Behind the Scenes of ‘Griselda’: Recreating Retro Miami in Los Angeles”
Netflix’s latest miniseries, “Griselda,” starring Sofia Vergara, has captivated viewers with its gripping narrative and no-holds-barred portrayal of violence, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Set against the backdrop of the Colombian drug trade in Miami during the 1970s and 1980s, the six-part drama chronicles the rise of Griselda Blanco, the notorious “Cocaine Godmother,” and the Cártel de Medellín as they build their drug empire in the heart of America.
Griselda
Despite the series’ immersion in the retro Miami scene, no filming took place in the vibrant city itself. Executive producer Eric Newman explained, “We couldn’t go to Miami because Miami looks nothing like, you know, pre-cocaine explosion Miami where our story is set. We had to recreate it in Los Angeles.” Set director Kim Leonard undertook the daunting task of constructing elaborate sets reminiscent of old-world Miami in Los Angeles, California, ensuring that every frame captured the essence of the era with period-appropriate details.
One iconic location featured in the series is the Mutiny Hotel’s members-only nightclub, a notorious hotspot for East Coast criminals and drug kingpins. Although the original Mutiny closed its doors in 1985, the series brings it back to life, showcasing bullet-riddled walls, opulent decor, and scenes of illicit dealings. Exterior shots of the club were filmed at an ’80s hotel in the City of Industry, San Gabriel Valley, while Art Deco recreations were staged aboard the retired Queen Mary ocean liner.
The series also highlights Griselda’s lavish Miami mansions, which were actually filmed at 1920s and 1930s homes in southern California. From Benedict Canyon to Long Beach, these opulent residences grow in size and grandeur as Blanco’s wealth and influence expand throughout the series. Other notable filming locations include the retro Astro Family Restaurant in Silver Lake, where pivotal scenes unfold, and the Dorothy Chandler penthouse at the Los Angeles Times Building, which serves as the extravagant setting for drug lord Amilcar’s apartment.
Despite the absence of filming in Miami itself, the series expertly captures the essence of the city’s bygone era, transporting viewers back in time to the height of the drug trade’s heyday. Through meticulous set design, authentic locations, and powerful performances, “Griselda” immerses audiences in a world of danger, intrigue, and untold riches, offering a riveting glimpse into the tumultuous underworld of Colombian drug cartels.
