Murder in a Small Town, the much-anticipated mystery drama, made its debut on September 24, 2024, airing on Global in Canada and Fox in the United States. The well-known Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries books by L. R. Wright form the foundation for the series.
With Kristin Kreuk as his love interest, Cassandra, Rossif Sutherland plays Karl Alberg, a detective looking at murders in a small town. Show viewers can also catch Murder in a Small Town on Hulu, Hulu Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV, Disney+ and ESPN+.
The plot of Murder in a Small Town revolves around Karl Alberg, a detective in a small, serene town. Alberg and Cassandra meet through online dating, and the first episode explores their developing relationship.
The show takes place in Gibsons, British Columbia, the primary filming location. Despite its peaceful appearance, the town becomes the backdrop for unraveling mysteries, setting the tone for an exciting, small-town thriller.
The official synopsis says:
“Karl Alberg moves to the coast to escape police work only to find himself solving murders there.”
Filming location of Murder in a Small Town
The producers chose Gibsons, British Columbia, as the main filming location for Murder in a Small Town.
This charming small town, known for its coastal beauty, played a crucial role in shaping the show’s atmosphere. The production ran from January to May 2024, bringing together over 120 cast and crew members to capture the town’s picturesque scenery and vibrant local spots.
Gibsons Public Library
A significant filming location was the Gibsons Public Library, where Cassandra, a librarian, works. The library added authenticity to the scenes, even featuring real librarians as extras.
The production team made minor adjustments to the space for the shoot, like reorganizing the books, which reportedly caused some chaos among the staff.
Molly's Reach Diner
Another iconic filming spot was Molly's Reach Diner. The site is historical, as it also showed up in The Beachcombers, a 1972 comedy-drama. The diner was a major location where the people of the town regularly gathered for Murder in a Small Town, so giving the show a warm, small-town atmosphere.
Roberts Creek
The peaceful coastal area of Roberts Creek provided a mysterious backdrop for some of the water scenes.
The location’s natural beauty, with its beaches and serene environment, gave the show an atmospheric quality. Roberts Creek is also a popular spot for beachcombing and hiking, which perfectly matched the show’s setting.
Porpoise Bay
Although not a main location, Porpoise Bay was used to capture the calm and tranquil surroundings of the town. The bay’s stunning views and peaceful ambiance helped reflect the quiet yet tense atmosphere of the series, adding depth to the show’s cinematography.
High Beam Dreams Event Venue
The High Beam Dreams Event Venue played a dual role, not only as a filming location but also as the venue for the premiere party of Murder in a Small Town. This unique venue offered a dynamic setting for various scenes throughout the show, immersing viewers in the town’s events.
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Detailed plot of Murder in a Small Town
The story follows Karl Alberg, a detective who solves crimes in the small town of Gibsons. Unlike other detectives, Karl prefers using his intellect and understanding of human behavior rather than physical confrontations.
In the first episode, he meets Cassandra, a librarian, through online dating. The series highlights the town’s idyllic but secretive nature, where dark events unfold, keeping viewers on edge.
As their relationship evolves, Karl and Cassandra find themselves entangled in mysterious cases, deepening both the narrative and their connection.
Production and direction
Murder in a Small Town is a collaborative effort between Vancouver-based Sepia Films and Los Angeles’ Future Shack Entertainment, with Fox acquiring U.S. rights. The show was directed by talented filmmakers and produced by Nick Orchard, who emphasized the strong bond within the cast and crew.
Orchard praised the team’s dedication, and their collective efforts are evident in the seamless on-screen storytelling. The series promises to deliver an exciting, character-driven narrative in each episode.
Orchard saud:
“Everyone got along really well. Most of the crew said that to me at one time or another, how much they enjoyed working with each other.”
Insights into the show's development
The unique filming locations in Gibsons not only captured the beauty of the small town but also contributed to the storytelling. Overcoming several production challenges, the team maintained the authenticity of Gibsons while adapting it to meet the needs of the story.
The town’s scenic views, local businesses and public spaces seamlessly fit into the plot, elevating the show’s appeal. The decision to use local spots added a layer of realism to the narrative, allowing viewers to feel as though they’re part of the town.
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The impact of filming in Gibsons
The choice to film in Gibsons, BC, was a big part of making the story come to life. Real places, like the library and the diner, were used by the production team to help create an immersive atmosphere that made the small-town setting of the show more real.
Gibsons' close-knit community and beautiful scenery made the show look better and were perfect for setting the scenes for the mysteries that were being solved.
Murder in a Small Town stands out not only for its gripping plot but also for its thoughtful use of real-world locations in Gibsons, British Columbia. The beautiful town’s library, diner and coastal spots are seamlessly integrated into the story, making them central to the characters and the narrative.
Each location played a key role in bringing the show’s mysterious atmosphere to life, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting the next chapter. As the series progresses, the beauty of Gibsons combined with Alberg’s detective work promises an exciting viewing experience for mystery lovers.