7 Shocking Real-Life Locations Where Netflix's 'The Hunting Wives' Was Actually Filmed

The mystery surrounding the elite world of "The Hunting Wives" goes beyond the on-screen drama, extending to its very setting. As of December 2025, the biggest reveal about the hit Netflix series is that the glamorous, high-stakes lives of the East Texas socialites were not filmed in the Lone Star State at all. The production team chose a completely different, yet equally lush and picturesque, part of the American South: North Carolina. This strategic decision was key to capturing the show's specific aesthetic of wealth, secrecy, and Southern charm. The series, based on the thrilling novel by May Cobb, is set in the fictional town of Maple Brook, Texas, a place described as an exclusive enclave of old money and dark secrets. However, the stunning backdrops of manicured lawns, sprawling estates, and reflective lake waters that define the show were almost entirely captured across various locations in the Charlotte, North Carolina metropolitan area. This article dives deep into the specific, real-life spots that brought the fictional world of Maple Brook to life, offering a fresh, unique look at the show's production.

The Hunting Wives: Cast and Character Biographies

The success of "The Hunting Wives" hinges on its stellar ensemble cast, bringing depth and intrigue to the wealthy, secretive residents of Maple Brook. The main cast members and their characters are:

• Brittany Snow as Sophie O'Neil: The newcomer who moves from New England to East Texas with her family, quickly falling into the magnetic orbit of the town's elite social circle.
• Malin Åkerman as Margo Banks: The glamorous, powerful, and enigmatic socialite who leads the clique of "hunting wives" and whose friendship Sophie desperately seeks.
• Dermot Mulroney as Peter O'Neil: Sophie's husband, who struggles to find his footing in the competitive and exclusive environment of Maple Brook.
• Chrissy Metz as Starr: A key member of Margo's inner circle, whose loyalty and secrets are central to the unfolding drama.
• Alisha Coooper as Jill: Another member of the influential socialite group, adding layers to the dynamics of friendship and rivalry.
• Katie Lowes as Phoebe: A character whose connection to the town's secrets and the clique's activities fuels much of the tension.
• Tiya Sircar as Shanita: Completing the core group, Shanita's perspective offers another view into the complex rules of Maple Brook's society.

This cast of established actors, including veteran stars like Dermot Mulroney and fan favorites like Chrissy Metz, provided the necessary star power to anchor the high-stakes, crime-drama narrative. Their on-screen chemistry, set against the stunning North Carolina scenery, is what makes the series so compelling.

Unmasking Maple Brook: The North Carolina Filming Hub

The biggest surprise for viewers expecting a genuine Texas setting is the revelation that "The Hunting Wives" was filmed almost entirely in North Carolina. The production utilized the diverse landscapes and affluent suburbs of the Charlotte metropolitan area, which seamlessly doubled for the fictional East Texas town of Maple Brook. This choice was likely driven by North Carolina's attractive film incentives and its ability to offer the specific look of Southern opulence and dense, mysterious woods required by the script. The primary filming locations were concentrated around the northern suburbs of Charlotte, particularly the areas near Lake Norman. This region provided the perfect blend of upscale residential neighborhoods, private lakefront properties, and charming small-town centers that are crucial to the show's atmosphere. The contrast between the fictional Texas setting and the real North Carolina locations adds an intriguing layer of geographical trivia for fans of the show.

Key Filming Locations: A Tour of Real-Life Maple Brook

The production team skillfully transformed several specific North Carolina spots into the key locations of Maple Brook, Texas. These real-life venues are now forever associated with the secrets and scandals of Sophie O'Neil and Margo Banks' world.

1. The Opulent Estates of Lake Norman

Many of the sprawling, luxurious homes and lakefront cabins featured as the residences of the wealthy "hunting wives" were filmed around Lake Norman. Lake Norman, the largest man-made body of water in North Carolina, is famous for its massive, high-end properties and exclusive communities. The show utilized the grand architecture and private docks of this area to establish the characters' immense wealth and status. One notable location was a huge house on Davidson Concord Road in Cornelius, a wealthy town on the lake. The serene, yet isolated, nature of the lake setting perfectly mirrors the deceptive tranquility of the socialites' lives.

2. Downtown Mooresville: The Small Town Center

The scenes that required a quaint, small-town atmosphere—such as local shops, cafes, or town hall settings—were shot in Downtown Mooresville. Mooresville, located just north of Charlotte, has a charming, historic downtown area that provided the perfect backdrop for the community events and casual encounters that mask the underlying tension in Maple Brook. The production team likely used its main streets and local businesses to portray the public face of the fictional Texas town.

3. The Azalea Retreat: A Place of Exclusive Gathering

A specific location mentioned in production notes is the Azalea Retreat at Lake Norman. While the exact function in the series is kept under wraps to avoid spoilers, "retreat" locations often serve as venues for exclusive club meetings, high-society parties, or secretive gatherings—all staples of the plot. This spot likely provided the interior or exterior setting for one of the key social events that drive the narrative forward.

4. Falcon Trail Trailhead: The Mysterious Woods

The "hunting" aspect of the show, which involves both literal and metaphorical pursuits, requires scenes set in dense, atmospheric woods. The Falcon Trail Trailhead was utilized to capture the natural, wooded environment necessary for these more mysterious and dramatic sequences. These trail areas near Charlotte offer the secluded, almost isolated feel needed for scenes involving secrets, confrontations, and the darker elements of the story.

5. Charlotte and Surrounding Areas

Beyond the specific named locations, the entire Charlotte metropolitan area served as the production's base. This included various suburban streets, commercial buildings, and other private residences that were used to build the complete picture of Maple Brook. The city's proximity to a major airport and its established film industry infrastructure made it an ideal and cost-effective location for a major Netflix production. The series was actively scouting locations in the Charlotte area as recently as January 2024, confirming the fresh and recent nature of this production.

Topical Authority: The Allure of Fictional Settings

The decision to film "The Hunting Wives" in North Carolina, despite its East Texas setting, is a common practice in modern filmmaking, often referred to as "doubling." The original novel's author, May Cobb, drew inspiration from her own upbringing in Tyler, Texas, a real East Texas town known for its Piney Woods and specific Southern culture. The fictional Maple Brook is meant to evoke this specific, wealthy East Texas sensibility. However, the production team often seeks locations that offer a similar aesthetic with better logistical and financial benefits. North Carolina, with its lush greenery, beautiful lakes (like Lake Norman), and array of stately homes, perfectly mimics the visual requirements of a rich Texas enclave. This strategy allows the show to capture the intended atmosphere—a blend of Southern hospitality and underlying menace—while taking advantage of the robust film industry resources and incentives offered by the state of North Carolina. This seamless substitution is a testament to the art of location scouting in modern television.