Taylor Sheridan’s Mayor of Kingstown feels grounded in a real place. The streets, the tension, the way the prison system shapes everyday life all feel too specific to be fictional. That’s because the show, while set in a made-up town, draws heavily from a real city with a deep connection to the prison industry.
Here’s the real story behind Kingstown and where the series actually comes from.
Is Mayor of Kingstown Based on a Real Place?
Mayor of Kingstown is set in the fictional town of Kingstown, Michigan. But the idea for the show comes from a real place.
The series is inspired by Kingston, Ontario in Canada, where co creator Hugh Dillon grew up. His experiences in that city shaped the story and tone of the show.
Kingston has long been known for its connection to the prison system. At one point, the city had around ten prisons operating at the same time. Even today, several correctional facilities remain active in the region.
Dillon has spoken about how growing up in that environment influenced him. Living in a place where many residents were either prison guards or inmates created a unique social dynamic that became the foundation for the series.
Why Kingston, Ontario Inspired the Show
Kingston’s history with prisons goes back nearly two centuries.
One of its most famous institutions is the Kingston Penitentiary, which opened in 1835 and operated for more than 175 years before closing in 2013. The prison became a major part of the city’s identity.
The presence of multiple prisons meant the local economy was closely tied to the correctional system. Jobs, families and daily life often revolved around it.
That same idea drives Mayor of Kingstown, where the prison system is not just part of the town but the center of everything.
Where Mayor of Kingstown Is Filmed
While the story is set in Michigan, filming has taken place in several locations across Canada.
Kingston, Ontario
Kingston itself is one of the primary filming locations. The real Kingston Penitentiary has been used for several prison scenes in the series, adding authenticity to the show’s setting.
The city’s streets and surrounding areas also appear throughout the show.
Toronto, Hamilton, and Brantford
Other Canadian cities, including Toronto, Hamilton, and Brantford, have been used to build the wider world of Kingstown.
Hamilton, in particular, is often used for its industrial look, which fits the show’s gritty tone.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
In later seasons, production expanded to the United States, with filming taking place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The city’s bridges, steel town atmosphere and older architecture help match the harsh environment portrayed in the series.
One of the reasons Mayor of Kingstown feels authentic is because it is rooted in real experiences.
Hugh Dillon has described growing up in Kingston as living in a world shaped by prisons. Many people he knew had direct connections to the system, either working inside it or being affected by it.
That perspective carries into the show, where the prison industry is not just background detail but the driving force behind the story.
The World of Mayor of Kingstown
The series follows Mike McLusky, played by Jeremy Renner, who acts as a middleman between inmates, law enforcement, and the wider community.
The show explores how incarceration impacts not just those inside prison walls but the entire town around it.
By grounding its story in a real-world inspiration like Kingston, Ontario, the series adds weight to its themes and makes its fictional setting feel believable.
FAQs
Is Kingstown, Michigan, a real place
No. Kingstown is fictional, but it is inspired by Kingston, Ontario, in Canada.
Why is Kingston important to the show?
Co-creator Hugh Dillon grew up there, and the city’s prison-based economy influenced the story.
Where was Mayor of Kingstown filmed?
The series was filmed in Kingston, Toronto, Hamilton, Brantford, and later in Pittsburgh.
Was a real prison used in filming
Yes. Kingston Penitentiary was used for several scenes in the show.
Courtesy: Yahoo!
