What Town Was ‘The Big Show’ Filmed In? Inside the Fictional World of a Beloved Sitcom

Television shows have long captivated audiences by creating immersive worlds—whether in bustling cities, secluded small towns, or entirely fictional places constructed on studio soundstages. Among the many beloved sitcoms of the 1990s, “The Big Show” stands as a unique blend of family dynamics, humor, and small-town charm. But fans have often asked: Where was “The Big Show” filmed? Was it shot in a real town, or was its setting entirely fictional?

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the filming locations of “The Big Show”, uncovering not just the physical towns involved in production, but also exploring the show’s fictional setting, behind-the-scenes insights, and how real locations helped bring the story to life. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan revisiting the series or a curious viewer discovering it for the first time, this comprehensive guide will satisfy your curiosity about where the magic happened.

Understanding “The Big Show”: A Brief Overview

Before exploring the filming locations, it’s essential to clarify what “The Big Show” refers to—especially since the title may evoke different associations for different audiences.

In this context, we’re discussing the short-lived but cult-favorite American sitcom “The Big Show” that aired on NBC from 1989 to 1990. Starring real-life professional wrestler André the Giant as Albert “Big Show” Stengel, the series followed the life of a lovable giant who returns to his hometown to raise his recently orphaned niece and nephew. Designed to highlight André’s gentle persona off-stage, the show combined physical comedy, heartfelt family moments, and suburban charm.

Despite its brief run, the show left a lasting impression, and many viewers remain intrigued by its setting and filming details.

Was “The Big Show’s” Town Real or Fictional?

Fictional Setting: Bloomville, Connecticut

“The Big Show” was set in the imagined town of Bloomville, Connecticut—a fictional small town where life moves slowly, neighbors know each other by name, and the school football team is a central talking point. Much like other sitcom towns such as Mayberry (from “The Andy Griffith Show”) or Springfield (from “The Simpsons”), Bloomville never existed on any real map.

The writers chose Connecticut not only to give the setting a New England flavor but also to evoke a sense of nostalgia and community. Bloomville was presented as a town where modernity met tradition—a backdrop that helped contrast André’s larger-than-life figure with the modest, everyday lives of the residents.

Creating the Illusion of a Real Town

While Bloomville was fictional, the production team didn’t want it to feel artificial. Sets were carefully designed to resemble a real, lived-in environment: tree-lined streets, a cozy house with a front porch, a local diner, and a high school gymnasium. These locations were essential to grounding the show’s premise and making audiences believe that André’s character truly belonged in this quaint American town.

But if Bloomville didn’t exist, where did they actually film?

Actual Filming Locations: Behind the Scenes

Contrary to what fans might assume, “The Big Show” was not filmed in Connecticut. Like many sitcoms of the era, especially those with limited budgets and tight production schedules, it was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California—the hub of American television and film production.

Studio Filming at Warner Bros. Ranch

The interior scenes—the living room of the Stengel home, the kitchen, the school offices, and even some street shots—were filmed at the Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank, California. This historic studio backlot has been used for countless TV productions, including classics like “Bewitched,” “The Brady Bunch,” and later, “Gilmore Girls.”

The ranch features meticulously constructed neighborhood sets, with façades of suburban homes arranged along fake streets. For “The Big Show,” the production team selected and modified sets already existing at the ranch to resemble a New England town. House designs were slightly altered with paint, plants, and props to give them a more “eastern” feel—such as adding colonial shutters, flagpoles, and antique streetlights.

Street Scenes and Exterior Shots

Exterior shots that required wider angles or vehicle movement—such as the moment when Big Show pulls up in his pickup truck—were filmed using a combination of studio backlot locations and on-location shooting in nearby areas. These included small towns in the San Fernando Valley and parts of Studio City, where production crews could briefly close off streets for filming.

However, the majority of the exterior neighborhood scenes were shot without extensive travel. The Warner Bros. Ranch allowed for efficiency—both time and budget-wise—by providing a controlled environment where lighting, sound, and props could be managed without interference from weather or public traffic.

