Hbo Max Rebooted The Show For The Streaming Era
Nearly 10 years after “Gossip Girl” ended, HBO Max rebooted the teen drama for the next generation.
The new series takes place eight years after the original Gossip Girl website went dark, and follows a new group of teens on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Kristen Bell returned as the narrator of the reboot, and other castmembers include Emily Alyn Lind, Eli Brown, Whitney Peak, and Jordan Alexander.
Read More:
Meester Proved She Was Meant To Play Blair Waldorf
Although Meester seems like the natural fit for Blair Waldorf now, her connection to the character was not always so apparent.
Executive producer Schwartz told Vanity Fair in 2017, “She came in and she was really funny, and really smart and played vulnerable. But there was one problem: She was blonde. And Blake was blonde, obviously Serena had to be blonde. So, went to the sink and dyed her hair. She wanted it.'”
In the same Vanity Fair interview, Chace Crawford, who played Nate, recalled thinking, “I just don’t see her as Blair Waldorf. I can’t see it,” the first time he met Meester at auditions.
But Crawford’s mind was quickly changed when Meester turned around “slyly in her chair,” sporting Blair’s iconic headband.
After that, he said “I just remember thinking, ‘That girl can act. She’s the perfect girl for this.'”
Gossip Girl Was Based On A Book Series By Cecily Von Ziegesar And The Author Had One Major Issue With The Tv Adaptation
“Gossip Girl” is based on a book series by Cecily von Ziegesar.
Though she said she enjoyed watching “Gossip Girl,” von Ziegesar told MTV in 2008 that she did have a major problem with the show.
“I think Vanessa is one character they ruined. In the book, she’s kick-ass and has a shaved head and wears lots of black …” the author said. “I think a lot of the readers who don’t usually read teen fiction identify with Vanessa.”
She continued, “Even though I don’t like Vanessa’s character, it’s nothing against Jessica . I just wish Vanessa was like she is in the books a bit more.”
Recommended Reading: How Many Free New York Times Articles
Pulitzer Fountain At The Plaza
The last spot on our list is the Pulitzer Fountain At the Plaza which is right outside central park. This is where Blair and Serena had a photo shoot in Blair moms clothes.
And those are all the top Gossip Girl locations in New York to check out if youre a fan of the show. Let me know what filming location youd like to see the most.
Ive also created a map with each location on this list to better help youre planning and to know when to see each place. You can click the picture of the map and you will be taken to it on Google.
Chuck Bass Suites At The Palace And The Empire
Oh, The Palace, Chuck Bass first den of sin.
Fans of the show will be happy to learn that the luxurious four-and-a-half star landmark hotel said to be owned by the Bass family exists in real life, and its located along Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. It is one of the real New York City landmarks used in the show, and one you can actually catch a glimpse of when visiting New York.
New York Palace Hotel is located at 455 Madison Avenue
In Gossip Girl, Chuck Bass lives in a suite of the hotel his father owns, sustained by the fully stocked bar and room delivery service .
He only leaves his bachelor pad towards the end of the season, to move into the Van der Woodsen penthouse with his new family but that doesnt last long, as he quickly gets himself kicked out and moves back into the suite at The Palace. He lives there all to the end of season 3, when he acquires The Empire to build his own well, empire, and moves into his new hotel.
The Empire Hotel, Chuck Bass next home and business venture, is also a real life, ultra-luxurious hotel on the Upper East Side, neighboring Central Park. Its richly appointed suites and never-ending list of amenities make it the perfect place for Chuck Bass to call home, so no wonder Nate Archibald was quick to join him. Nate lived with Chuck at the Empire on and off for the remaining seasons.
Chuck and Nates suite at the Empire
Read Also: How To Register Non Profit Organization In New York
The Plaza Hotels Pulitzer Fountain
After Eleanor Waldorf and her fashion team tried to trick Serena into replacing Blair as the face of the brand, the two frenemies stole a couple of backless dresses from the rooftop photoshoot and had one of their own. If you love visiting scenic fountains, youâll definitely want to check out the Plaza Hotelâs Pulitzer Fountain, which is where Blair and Serena had an impromptu photoshoot with the help of a random passerby.
Bethesda Terrace Is The Location For Memorable Moments On Gossip Girl
Central Park is a familiar sight during Gossip Girls six seasons. One of the parks major landmarks that makes an appearance is the Bethesda Terrace.
After Serena returns to the city in the pilot, she and Blair have a heart to heart at the Bethesda Terrace. Through tears, Blair reads Serena a letter she wrote when she mysteriously left the city for boarding school.
In the same spot, another major moment in the series takes place. Chuck and Blair say their I Dos in Gossip Girl Season 6 Episode 10: New York, I Love You XOXO. Surrounded by close family and friends, they tie the knot at the Bethesda Terrace.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Internet Provider In New York
Lively And Penn Badgley Dated And Then Secretly Broke Up While They Were Filming The Show
Just like their on-screen personas, Lively and Penn Badgley dated for a few years while filming “Gossip Girl.”
