Move over, Hollywood. When it comes to entertainment, New York City takes the cake for having the most appealing and diverse filming locations in the U.S.

From the Times Square subway station to Washington Square Park, New York locales have been cast front and center in thousands of films, television series, commercials and music videos.

History of Film in New York

Film production in New York impressed audiences right from the start. The first modern feature film to be produced and filmed in New York, On the Waterfront, won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, at the 1954 Academy Awards. In 1955, the second New York-produced feature, Marty, also won Best Picture and three other Oscars.

New York’s television industry wasn’t far behind. Hit 1950s shows “As the World Turns” and “What’s My Line” were filmed in CBS’s Broadcast Center in Manhattan, while the classic show “The Honeymooners” shot at Manhattan’s Adelphi Theater.

As word spread, the city lured and kept many top shows, including “All My Children,” “The Cosby Show,” “Sesame Street,” “The Sopranos,” “Sex and the City,” and “Law and Order” -- the longest running drama series on primetime television!

New York As Film Star -- Famous Locations