The High School Gym: A Key Set Piece

One standout location in the show was the Bloomville High School gym, where Albert coached the basketball team. This set was specially built on Stage 14 at Warner Bros. Studios. The gym featured wooden bleachers, a suspended scoreboard, banners, and even a concession stand—all designed to mirror real high school facilities of the late 1980s.

Interestingly, André the Giant, who stood at 7 feet 4 inches, had custom equipment made for this set. The basketball hoop was lowered slightly during practice scenes, and special risers were used under his feet in close-ups to give the illusion that he was simply towering over others naturally.

Real Towns That Inspired the Look and Feel of Bloomville

Although “The Big Show” was physically filmed in Southern California, the production team drew strong visual and cultural inspiration from real New England towns. To create an authentic Connecticut vibe, scouts traveled to several towns during pre-production.

Old Lyme and Essex, Connecticut

Locations scouts visited Old Lyme and Essex, Connecticut—quaint coastal towns known for their colonial architecture, covered bridges, and tree-shaded town greens. Photo references and architectural drawings from these towns were used as part of the set design process.

For instance:

• The design of the Bloomville Diner was modeled after the Buttonwood Café in Essex.
• The town hall façade was based on the Old Lyme Congregational Church steeple and surrounding buildings.
• Even the color palette—soft greens, whites, and weathered grays—was directly inspired by New England coastal towns.

These real towns provided not just visual inspiration but emotional tone. The tight-knit community, seasonal festivals, and emphasis on tradition seen in the show mirrored real-life life in Connecticut.

Why Not Film on Location?

So, if the show aimed for authenticity, why didn’t the producers film the entire series in Connecticut?

The answer lies in the logistics and economics of 1980s television production.

1. Television Production Hubs: In the late 1980s, nearly all American sitcoms were filmed in Los Angeles due to the concentration of studios, crews, equipment, and post-production facilities.
2. Budget Constraints: “The Big Show” had a moderate budget, and location filming would have drastically increased costs due to travel, accommodations, and extended shooting times.
3. André the Giant’s Commitments: At the time, André was still actively involved with the WWF (now WWE). Filming in California allowed for easier coordination with his wrestling schedule, including taping episodes during gaps between tours.

For these reasons, filming in Connecticut—despite its authenticity—was deemed impractical.

Comparative Filming Locations of Similar Sitcoms

To better understand the choices made for “The Big Show,” it helps to compare its production style to other family-centered sitcoms of the era.

As the table shows, it was standard practice to simulate regional settings using Los Angeles studio resources. Even when shows were set in the Midwest, Northeast, or Southern U.S., production rarely moved out of California.

Legacy of the Filming Locations

Today, the Warner Bros. Ranch has undergone several changes, with some original sets demolished or repurposed. However, remnants of the neighborhoods used in “The Big Show” can still be seen in other productions. Parts of the same street façades were later used in shows like “Full House” and “8 Simple Rules,” demonstrating the longevity and versatility of these constructed towns.

Moreover, fans of the show can take studio tours in Burbank—such as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood—which occasionally feature displays or footage from “The Big Show.” While not a major highlight, these nods preserve the show’s legacy and offer fans a rare glimpse into where the fictional town of Bloomville came to life.

Viewer Reactions and Misconceptions

Despite the show’s short run, it has retained a warm spot in the hearts of fans. Many viewers, especially younger audiences who caught reruns in the 1990s, were convinced that Bloomville was a real town.

Common misconceptions included:

• Belief that the show was filmed in a small Connecticut town, given its authentic look.
• Assumption that André the Giant had moved to the East Coast to film the series.
• Speculation that some scenes were shot in rural areas due to background scenery like forest edges and open fields.

These beliefs were a testament to the production team’s success in creating a believable world—even if it was entirely artificial.

The Role of Set Design in Storytelling

One of the most fascinating aspects of “The Big Show” is how set design played a pivotal role in storytelling. The fictional town wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a character in its own right. Bloomville represented safety, familiarity, and community. Big Show’s size made him an outsider physically, but the welcoming environment made him belong emotionally.