The two reportedly went public with their relationship in 2008 and in 2010. But no one on the set was aware when the two broke up.
“The shocking thing was, I found out on the set of the season two finale that Blake and Penn had broken up months before They kept the breakup hidden from the crew, which you could never do now,” executive producer Joshua Safran told Vanity Fair in 2017.
He continued, “I don’t even know how they did it. They kept it from everybody which is a testament to how good they are as actors. Because they did not want their personal drama to relate to the show.”
Gossip Girl Reboot Filming Locations
After a significant delay due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, principal photography on the first season of the Gossip Girl reboot series began on November 2, 2020, and concluded sometime in early 2021. The series is primarily set in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and filming of the show takes place on location in various parts of New York City as well as on soundstages in a studio. Lets take a closer look at the shows filming sites.
Read Also: Must Eat In New York
The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
The steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art are where Blair, Serena, and their friends hung out before and after school . In real life, the Met is an incredibly popular art museum in New York that is always worth a visit. The architecture is gorgeous, and the artwork is extensive. Try to find a spot on the steps if you want to sit outside and pretend to be Blair.
Gossip Girl Locations In New York
One of my favorite TV shows is Gossip Girl. Ive re-watched it so many times and will continue to re-watch it. New York is also one of my favorite places Ive ever visited. Because of this I decided to make a list of Gossip Girl locations in New York that you can visit while traveling in New York City.
Disclosure: this post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click that link and make a purchase I may receive a commission at no cost to you.
You May Like: How Many Nursing Homes In New York State
New York City New York
Gossip Girl is set against the backdrop of multi-cultural and bustling New York City. The series is extensively filmed on location across the city. One of the most important filming locations is the Museum of the City of New York, located at 1220 5th Avenue, which most likely serves as the exterior of the Constance Billard Prep School, the shows main setting. Filming of some sequences for the first season also took place outside The Metropolitan Museum of Art situated at 1000 5th Avenue.
Episodes of the series are also filmed on sets built at Steiner Studios, a studio complex located at 15 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn Navy Yard. The property covers an area of 20 acres and houses seventeen soundstages. Popular productions filmed at the studio include Joker,The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and City on a Hill.
Todays Gossip Girl filming set.
GOSSIP GIRL ARCHIVE
The cast and crew also shot some sequences for episodes in the SoHo and Greenwich Village neighborhoods of Manhattan. Filming of episodes has also taken place in and around Cooper Square, a junction that connects streets of Lower Manhattan.
gossip girl reboot filming outside my dorm check LMAO
liz
The shooting of episodes has also taken place in the vicinity of the Ralph Lauren Mansion at 867 Madison Avenue and Ralphs Coffee at 888 Madison Avenue. The Public Theater and Astor Wines & Spirits, both located on Lafayette Street, also appear in some episodes.
Bossa Nova Civic Club
They also hit up a “dingy bar “at 1271 Myrtle Avenue, which is actually Bossa Nova Civic Club, a “tropical fantasy dance club” that’s a staple in the thriving Bushwick scene, setting itself apart from its competitors with a legitimate sound system and consistently hot lineups of underground house and techno DJs manning the decks.
Read Also: Is New York Times Free On Apple News
Real Upper East Side Teens Had A Few Issues With How The Students Were Portrayed On The Show
“Gossip Girl” was known for its over-the-top portrayal of New York City’s elite, so it’s not exactly surprising that it received backlash from its real-life counterparts.
According to The Sun, some New York City students said that their schools even imposed bans on watching the show.
Mina Beveney, a 2007 alumna of the Spence School on the Upper East Side, told the publication that although there are “parallels,” much of what the show depicts isn’t realistic.
“I don’t understand how they’re glamorously not doing five hours of homework a night,” she said.
Gossip Girl: Top 5 Nyc Filming Locations
View Gossip Girl Top 5 Filming Locations in a larger map
Though Silvercup Studios in Long Island City has been their primary home, the cast and crew of Gossip Girl has filmed on location at some of NYCs most famous landmarks over the past 6 years.
Heres a look at five of our favorites:
Empire Hotel 44 West 63rd Street
Chuck Bass invested in the Empire Hotel making it one of the most frequently used filming locations in recent seasons.
NYC Palace Hotel 455 Madison Avenue
Since the Van der Woodson family called the Palace home it was also a popular filming location for the show early on.
The Met 1000 5th Ave
The cast just filmed at The Met a few days ago, but it is best known on the show for its steps where Blair had lunch most days when she still at Constance.
