I first heard about Caltech from watching shows like Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory as a kid. I was even more excited when, years later, I was accepted to Caltech, traveled to campus in the fall, and saw sights on campus that I had also seen on my TV screen at home! What is even more fun is that some of everyone’s favorite shows and movies have scenes shot here on campus. I have compiled some fun examples to look out for the next time you are around campus:
- Modern Family
- Scenes from the “Do Not Push” episode (Season Six) of the ABC comedy were filmed on campus in August 2014, and the character “Alex Dunphy” (played by actress Ariel Winter) attends Caltech.
- The Big Bang Theory
- The multiple Emmy Award-winning CBS comedy centers on a group of Caltech physicists who are friends and roommates.
- In clips where characters drive, you can also see Caltech buildings like Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics in the background.
- “The Hawking Excitation” episode (Season Five) was filmed at the Athenaeum and in one of the Caltech-owned residences. Two pictures from this episode can seen below with special guest star Stephen Hawking!
- Beverly Hills Cop
- At the Athenaeum
- Legally Blonde
- Poses as CULA
Some other famous shows and movies filmed at Caltech:
- Breaking Bad
- The West Wing
- Entourage
- Greek
- Orange County
- Poses as Stanford
- Mission: Impossible.
- Young Sheldon
Movies and shows that famously reference Caltech:
- Mrs. Marvel
- The Simpsons
- Curb Your Enthusiasm
- Scorpion
- 90210
- Bruce Banner
- Criminal Minds
- Loki
- Shazam!
These are just the start of so many Caltech filming locations and mentions out in Hollywood! So, if you’re looking for a new show or movie to watch, these are some fun ones with ties to Caltech.
