Behind the Scenes: Unveiling the Enchanting Filming Locations of Apple's Lessons In Chemistry

Summary

Brie Larson stars as Elizabeth in Lessons in Chemistry, a feminist series set in the 1950s dealing with the sexism of the era.

The show showcases a range of locations inspired by the 1950s, including a vibrant pink kitchen set and meticulously designed period-appropriate homes.

The interiors were meticulously constructed at Ace*Mission Studios in Los Angeles, while the exteriors and outdoor scenes were captured on film in Pasadena, California.

Lessons in Chemistry features captivating 1950s-inspired settings where the show is filmed. Leading the cast is Brie Larson, portraying the main character Elizabeth, with Lewis Pullman as her romantic interest, Calvin Evans. Inspired by Bonnie Garmus' book of the same name, this Apple TV+ series shares a feminist narrative, showcasing the challenges faced by a female chemist in the sexist '50s era.

Nevertheless, nothing can deter the protagonist from pursuing her passion, not even being part of a cooking TV show. From the all-pink kitchen on the television set to the work environment of Elizabeth and Calvin, Lessons in Chemistry encompasses numerous locations that transport viewers back to the 1950s. Whether it is the pink set of her TV show or her own home kitchen where Elizabeth cooks alongside Calvin, the backdrop of Lessons in Chemistry distinctly sets the stage for this period piece.

Ace*Mission Studios in Los Angeles, California

The interiors featured in Lessons in Chemistry, including Elizabeth's home and the television studio for Supper at Six, were not actually from the 1950s. These sets were specifically constructed for the Apple TV+ series at Ace*Mission Studios in Los Angeles, California. Production designer Cat Smith discussed the creation of these sets with House Beautiful. Since the show is set in the 1950s, Smith had to find period-appropriate items to furnish the sets. In collaboration with Larson, Smith made the Supper at Six kitchen entirely pink to represent the stereotypical ideal of a kitchen that a male television executive would believe women desire.

In contrast, Elizabeth and Calvin's kitchen has a more subdued color scheme to give the impression that it has not been updated since the 1940s. However, their neighbor Harriet Sloane has a more modern kitchen with green cabinets and botanical-themed curtains. Ace*Mission Studios is also responsible for constructing other interior sets, such as the lab where Elizabeth and Calvin work.

Pasadena, California

Lessons in Chemistry TV was shot in Pasadena, California for the exteriors of the homes and outdoor scenes. Although the homes are situated in Pasadena, they are portrayed as being in Sugar Hill, California within the show. The exact filming location for certain scenes, such as Elizabeth and Calvin's first kiss on a boat, remains uncertain. However, it is probable that this scene was filmed in or near Pasadena, or potentially closer to the Los Angeles studio.