The long-running crime series following an elite FBI team of criminal profilers is set at Quantico and on cases across America – but filmed almost entirely in Los Angeles, which doubled for the whole country.
Where was Criminal Minds filmed?
Criminal Minds was filmed in and around Los Angeles, California, which doubled for cities across America.
Every Criminal Minds location, explained
1
The BAU and cases – Los Angeles
The FBI team and their cases used Los Angeles and its suburbs.
2
The suburbs – Glendale and Altadena
Residential scenes used Glendale, Altadena and Santa Clarita.
3
The civic buildings
Official scenes used LA City Hall and civic buildings.
4
LA as many cities
Los Angeles doubled for towns and cities across the country.
Planning a visit
Los Angeles – the show’s real production base – is an accessible, endlessly filmable city.
Criminal Minds Fun Facts
1
Filmed in Los Angeles The nationwide procedural was made almost entirely in LA.
2
Set at Quantico The FBI team is based at Quantico, Virginia.
3
Criminal profilers The show follows the FBI’s Behavioural Analysis Unit.
4
A long run The series ran for well over a decade.
5
An 'unsub' each week Each case hunts an unknown subject, or ‘unsub’.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Criminal Minds filmed?
In and around Los Angeles, California, which doubled for cities across America.
Is it set in Los Angeles?
No – it’s set at Quantico and on cases nationwide, filmed in LA.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Los Angeles is accessible.
What is it about?
The FBI’s Behavioural Analysis Unit of criminal profilers.
When did it start?
2005.
