Could NCIS: New Orleans actually move filming from New Orleans?

There are several things about NCIS: New Orleans that make the show iconic; the setting is paramount to all of them. It’s in the show’s title and so much of the story revolves around cases that happen in the Big Easy. The show’s used multiple real-life locations as key settings, but everything could change in light of new anti-abortion legislation that could become law.

Much like in other parts of the country (namely Georgia, a hotbed for many productions), the TV industry is facing some tough decisions when it comes to working in the state. There’s the argument of working to support the established crews that are there, but then there is also the argument that in staying, you are giving up your largest form of leverage in protesting the law. A state losing jobs and valuable income is a move that could cause some careful changes. This is why NCIS: New Orleans is considering a move out of state provided the new laws come into effect. In a statement, via Variety, he had the following to say:

“As the show continues production in New Orleans this season, we will monitor developments and wait to see how this plays out in the courts … Should the legislation take effect, it would be unconscionable to me to continue production in a state that enacts a draconian law putting women’s health and rights at risk.”

More than likely, NCIS: New Orleans will remain in the Big Easy through season 6 and see how the situation plays out. From there, they will have to make larger decisions. There is no guarantee the Scott Bakula-led drama receives a season 7 order, but it feels likely. It’s a situation that remains somewhat fluid. NCIS: New Orleans wouldn’t be the first show to mimic filming in New Orleans elsewhere, as The Originals actually filmed in Atlanta for the bulk of its run. There are plenty of places that could serve as a double, though you would have to navigate other states that have enacted similar controversial laws. Because of Georgia’s laws, Atlanta wouldn’t be an option.

NCIS: New Orleans season 6 will begin production a little bit later in the summer. There is no official premiere date yet but anticipate it back in late September. The filming locations for the show probably won’t be a chief narrative during most of the season, but we imagine circling back to the topic as we get closer to the spring of the new year. You can read more regarding potential premiere dates for season 6 over here. You can also watch a personal discussion on the end of season 5 at the bottom of this article. For some more information following that, remember to subscribe to CarterMatt on YouTube and view our show playlist.

Can you imagine NCIS: New Orleans filming outside of the Big Easy in the future? Share below, but remember to stay respectful — CarterMatt is primarily a TV news website, but there are obvious situations in which TV intersects with politics and issues impacting real people. This is one of them. (Photo: CBS.)