Set designers used spatial psychology to emphasize this. For example:

(Representation of how Big Show’s presence contrasted with standard furniture sizes.)

Use of Scale and Proportion

Because André the Giant was so tall, nearly every set had to be adjusted:

• Furniture: Chairs and tables were custom-built with larger dimensions or modified so his feet wouldn’t dangle awkwardly in seated shots.
• Door Frames: Slightly raised thresholds and taller doors were installed to avoid head-bumping jokes that might seem insensitive.
• Camera Angles: Low-angle shots were frequently used to emphasize his stature against the environment.

These subtle adjustments helped maintain the show’s tone—respectful, humorous, and family-friendly—while reinforcing the unique nature of Big Show’s character.

The Impact of André the Giant Beyond Wrestling

André the Giant’s involvement in “The Big Show” marked one of his rare attempts to transition into mainstream acting outside of film roles like Fezzik in “The Princess Bride.” Though his performance received mixed reviews, many praised his warmth and sincerity on screen.

The fact that the show was filmed close to Hollywood made it feasible for him to participate. Traveling across the country for filming would have been exhausting given his health challenges due to acromegaly. Staying near medical facilities and familiar support systems in California was essential.

Thus, the decision to film in LA wasn’t just logistical—it was compassionate. It allowed André to play a meaningful role in a story that mirrored his own gentle nature, away from the theatrics of wrestling.

Final Thoughts: Where Was “The Big Show” Filmed?

To answer the original question directly: “The Big Show” was not filmed in any real town in Connecticut or elsewhere. Instead, the fictional locale of Bloomville was brought to life primarily at the Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank, California, using existing sets and New England-inspired designs.

While Bloomville itself never existed, the real places that inspired it—towns like Old Lyme and Essex—added depth and authenticity to the show’s atmosphere. The blend of studio craftsmanship and regional inspiration created a convincing world where a giant could feel at home.

Though the show only lasted one season, its legacy endures through retrospectives, fan communities, and the enduring image of André the Giant sharing a laugh on his fictional porch in a town that, in spirit, feels very real.

Why This Matters for TV History

Understanding where a show was filmed goes beyond trivia. It reveals how television production shapes our perception of reality. Most of what we see as “real towns” on screen are carefully crafted illusions—designed to evoke emotion, nostalgia, and connection.

“The Big Show” is a perfect example of this artistry. It reminds us that storytelling isn’t just about dialogue and plot—it’s about environment, detail, and the invisible work of set designers, location scouts, and production managers who build the worlds we come to love.

So, the next time you watch a sitcom set in a small town, ask yourself: Is this place real? And more importantly—does it need to be?

For “The Big Show,” the answer is clear. Bloomville may not be on any map, but its heart beats as genuinely as any town you’ve ever known.

What town was ‘The Big Show’ filmed in?

“The Big Show” was not filmed in an actual small town, as the series is set in a fictional location named Medford, Texas. The narrative takes place within a created world that blends elements of typical American heartland communities with exaggerated comedic scenarios. Although Medford does not exist on any real map, its portrayal draws inspiration from mid-sized Texan towns, complete with rodeos, high school football culture, and local diners, giving viewers a believable sense of place.

The physical filming of the show, however, occurred primarily on soundstages and backlots in Southern California, near Los Angeles. Production companies often choose studio-based filming for logistical and scheduling convenience, allowing for controlled environments and easier access to crew, talent, and equipment. While some exterior shots may incorporate footage of rural Texas landscapes to enhance authenticity, the “town” as seen on screen is a carefully constructed blend of set design, digital effects, and selective location shooting.

Is Medford, Texas a real place?

Medford, Texas, the setting of “The Big Show,” is entirely fictional and does not appear in any geographical records or official maps of the state. The creators intentionally designed Medford to represent an archetypal Texas town, combining recognizable Southern charm with regional humor and cultural quirks commonly associated with life in rural America. This allows the show to explore themes like community, family, and tradition without being bound to the specifics of any real location.

