Murder In A Small Town's Setting & Filming Locations Explained

Updated Oct 17, 2026, 9:15 PM EDT Cher Thompson is a Senior Staff Writer at Screen Rant, where she covers everything from explosive reality TV moments to cast interviews about the twists and turns of scripted dramas. With a background in creative writing, marketing, and teaching, Cher knows how to spot both the storytelling genius and the guilty pleasures in pop culture. Her work blends wit with insight, making readers feel like they’re chatting with a friend who just happens to know way too much about TV. Murder in a Small Town is a cozy murder mystery series on Fox, and its small-town coastal settings and filming locations are part of the story. The series stars Rossif Sutherland as Karl Alberg, the small town's police chief. Karl moved to the small town of Gibsons to escape the hustle and bustle of big-city police work in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he comes from. Kristin Kreuk, stars opposite Sutherland as Cassandra, Karl's love interest and local librarian. The small town series revolves around is a massive part of the procedural TV show format's appeal in a more compact setting. The series is based on L. R. Wright's Karl Alberg books, a series of mystery novels, and its atmospheric setting brings the stories to life. The opening episode of Murder in a Small Town featured a touching connection to Donald Sutherland. The Hunger Games star is Rossif Sutherland's father, and the adaptation was his passion project for 30 years. When the series finally happened, Sutherland was too ill to participate, fighting a longtime illness, but his son took over to bring the book-turned-TV show to fruition. The characters frequent a few spots repeatedly, serving as the show's primary locations. Gibsons, British Columbia True to the fictional story's setting, Murder in a Small Town was filmed in Gibsons, British Columbia, Canada. The production company for the series utilized locations around Gibsons to bring authenticity to the story, leaning into the show's small-town premise with local landmarks. The small town is situated on the water just northwest of Vancouver. The Gibsons Harbor is a prominent source of imagery in setting the scene for the show. The expansive natural landscape of the Pacific Northwest Coast, with its looming evergreen trees and overcast skies, transports the audience to the coastal setting in which the murder mystery series takes place. The picturesque landscapes of British Columbia elevate the murder mystery series' atmospheric premise. Aside from the string of murders, the idyllic village offers peace and tranquility. Gibson's Public Library Gibson's Public Library was one local setting utilized for the series since the female lead is a local librarian. Kreuk's Cassandra character works at the Gibsons Public Library, featured as early as Murder in a Small Town episode 1. The production team utilized the town's library to film scenes at Cassandra's workplace, including real librarians. The library's use included rearranging some elements for the series, which caused chaos for those working there, according to Sportskeeda. Still, the setting serves the show well since the library is a local hub that attracts many residents, some of whom are directly involved in Karl's investigations. It is also a place where Karl can typically find Cassandra unless she is helping out at the local diner. Molly's Reach Diner Molly's Reach Diner is another authentic Gibsons location utilized for producing Murder in a Small Town. The diner is first featured in episode 1 when Karl and Cassandra meet for their first date. The two first encountered each other on a dating app, and they get to know each other by the window in the diner, adding to the series' cozy feel. According to Soap Central, the adventure/comedy series The Beachcombers also utilized the diner, proving it's an iconic setting. Its pastel yellow exterior and simple blue lettering are easily recognizable against the gray skies of the small town. Molly's Reach Diner is a place where Karl can sometimes find Cassandra or talk with her friend Phyllis (Fiona Vroom), who works there. Robert's Creek Robert's Creek is a peaceful community in British Columbia near Gibsons that served as a filming spot for some of Murder in a Small Town's water scenes. Karl often investigates near the water, but sometimes, the characters just enjoy the landscape. Robert's Creek is a popular area for beach combing and hiking, so there were many ways to utilize the location. Murder in a Small Town also utilized Porpoise Bay for some of its filming locations on the water. The town's abundant access to water plays a massive role in how crimes happen and are investigated. For instance, Stana Katic's Murder in a Small Town character, Zoe Strachan, murders her brother near the water in episode 3. When Karl goes to the rocks to investigate, the gray skies and endless water make the case even more daunting. High Beam Dreams Event Center The High Beam Dreams Event Center is another local attraction in Gibsons that the show utilized to bring authenticity to its setting. The Murder in a Small Town event center is advertised as a wedding venue on the Sunshine Coast, and the location is used early on. In episode 2, Cassandra's prom-themed high school reunion occurs at the location. The High Beam Dreams Event Center also served as the location for Murder in a Small Town's premiere party. With its use of locations like Molly's Reach Diner, the High Beam Dreams Event Center, and Gibson's Public Library, Murder in a Small Town truly utilizes its location. The series features beloved landmarks and community hubs to enhance its characters' lives and interactions. The architecture for places like the diner and the events center helps paint what it's like for the characters living in the idyllic setting. Release Date September 24, 2024 Network Global TV, FOX Directors Amanda Tapping Cast Rossif Sutherland Karl Alberg Detective Karl Alberg moves to a peaceful coastal town to recover from the emotional toll of big-city police work. However, a series of mysterious murders shatters the town’s tranquility. Alberg must rely on his investigative skills to uncover secrets buried in this seemingly idyllic community, as danger continues to surface. Seasons 2 Main Genre Drama Creator(s) Ian Weir