New TV shows filmed in NC generate excitement this year

Belly (Lola Tung), Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), Conrad (Christopher Briney), Steven (Sean Kaufman), and Taylor (Rain Spencer) in “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” By Erika Doss

The curated articles all highlight an increase in television projects filmed in North Carolina, spanning scripted dramas, documentaries, sports stories and even cooking competitions. Each series or special draws on local people, history and places, and many feature North Carolina talent or real events that happened in the state.

One scripted drama, inspired by a true story, follows a North Carolina fishing family trying to save their business and was set in the fictional town of Havenport. The show films in Wilmington and Southport, showcasing coastal landmarks.

Another popular drama centers on a love triangle and friendship, filmed partly at UNC-Chapel Hill, offering walking tours of spots used as locations in the series. The season explores college life and relationships in the setting of North Carolina’s coast and campus.

A documentary honors NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, a Kannapolis native, using archival footage and family interviews to illustrate his impact on the sport and the state. Together, these premieres showcase diverse stories rooted in North Carolina’s communities, landscapes and culture.

NO. 1: A FIRST LOOK AT PHOTOS FROM THE NEW SEASON OF NC-FILMED ‘THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY’

It’s almost time to dive back into “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” the popular TV show filmed in North Carolina. Here’s a taste of what’s to come. | Published April 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Jake Weary, Danielle Campbell and Melissa Benoist in “The Waterfront” on Netflix By Dana Hawley

NO. 2: ‘THE WATERFRONT,’ A NEW DRAMA FILMED & SET IN NC, DEBUTS SOON ON NETFLIX

The new show follows a North Carolina family’s fishing empire. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

(5/15/98) Seven-time Winston Cup points champion, Dale Earnhardt, is one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR’s first half century. (THIS IS NOT FOR DAILY USE) By JEFF SINER

NO. 3: SEE THE TRAILER FOR ‘EARNHARDT,’ NEW NC NASCAR SERIES STREAMING SOON

“The Intimidator” won 76 NASCAR Cup series throughout his career, including seven Daytona 500s. His death still echoes throughout the sport. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska

Jake Weary and Melissa Benoist in “The Waterfront” on Netflix. By Dana Hawley

NO. 4: ‘THE WATERFRONT’ IS STREAMING THIS WEEK. HOW TO WATCH, CAST & TRUE STORY IN NC

Here’s everything to know about the new drama series, inspired by a true story, filmed and set in North Carolina. | Published June 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Brady Hepner as Diller Hopkins, Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley and Topher Grace as Grady in “The Waterfront.” By Dana Hawley

NO. 5: ‘THE WATERFRONT’ STAR SHARES BEHIND-THE-SCENES SECRETS OF NC DRAMA ON NETFLIX

From the cast’s favorite spots to story line theories for a second season, here’s what one of “The Waterfront” stars had to say about the show. | Published June 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Steven (Sean Kaufman) , Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), and Belly (Lola Tung) in “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” By Erika Doss

NO. 6: ‘THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY’ SEASON 3: PREMIERE, EPISODE RELEASE DATES & PLOT

Here’s everything to know about the third and final season of the show filmed in North Carolina. | Published July 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Fran Wescott from Season 4 of “The Great American Recipe” on PBS By Courtesy of PBS

NO. 7: DURHAM WOMAN BRINGS SOUTHERN FLAVOR TO NEW SEASON OF COOKING COMPETITION SHOW

Here’s what the local cook had to say about the new season of “The Great American Recipe.” | Published July 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley and Topher Grace as Grady in “The Waterfront.” By Dana Hawley

NO. 8: NETFLIX’S NC DRAMA ‘THE WATERFRONT’ CANCELED AFTER FIRST SEASON. WHAT WE KNOW

The tides are turning for one of Netflix’s newest dramas filmed in North Carolina. | Published August 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Steven (Sean Kaufman) , Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), and Belly (Lola Tung) in “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” By Erika Doss

NO. 9: NEW ‘THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY’ TOUR BRINGS FANS TO NC FILMING SITES. HOW TO GO

“The Summer I Turned Pretty?’” Now, it’s the summer, UNC is offering you a behind-the-scenes look at the hit drama series filmed on campus. | Published August 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.