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Mayor de Blasio Announces All-Time Record Number of Television Shows Shooting in New York City

June 6, 2017

56 television series filmed in NYC during the 2016-17 season, an increase of 8 percent over last year – creating thousands of jobs and bringing millions of dollars in spending to local economy

NEW YORK—Today, Mayor de Blasio and Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin announced a record-breaking 56 episodic television series filmed in New York City during the 2016-17 season. The new high, up from 52 last year, reaffirms the City’s status as the premier location for the episodic television production industry. The number of television shows shot in the city has been setting records every year for the last seven seasons, thanks to the proliferation of networks and platforms commissioning scripted content, including streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon.

“We are experiencing a new golden age of television. The industry is enjoying a period of substantial expansion – not only to different audiences, but new platforms. And our City is doing an excellent job of getting its share of this growth,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Production activity is spreading out to all five boroughs, and with it, more and more good-paying jobs for New Yorkers.” 

“We are thrilled that, once again, New York City has broken a new record in the number of television series shooting here,” said Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin. “New York is the greatest backdrop in the world, and the diversity of the city’s locations is unparalleled as is its skilled workforce. This increase in production provides enormous revenue to the city’s small businesses, and as well as thousands of well-paying jobs, something we can all celebrate.”

Every television show that shoots in the five boroughs brings tangible economic benefits to the City’s neighborhoods in the form of increased spending at local businesses and hundreds of well-paying jobs. The city’s soundstages are in high demand, and York Studios is breaking ground on a new 350,000 facility in the Bronx, in part to keep pace with all of the demand.

The number of pilots filmed throughout the five boroughs also rose, to 17 pilots in the 2016-2017 season (including network, cable and digital) up from 15 last year, an increase of 14 percent. The increase is all the more notable since the total number of network pilots has reportedly declined and the industry has moved away from the traditional pilot commissioning process.

Among the award-winning shows filmed in New York City are Mr. Robot, Billions, and The Americans. A number of prestigious projects have already announced they will film in New York in the 2017-18 season, including Succession with HBO, Maniac, a Netflix series which is the first Paramount TV project for shoot in New York, and Ray Donovan, the hit Showtime drama about a Hollywood fixer, which relocated from Los Angeles.

"Queens is an important driver of NYC’s booming filmed entertainment industry. Our studios are booked and are expanding to meet demand,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “By showcasing authentic New York, we grow and the industry grows.”

“We are thrilled that Staten Island has become the set for so many movies and television shows. These opportunities bring opportunities to Staten islanders in terms of jobs, location fees and services. I am proud that our initiative, Made On SI, has had an impact and I will continue to advocate for filmings here on Staten Island. At Borough Hall alone, we have filmed ‘Gotham’ and ‘A Crime to Remember’ in the last year. It’s a thriving industry and I am proud that Staten Island is part of this boom,” said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo.

“With our world-class sound stages, top tier production professionals and crew, and a uniquely diverse collection of acting talent, New York City is without a doubt the best place to film great TV,” said Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. “I’m proud of our work to create an environment for this industry to thrive. The entire process drives tourism, creates jobs, and is good for our city.”

“New York City’s television industry is exploding in size and scope,” said Council Member James Vacca, Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Technology. “All corners of our city are experiencing a television renaissance with directors and producers choosing New York City to bring their creative visions to life.  I thank Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Menin for their efforts in making New York City the go-to destination for the television industry.”

Overall, New York City’s filmed entertainment industry contributes nearly $9 billion to the local economy and creates 130,000 full-time, well-paying jobs.

Pilots filmed in New York City during the 2016-17 season include:
Start Up, ABC
Salamander, ABC
Deception, ABC
Untitled Paul William Davies Project, ABC
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Amazon
Untitled Jenny Lumet Project, CBS
Live from Everywhere, Comedy Central
Issues, Freeform
Succession, HBO
Luncheonette, JAX Media
Redliners, NBC
Salvation, NBC
Drama High, NBC
Happy, Syfy
Mating, Showtime
Civil, TNT
The Tap, USA

Media Contact

pressoffice@cityhall.nyc.gov
(212) 788-2958