Maryland isn’t a stranger to the spotlight—three of its most recognizable television productions recently placed on the New York Times’ list of the 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century.
Beyond the national recognition and success, these series helped bring significant economic benefits to the state, supporting thousands of local workers and businesses in Maryland.
The Wire—Ranked #2
HBO’s The Wire (2002-2008) brought Baltimore to television screens worldwide. Crafted by Maryland native David Simon, the critically-acclaimed drama made a noticeable impact on the local economy.
During its fourth season alone, The Wire generated more than $61 million in economic impact and spent $28 million on production in Maryland. During its 138 days of filming, the series also hired more than 4,400 locals and utilized nearly 800 vendors and businesses in Maryland.
Collectively, the last two seasons generated an economic impact of more than $89 million in Maryland, demonstrating the show’s incredible contribution to the state.
Veep—Ranked #7
HBO’s political comedy Veep (2012-2019), starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, brought lots of laughs to audiences while generating serious business for Maryland.
The show’s first four seasons were filmed in Maryland, including locations in Baltimore, Columbia, and Sykesville. These location choices aided in bringing the fictional political world of Washington, D.C. to life.
During these four seasons, Veep generated approximately $166.8 million in economic impact and more than $94 million in Maryland production expenses.
Overall, while filming in Maryland, Veep hired 3,548 local actors and extras, 836 local technicians, and utilized goods and services from 3,948 businesses.
House of Cards—Ranked #47
Netflix’s clever political drama House of Cards (2013-2018) also helped put Maryland on the map as a major television production destination.
Filmed throughout Maryland during its six-season run, the series transformed locations across the state into several D.C. settings. House of Cards generated approximately $710 million in economic impact and spent more than $400 million on the Maryland production.
Across the six seasons, the production hired more than 12,000 Maryland technicians, actors, and extras, and utilized goods and services from more than 12,400 Maryland businesses. From local restaurants and hotels, to auto shops and clothing boutiques, the series strongly supported a wide range of Maryland businesses and workers.
The Maryland Film Office reports that film production has generated $1.5 billion in economic activity statewide since 2012, reinforcing the industry’s importance to Maryland’s creative economy. As The Wire, Veep, and House of Cards continually receive recognition, they also serve as reminders that some of television’s biggest success stories are happening right here in Maryland.
While these three shows have earned their place in television history, their contributions and value to Maryland extend far beyond the entertainment aspect. Film and television productions create opportunities for local talent, support small businesses, and bring spending into communities from across the state. Baltimore’s waterfront and Inner Harbor, as well as Maryland’s historic towns and scenery, offer a diverse range of locations and a talented workforce.
