Netflix Is Filming Its New Series in Upstate New York

Netflix is bringing one of its next big dramas to upstate New York

A new series based on Liz Moore’s bestselling novel, has begun filming across the Hudson River Valley and Adirondack Mountains. The series stars Maya Hawke and Kerry Condon and is being produced by Sony Pictures Television for Netflix

That makes this more than just another Netflix production. The story itself is deeply tied to New York

Set in the Adirondacks, The God of the Woods follows the wealthy Van Laar family after 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar disappears from her family’s summer camp. The mystery unfolds across generations, exploring class, privilege, family secrets, and the tensions between the people who have money and influence and those who don't

And Netflix is filming the story where it actually takes place

“We’re thrilled to be filming in the state that inspired the story and the region where it’s actually set.”

— Liz Moore and Liz Hannah

The production is being led by Moore and Liz Hannah, who serve as co-showrunners, writers and executive producers. Hannah previously worked on The Girl from Plainville, Mindhunter and The Post

A recognizable cast, a very New York setting

Maya Hawke plays Judy Luptack, a young investigator looking into the disappearance of Barbara. Kerry Condon plays Barbara’s mother, Alice Van Laar

The ensemble also includes Damon Gupton, Ella Rubin, Benjamin Walker, Nell Fisher, John Gallagher Jr., Lola Kirke and Colton Ryan

For viewers familiar with the Adirondacks, the setting may be just as interesting as the cast. The production is using the region's landscapes and history as part of the story rather than simply using New York as a generic backdrop

Film and television productions bring crews, vendors, locations and creative workers into communities outside New York City. And when a production chooses to shoot in the region that inspired its story, the local landscape itself becomes part of the product

When can we watch it?

Not yet. Filming has started, but Netflix has not announced a release date for The God of the Woods

For now, upstate New Yorkers get to watch the production happen in their own backyard, and eventually, we'll get to see the Adirondacks on Netflix