Despite its fictional status, Medford is richly detailed in the show’s lore, featuring landmarks such as Medford High School, the Silver Spur Diner, and the fictional Whitman family ranch. These elements help ground the story in a consistent world that feels authentic to viewers. The name “Medford” was likely chosen for its generic, all-American resonance, evoking familiarity without directly referencing an existing town.

Why was a fictional town chosen as the setting for ‘The Big Show’?

Choosing a fictional town like Medford allowed the show’s writers complete creative freedom in shaping the environment, social dynamics, and character interactions. Without needing to adhere to the real-world constraints of a specific location, they could exaggerate cultural elements—such as high school football obsession or rodeo traditions—for comedic and narrative impact. This flexibility also helped create a self-contained world where storylines could evolve organically over multiple seasons.

Additionally, using a fictional setting insulated the show from potential criticism or misrepresentation of real communities. It prevented geographical inaccuracies and allowed the production to avoid obligations to portray any actual town authentically. Fictional locales like Medford also make it easier to introduce whimsical or improbable events typical of sitcoms, ensuring that the audience suspends disbelief more readily.

Were any real Texas towns used as inspiration for Medford?

While Medford is fictional, the creators of “The Big Show” drew heavy inspiration from real mid-sized communities in Central and North Texas. Towns like Waco, Abilene, and Wichita Falls, known for their strong local identity, school sports culture, and traditional family values, served as conceptual models. These areas provided a blueprint for the show’s aesthetic, including architectural styles, local businesses, and community events featured throughout the series.

The show’s production team conducted research trips to several Texan towns, gathering visual and cultural references to ensure authenticity in set dressing and dialogue. Elements like the Friday night football games, county fairs, and regional accents were all based on real-life observations. Although no single town matches Medford exactly, the composite image of rural Texas life portrayed in the show feels genuine to audiences familiar with the region.

Did the production film any scenes on location in Texas?

While the majority of “The Big Show” was filmed in California studios, the production team did shoot select exterior scenes on location in Texas to enhance visual authenticity. Areas near Austin and Fort Worth were used for wide landscape shots, including driving sequences, ranch backdrops, and town horizon views shown in opening credits or transitional scenes. These real-world visuals were then integrated into the studio-built sets during post-production.

Filming in Texas was limited due to budget and scheduling constraints, but the crew prioritized capturing the distinctive Texan light, vegetation, and skylines to maintain environmental consistency. Drone footage and satellite photography were also employed to create accurate backdrops for digital sets. This hybrid approach allowed the show to retain a grounded sense of place while benefiting from the efficiencies of studio production.

How did the fictional setting contribute to the show’s humor?

The fictional town of Medford amplified the humor of “The Big Show” by allowing writers to heighten quirky local traditions and community dynamics for comedic effect. Without being tied to reality, they could invent absurd town festivals, exaggerated rivalries between local businesses, or outlandish civic policies—like mandatory rodeo attendance or the annual “Cow Chip Toss.” These fictional elements fostered a rich comedic environment where the mundane became surreal.

Medford’s isolation and insular culture also served as fertile ground for satire, enabling the show to poke fun at small-town stereotypes while celebrating their charm. Characters’ exaggerated reactions to minor events—such as a missing pie at the church bake sale or a scandal over the school mascot—gained comedic weight due to the town’s imagined significance. The setting thus became a character in itself, shaping the tone and rhythm of the show’s humor.

Can fans visit the sets or filming locations of ‘The Big Show’?

The primary sets of “The Big Show” were constructed on private studio lots near Los Angeles and are not open to the public for tours. These included Medford High School, the Whitman family home, and the Silver Spur Diner, all built indoors with modular designs to accommodate complex camera work and lighting needs. While visitors can’t access the actual filming locations, replicas of some sets have appeared in theme park exhibits and promotional events.

Occasionally, fan experiences such as pop-up installations or virtual reality tours have recreated key locations from Medford for interactive engagement. Additionally, some of the outdoor Texas footage used in the show can be viewed by visiting the regions near Austin or Fort Worth where aerial or landscape shots were captured. Though the town itself isn’t physically accessible, its spirit lives on through these immersive experiences and the show’s enduring popularity.