bellas Artes de Humacao.
La Concha Resort's Perla Restaurant.
Súbete a mi moto
Amazon Prime Video
Súbete a mi Moto recounts the journey of the iconic Boricua boy band Menudo. Since the group's journey began in Puerto Rico, half of the series was filmed here. Various locations across the Island were used to authentically capture the essence and history of Menudo's rise to fame.
Neon
Netflix
This show follows the story of an aspiring reggaetón artist and his best friends who move to Miami to pursue their dreams, and many locations in Puerto Rico were used to portray the Florida vibes. Kweens Klub, Vivo Beach Club, Coca-Cola Music Hall, and Perla—the shell-shaped event space at the Condado beachfront resort La Concha—were utilized for the show's vibrant party scenes. The municipality of Carolina is also featured in Neon, showcasing Hacienda Campo Rico, Supermercado Agranel 65, and the beautiful beach of Balneario Isla Verde.
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The white-sand beaches of Vieques were among the filming locations for The Rum Diary.