The film was primarily shot in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California. The show is a comedy-detective series starring Ted Danson as Charles Nieuwendyk, a retired professor who, in the first season, goes undercover in a retirement home to investigate a theft. The second season revolves around the fictional Wheeler College, bringing new comedic and detective challenges for the protagonist. The production skillfully used real university campuses, historic buildings, and iconic city landmarks to create a fictional universe. The California Institute of Technology in Pasadena served as the primary double for Wheeler College, while various locations in San Francisco, including the Embarcadero waterfront and the Mission District, added an authentic Bay Area atmosphere. The show also utilized several famous Los Angeles landmarks, including the U.S. Bank Tower and the historic Ebell Club, to complement its diverse palette of locations.

Filming Locations:

The Hotel Edmon (Hollywood Historic Hotel)

In the Movie

Scene where the second season opens with a scene in an underground bar, setting the tone for the new storyline. The stylish interior with dim lighting creates an atmosphere as characters gather in this vintage Hollywood establishment, beginning the mystery-solving and comedy that drive the season forward.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in a stylish underground bar inside the Hollywood Historic Hotel on Melrose Avenue, known for its vintage charm and restored Art Deco details. The hotel is located near major Hollywood attractions and serves as an atmospheric venue blending old Hollywood glamour with modern nightlife. It served as the backdrop for the opening scene of the first episode of the second season.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

In the Movie

Scene where the fictional Wheeler College campus is shown, where most of the college scenes are filmed. Parsons-Gates Administration Hall serves as Holford Hall, and Dabney Hall as Charles's office building, Pritchard Science Center. These locations form the main academic environment for the second season's storyline.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the world-renowned California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, founded in 1891. The campus features beautiful architecture in Mission Revival, Romanesque, and Modernist styles. Parsons-Gates Administration Hall doubled as the fictional Holford Hall, and Dabney Hall as Pritchard Science Center, where Charles's office is located. Caltech is one of the world's leading science and engineering institutes.

Mills College / Northeastern University Oakland Campus

In the Movie

Scene where aerial shots of Wheeler College are shown, giving viewers a panoramic top-down view of the fictional campus. These wide shots seamlessly blend with ground-level footage from Caltech, creating a convincing overall image of the college environment throughout the season.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the historic Mills College campus in Oakland, founded in 1852, which now houses the Northeastern University Oakland campus. The campus combines historic buildings in Mission Revival and Beaux-Arts styles with modern amenities. Its picturesque grounds and classic architecture were ideal for aerial shots, helping to visually define the fictional Wheeler College from above.

Pacific View Retirement Community

In the Movie

Scene where the Pacific View retirement community serves as the primary location for the first season, where Charles goes undercover as a resident to investigate a theft. The grand lobby and exquisite interiors of the Cathedral Apartments building create a convincing look for a prestigious retirement home, while exterior shots show the impressive facade with Gothic and Art Deco elements against the San Francisco skyline.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Cathedral Apartments building in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. Built in 1927, this historic pre-war building features Art Deco and Gothic architectural styles, with a grand lobby, exquisite finishes, and breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The building served as the central location for the first season, where the storyline unfolds around the retirement home that Charles infiltrates to investigate a theft.