Where Was Dept Q Filmed on Netflix

Nivedita Dubey
June 4, 2025

Summary:

Dept Q is filmed on location in Edinburgh, Scotland, enhancing its authentic atmosphere.
The Netflix series shifts the original book’s setting from Copenhagen to Edinburgh.
Interior scenes were filmed at FirstStage Studios and notable local landmarks like the Signet Library.

Netflix’s Dept. Q introduces a gripping detective drama set against the atmospheric backdrop of Edinburgh, Scotland. The series follows Carl Morck, a troubled investigator who reopens cold cases while grappling with trauma from his past. With its compelling narrative, high production value, and use of real locations, Dept. Q has quickly gained popularity among audiences and critics alike.

**Where Was Dept Q Filmed and Set?**

Netflix’s Dept. Q is set in Edinburgh, Scotland, and filmed extensively on location in the city and surrounding areas. This decision enhances the series’ realism and mood, with Edinburgh’s gothic architecture and gray skies contributing to the show’s noir tone.

Filming took place across various recognizable sites in Edinburgh, including St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Edinburgh City Chambers, the Wester Hailes area, and Leith. Scenes were also shot in broader East Lothian locations such as Dirleton, Yellowcraig Beach in North Berwick, and Musselburgh. These real-world locations give the show a grounded feel and showcase Scotland’s historic landscapes.

While the exterior shots relied heavily on Edinburgh’s streets and landmarks, interior scenes were filmed at FirstStage Studios in Leith, as well as repurposed spaces like hotels and historic buildings. A notable example is the Signet Library, which was used for courtroom scenes, blending authenticity with cinematic drama.

**How Does Dept Q Change the Original Book Setting?**

The Netflix series Dept. Q is based on the Nordic noir novels by Jussi Adler-Olsen, which originally take place in Copenhagen, Denmark. In a significant departure from the source material, the streaming adaptation relocates the story to Edinburgh, Scotland.

This change in setting aligns the series more closely with British crime drama conventions, moving away from the Scandinavian aesthetic of the books and earlier Danish film adaptations. Despite the shift, Edinburgh’s historical and moody atmosphere proves to be a fitting replacement for Copenhagen’s similarly somber ambiance.

By setting the series in an English-speaking country, Netflix increases its accessibility to international audiences, especially in English-speaking markets. The gothic architecture, misty weather, and urban density of Edinburgh mirror many of the visual and thematic elements found in Scandinavian noir, making the location swap a practical and stylistic fit.

**What Makes Dept Q Stand Out Among Netflix Crime Dramas?**

Since its release, Dept. Q has been well-received by both critics and viewers, earning an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes and quickly climbing Netflix’s Top 10 charts, only behind Sirens and Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders.

What distinguishes Dept. Q is its balance of intense crime investigation with moments of emotional depth and subtle humor. The storyline follows Carl Morck as he heads the newly established cold case department and investigates the disappearance of Merritt Lingard, while confronting his own psychological scars. The series explores the character’s dynamic with his team, grounding the procedural drama in human connection.

The setting plays a pivotal role in this, with Edinburgh not only serving as a scenic backdrop but also shaping the tone and pace of the show. Combined with strong performances—led by Matthew Goode as Carl—the series manages to stand out in a crowded genre.

**When Did Dept. Q Release and Where Can You Stream It?**

Dept. Q premiered on Netflix on June 5, 2025, as part of the platform’s growing library of high-quality crime dramas. The show is available exclusively on Netflix for global audiences and consists of a full season drop, allowing viewers to binge the entire story.

Source: ScreenRant

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