Big Little Lies is an American drama television series based on the novel by Liane Moriarty. The series premiered on HBO in 2017, with season 2 following in 2019 and the limited series finale in 2024. This article outlines when the show was filmed, covering principal photography windows, location shoots, and season-specific schedules. Filming took place primarily across California and Australia, aligning with production logistics, cast availability, and showrunner planning. Below is a detailed look at production dates and how each season fit into the overall timeline.
Overview of Production Windows
Production windows for Big Little Loves seasons generally followed a typical premium cable schedule, with pre-production, principal photography, and post-production spaced to allow for complex scheduling, international shoots, and star availability. The series balanced California interiors and exteriors with location shoots in Australia, which required careful coordination. Below is a table summarizing key dates, metrics, and verified details for each season.
| Season or Period | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 (2017) | Principal photography began early 2017 in California and Australia | Production announcements, trade reports |
| Season 2 (2019) | Filmed mid-2018 to early 2019 to align with HBO schedule | Production announcements, studio updates |
| Limited Series Finale (2024) | Filmed around 2022–2023, with post-production extending into 2024 | Studio statements, behind-the-scenes reports |
Season 1 Filming Details
Principal photography for the first season began in the first half of 2017. The production used locations in California, including Monterey and surrounding coastal areas, as well as studio work in Los Angeles. International shoots took place in Australia, notably in Sydney, to capture exterior scenes and residential neighborhoods that matched the story’s coastal setting. The schedule allowed for the complex coordination of the ensemble cast and visual effects needed for certain dramatic moments.
Key Notes for Season 1
- Pre-production started in late 2016.
- Principal photography ran roughly from January to June 2017.
- Post-production and editing overlapped with final shoots and extended into mid-2017 to meet the July premiere.
Season 2 Filming Timeline
For the second season, production began later in 2018 to accommodate cast schedules, script refinement, and HBO’s release planning. Filming moved between California and Australia, similar to season 1, to maintain visual consistency while managing budget and logistics. The season aired in 2019, with principal photography largely completed in the first half of 2019 to allow for post-production and marketing.
Key Notes for Season 2
- Pre-production started in mid-2018.
- Principal photography spanned roughly July 2018 to January 2019.
- Post-production continued into early 2019 ahead of the June premiere.
Limited Series Finale Production
The decision to conclude the story in a limited series format led to a more condensed filming schedule compared to earlier seasons. Principal photography took place primarily in 2022 and 2023, with locations again split between California and Australia. Post-production extended into 2024 to finalize visual effects, music, and promotional materials for the finale event.
Key Notes for the Finale
- Pre-production began in 2021.
- Principal photography ran from 2022 into 2023.
- Post-production and marketing ramped up in early 2024, leading to the finale release.
Logistics and Location Strategy
The production team’s approach to filming locations was central to the show’s look and feel. Using California backdrops alongside Australian exteriors allowed for cost efficiency and visual variety. Coordination between locations influenced when was big little lies filmed across different phases of the show. The decision to film in both regions impacted casting, crew scheduling, and the overall timeline for each season.
Cast and Crew Availability
Star-heavy ensemble casts, including prominent actors with film and stage commitments, influenced the start and end dates of filming. Script approvals, director availability, and the need for cohesive performances across multiple time zones also shaped when episodes were shot. These factors contributed to the gaps between seasons and the extended timeline for the finale.
Conclusion
Big Little Loves filming timeline reflects a blend of creative ambition and logistical planning. Season 1 began principal photography in early 2017, Season 2 followed in 2018–2019, and the limited series finale was filmed across 2022–2023. While specific dates vary by source, the overarching pattern shows carefully scheduled production windows, location shoots in California and Australia, and deliberate pacing to align with HBO’s release strategy.
Understanding when the series was filmed provides useful context for production quality, narrative continuity, and the show’s evolution. For viewers curious about the behind-the-scenes rhythm, this timeline clarifies how each season fit into the broader production journey.