Read Also: Where Is The Wax Museum In New York
Gossip Girl Film Locations In New York City
After watching Gossip Girl there were two things I knew for sure. One, I really wanted to fly to New York City and take Manhattan by storm, and two, I really wish I had Blair and Serenas wardrobes! Being filmed over many iconic New York spots in both Manhattan and Brooklyn, Gossip Girl will inspire you to get out and explore NYC, even if youre a local! In this post you will find the best Gossip Girl Film Locations in New York City.
Relevant Posts
Lotte New York Palace
The Lotte New York Palace Hotel is used as the home of Chuck Bass, as well as the Van der Woodsen family on “Gossip Girl.” Scenes were shot throughout the hotel from the open courtyard to what is now known as The Gold Room, where Serena Van der Woodsen sipped the hotel’s signature drink, “The Queen of Mean.”
The restaurant GILT was also formerly located in the New York Palace Hotel and was well-known for being featured in a scene where Serena enjoys a grilled cheese sandwich with truffles. GILT is now closed.
Also Check: How Much Do Dentists Make In New York
The Van Der Woodsen Penthouse
Otherwise known as Serenas lair or Lilly Bass penthouse, this penthouse was one of the most heavily used sets on Gossip Girl, not to mention one of the most stylish.
Showcasing Lillys impeccable taste in art and decor, the Van der Woodsen penthouse served as home to the entire extended family, with Chuck, Rufus, Dan, and Jenny all calling it home at one point.
In the first season of Gossip Girl, the Van der Woodsens live at the Palace the Bass-owned hotel, courtesy of Bart Bass while their penthouse is being redecorated. They move back into the penthouse towards the end of the season, with Bart and Chuck Bass joining them.
The modern living room of the Van der Woodsens, home to many, many scenes throughout the show, is done up in red, white, and turquoise, and is a delight to look at.
Its a mix of sharp modern lines , touches of Asian influence , and even a glimpse of traditional flair . And lets not forget the finishing touches: a pop art portrait and a shrine to the all-mighty Prada.
As the story goes, the fictional apartment is set in a high rise on the East Side, not too far from the Palace Hotel. Cece Rhodes bought the penthouse as a gift for Lillys first wedding with Serenas father, William for tax purposes, of course.
Towards the end of the show, the penthouse becomes the subject of a bitter ownership battle, as Cece leaves it as inheritance to her fake granddaughter, Ivy, but the Van der Woodsens manage to get it back.
Image credit: Milan NYC
Where Is The Gossip Girl Reboot Filmed
Good new guys, the new Gossip Girl uses pretty much all the same locations as before.
The series has been shot in and around Manhattan, and once again the Upper East Side is the main focus.
Although some of the locations are being under wraps, some of Blair and Serena’s old haunts were featured in episode one of the reboot.
Also Check: What To See In New York
There Are A Few International Gossip Girl Spin
“Gossip Girl” was a hit with American audiences, but it also was reproduced in a few countries around the world.
Spin-offs and remakes were produced in Mexico, China, Turkey, and Thailand.
Promotional photos for Mexico’s “Gossip Girl: Acapulco” appeared to have the same preppy flair as the original, but the show was not renewed by Univision for a second season.
Top 5 Things To Pack For A Gossip Girl Tour
Gossip Girl characters are always flawless and seem well prepared when oaming around Manhattan and Brooklyn.
If you really want to soak up the vibe of the famous TV series, why not bring some Gosip Girl essentials along? You dont have to pack a Gossip Girl wardobe but maybe you just want to be better prepared.
Comfortable flats* Though most female characters on Gossip Girl wear heels ou really should opt for more comfortable walking shoes. Make it at least flats like Blair Waldorf often chooses in reference to Audrey Hepburn.
Statement jewellery* On a Gossip Girl tour, you might as well dress with a nod to the stylish series. For Blair iconic pieces are headbands*, for Lilys big statement necklaces*, for Jenny her dark eyes and for Serena you could try hats or long, multilayered necklaces*.
Travel guide* NYC is full of amazing sights and events. Even a week in the Big Apple isnt enough, so why not mark your preferred spots in advance? A handy travel guide like Lonley Planet NYC* will help you find lesser known spots and cool insight tips.
Travel insurance* Wherever you travel, insurance is key. You never know when accidents happen. This could be falling off of high heels, having your luggage go lost when flying, etc. Its better to be safe than sorry.
Which of these Gossip Girl places in New York do you want to visit the most?
Read Also: What’s Going On In New York City Tonight
The Gossip Girl Books Were Originally Supposed To Be Adapted Into A Movie Starring Lindsay Lohan
According to Backstage, before The CW started developing the show, Warner Bros. had plans to adapt the books into a movie written by “Gilmore Girls” showrunner Amy Sherman-Palladino and starring Lindsay Lohan as Blair Waldorf.
“The books are a soap opera, and TV makes a lot of sense,” producer Leslie Morgenstein told the publication in 2006.