Where is Netflix's 'Ozark' filmed? The real reason streaming giant ditched Lake of the Ozarks to film their hit show

The highly acclaimed Netflix series has been filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, instead of Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri
UPDATED OCT 31, 2019

Netflix's award-winning series 'Ozark' paints a vivid picture of the Lake of the Ozarks and the true stories from the picturesque location inspired the creators Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams to pen down the script.

So, it comes as quite a surprise that the Netflix series has been filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, instead of Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri.

For those who were wondering why the production team didn't choose to shoot at the original location, let us tell you that there is a good reason behind it.

Actress Laura Linney, who plays Wendy Byrde, spelled out why the location was changed saying it was for the variety of locations the state had to offer. "The thing that makes Georgia a great state for locations is that it has a little bit of everything," she said. "They have urban areas. They have rural areas. They have lakes. They have mountains."

The show takes viewers to a visually attractive setting, replete with wilderness and natural beauty. Lakes Lanier and Altoona in Georgia have been used in the production. Linney added, "I love Lake Lanier; I find every time I get there, I just think it’s so beautiful."

A still from 'Ozark'. (Netflix)

Jason Bateman, who is also the director and executive producer of the series, revealed, "We can shoot on all these nondescript roads and forest areas. It's an incredible asset. It lets us shoot multiple looks inside one location." The actor plays the lead role of Marty Byrde in the series. 

"Those pine trees just slay me every time, and the red clay just brings back all kinds of Proustian memories. And the sound of everybody’s voices lulls me to a real state of peace... I love coming to work here," Bateman added.

Executive producer Chris Mundy also spoke about shooting in Atlanta and said that the crew is "barely ever on the stage." "We’re almost always out in the world, so we need to use that city for everything it’s got."

Bateman recently dropped a few hints on where season three could head after a six-month time jump. 

Season three of the Netflix series is set to premiere in early 2020. This season, too, has been shot predominantly in Atlanta.

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