You Won’t Believe Where Grosse Pointe Garden Society Was Filmed: Uncover the Secrets Locations and How to Visit!
Ready to dig into the juicy world of NBC’s Grosse Pointe Garden Society? This sassy, suspense-filled drama has us all hooked with its tale of four suburban gardeners tangled in murder, mischief, and a whole lot of secrets. But while the show’s set in the ritzy Grosse Pointe, Michigan, the real filming magic happened somewhere else entirely! Buckle up as we spill the tea on where this scandalous series was shot, how you can visit these spots.
Where Was Grosse Pointe Garden Society Filmed?
Don’t let the name fool you—while Grosse Pointe Garden Society is set in the affluent, Tudor-mansion-filled suburb of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, the cameras didn’t roll there. Instead, the production team headed south to Atlanta, Georgia, specifically Assembly Studios in Doraville, to bring this posh world to life. Why Atlanta? It’s a filmmaker’s paradise with state-of-the-art studios, tax incentives, and neighborhoods that can double as just about anywhere—including Grosse Pointe’s manicured lawns and old-money vibes.
Assembly Studios: The Heart of the Action
Located in Doraville, a suburb just northeast of Atlanta, Assembly Studios is where the Grosse Pointe Garden Societycrew worked their magic. This sprawling production facility is a go-to for TV and film, boasting massive soundstages and versatile outdoor sets. The show’s creators transformed Assembly Studios into Grosse Pointe’s wealthy enclave, complete with stately homes and a central garden that’s more than just a pretty backdrop—it’s a literal plot device hiding a body! Production designer Adam Davis, unable to visit Grosse Pointe, relied on research and co-showrunner Bill Krebs’ hometown knowledge to nail the aesthetic. Think expensive moldings, lush greenery, and that “old money” charm.
The show’s iconic garden, where our characters bury their dark secret, was a custom-built masterpiece. For the pilot, filmed in March and April 2024, the team used an Atlanta wedding venue with a pre-existing lush garden, then hauled in a thousand extra plants to perfect the look. When the series was greenlit, a true-to-scale courtyard was constructed outside Assembly Studios, blending real plants and faux silk flowers to keep it blooming through Atlanta’s tricky winter weather. Fun fact: the garden acts as a “clock” in the show, its growth marking the passage of time as secrets unravel.
Druid Hills: Grosse Pointe’s Southern Twin
To capture Grosse Pointe’s upscale vibe, the production leaned on Atlanta’s Druid Hills neighborhood, which co-showrunner Bill Krebs says mirrors Grosse Pointe’s “old Pewter homes” and manicured lawns. This historic area, with its grand estates and tree-lined streets, served as a stand-in for exterior shots, giving the show that authentic wealthy-suburb feel. While specific Druid Hills locations weren’t named, its shopping districts and residential areas doubled for scenes like those on Grosse Pointe’s Kercheval Avenue.
How to Get to the Filming Locations
Ready to chase some Grosse Pointe Garden Society vibes in Atlanta? Here’s how to visit the key spots and soak up the show’s atmosphere!
Getting to Assembly Studios
Location: Assembly Studios, 2000 Convention Center Concourse, Atlanta, GA 30340
By Car: From downtown Atlanta, hop on I-85 North for about 15 miles (20-30 minutes, depending on traffic). Take exit 95 for I-285 East, then exit 33B for Buford Highway. The studio’s in Doraville, near the old GM plant, now a bustling film hub. Parking is limited, as it’s a working studio, so plan to explore nearby areas instead of lingering.
Public Transit: Take MARTA’s Gold Line to Doraville Station, about a 25-minute ride from downtown. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk or a quick rideshare to Assembly Studios. Note: The studio isn’t open for public tours, but you can snap pics outside the gates where the garden set was built.
Travel Tip: Atlanta traffic can be a beast, so avoid rush hours (7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.). Spring and fall offer mild weather, perfect for exploring.
Getting to Druid Hills
Location: Druid Hills, centered around Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307
By Car: From downtown Atlanta, take Ponce de Leon Avenue east for about 5 miles (10-15 minutes). Druid Hills is a historic neighborhood with stunning homes, like those at Lullwater Road or The Prado, that scream Grosse Pointe elegance.
Public Transit: MARTA’s Red or Gold Line to Decatur Station is your best bet, followed by a 15-minute walk or short rideshare to Druid Hills’ core. The area’s walkable, with sidewalks perfect for ogling mansions.
Travel Tip: Visit in spring when azaleas bloom, mirroring the show’s lush garden aesthetic. Grab coffee at The Majestic Diner nearby for a retro vibe.
What Else to Discover About Grosse Pointe Garden Society
Now that you know where the show was filmed, let’s dig into the dirt on this juicy series! Grosse Pointe Garden Society premiered on NBC on February 23, 2025, and ran for 12 episodes before being canceled in June 2025. Despite its short run, it left a mark with its mix of dark comedy, murder mystery, and suburban drama. Here’s the lowdown on what makes it a must-watch and some fun facts to impress your friends:
The Plot: Murder, Secrets, and Suburban Sass
The show follows four garden club members in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, who get caught up in a murder they’re desperate to cover up. Meet the crew:
Birdie (Melissa Fumero): A glamorous, self-destructive socialite and bestselling author, serving community service at the garden club. She’s got Chanel, martinis, and a secret son she gave up at 16.
Alice (AnnaSophia Robb): A high school English teacher and aspiring writer whose dreams are crumbling, narrated with a wistful charm.
Catherine (Aja Naomi King): A perfectionist real estate agent with a crumbling marriage and a scandalous affair. She’s all about control, never a hair out of place.
Brett (Ben Rappaport): A divorced dad and garden store manager who shelved his car restoration dreams for his ex-wife’s career.
The quartet’s lives unravel as they bury a body in their award-winning garden, with time-jumping episodes revealing their pasts, present struggles, and the mystery of “who got shot?” The non-linear storytelling, while sometimes confusing, keeps you guessing, and the glossy production design screams suburban chic.
You Won’t Believe Where Grosse Pointe Garden Society Was Filmed: Uncover the Secrets, Locations, and How to Visit!
Fun Facts About the Series
Michigan Nods: Co-showrunner Bill Krebs, a Grosse Pointe Park native, sprinkled local Easter eggs throughout, like ordering “a round of Coneys” at a diner or joking about planting tulips “because we’re Dutch all of a sudden,” a nod to nearby Holland, Michigan.
Garden as a Star: The garden set isn’t just scenery—it’s a narrative device. Its growth mirrors the plot’s timeline, with the crew battling frost and rival gardeners from Bloomfield Hills.
Star Power: The cast is stacked! Melissa Fumero (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Aja Naomi King (How to Get Away with Murder), AnnaSophia Robb (The Carrie Diaries), and Ben Rappaport (Mr. Robot) bring serious charisma. Plus, Nancy Travis (Last Man Standing) steals scenes as Alice’s meddling mom.
Cancellation Blues: Despite a 71% Rotten Tomatoes score and a loyal fanbase, the show’s low ratings led to its cancellation after one season. The cast, including Fumero and Rappaport, shared heartfelt farewells on social media, calling it a “special one.”
Scented Swag: Scentbird partnered with the show for a Grosse Pointe Garden Society fragrance collection, featuring scents like Rebel Rose and Rebel Jasmine, inspired by the characters. Smell like a suburban sleuth
What Critics and Fans Say
Critics called it a “breezy watch” with a vibe reminiscent of Desperate Housewives but lighter on satire. The AV Club praised its potential to “bloom” into a hit, while Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 71% approval rating, lauding the cast and production design but noting the time jumps could be jarring. Fans loved the mystery but had mixed feelings about character likability—Alice’s obliviousness and Birdie’s toxicity sparked debate. Still, the show’s soapy fun and small-town feel won hearts.
Exploring Atlanta: Bonus Activities Near the Filming Spots
While Assembly Studios isn’t open for tours, Atlanta’s got plenty to keep you entertained in the Grosse Pointe Garden Society spirit!
Fernbank Museum of Natural History (10 minutes from Druid Hills): Dive into nature with lush garden exhibits and dinosaur skeletons. It’s a nod to the show’s botanical theme, with a side of science. Open daily, $25 admission.
Ponce City Market (15 minutes from Druid Hills): This trendy food hall and shopping spot feels like Grosse Pointe’s Kercheval Avenue, with artisanal eats and boutique vibes. Try a Michigan-inspired Coney dog at The Hot Dog Stand.
Atlanta Botanical Garden (10 minutes from Druid Hills): Channel the garden club with 30 acres of blooming flowers and whimsical sculptures. The Fuqua Conservatory’s tropical plants echo the show’s lush sets. Open daily, $22 admission.
Dine Like a Grosse Pointer: Head to The Iberian Pig in Decatur (near Druid Hills) for tapas like jamón ibérico, evoking the show’s upscale dining scenes. Reservations recommended.
Why Visit the Filming Locations?
Chasing Grosse Pointe Garden Society filming spots is a blast for fans and travelers alike. Atlanta’s Druid Hills captures the show’s wealthy-suburb aesthetic, while the Assembly Studios area offers a peek into Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes magic. Plus, exploring Atlanta lets you soak up Southern charm, from historic mansions to modern foodie haunts, all while imagining Birdie, Alice, Catherine, and Brett scheming in their garden. Whether you’re a mystery buff or just love a good getaway, this trip is a blooming good time!
Ready to Unearth the Secrets? Plan your Atlanta adventure and stream Grosse Pointe Garden Society on Peacock to relive the drama.
24 Hours and 1 Night in Grosse Pointe, Michigan: The Lakeside Elegance Itinerary
Saturday Afternoon: History & Hidden Gems
11 a.m. - Tour the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House
Explore the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, a 1920s mansion in Grosse Pointe Shores that blends Cotswold-inspired architecture with lakeside grandeur. Wander through opulent rooms filled with antique furnishings and original art, from tapestries to Impressionist paintings, as docents share stories of the Ford family’s legacy. The sprawling gardens, designed by Jens Jensen, bloom with roses and native plants, their fragrance mingling with the lake breeze. The estate’s serene beauty, with paths winding past fountains and Lake St. Clair views, feels like stepping into a Gilded Age dream.
1 p.m. - Sip at Atwater in the Park
Pop into Atwater in the Park, a microbrewery housed in a converted church in Grosse Pointe Park. The Dirty Blonde Ale, crisp with wheat and citrus notes, pairs perfectly with a charcuterie board of local sausages and cheeses. The stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings create a unique ambiance, while the outdoor beer garden, shaded by oaks, hums with laughter and the clink of pints. The brewery’s nod to Detroit’s craft beer scene adds a modern twist to Grosse Pointe’s historic charm.
Saturday Evening: Sunset & Sophisticated Fare
6 p.m. - Sunset at Patterson Park
Catch sunset at Patterson Park in Grosse Pointe Park, a lakeside green space where the sky ignites in shades of orange and violet over Lake St. Clair. The gentle lapping of waves and the rustle of maple leaves create a peaceful moment, perfect for reflecting on Grosse Pointe’s understated elegance. The park’s open lawns and benches offer a front-row seat to the water’s shimmering expanse, with sailboats dotting the horizon.
8 p.m. - Dinner at Bella Piatti
End your day at Bella Piatti in Grosse Pointe Farms, an intimate Italian bistro known for its refined yet approachable cuisine. The osso buco, braised to tender perfection with a gremolata crust, melts in your mouth, while the lobster ravioli in a creamy saffron sauce delivers coastal decadence. The candlelit dining room, with its white tablecloths and soft jazz, feels like a European escape, warmed by the hum of locals celebrating special occasions. Pair your meal with a glass of Michigan pinot grigio for a crisp, local finish.
