Where was A.P. Bio filmed? Major filming locations explored

Since its debut in 2018, A.P. Bio has entertained audiences with its sharp humor and unconventional storyline. Created by Mike O’Brien, the show follows Dr. Jack Griffin (Glenn Howerton), a disgraced Harvard philosophy professor forced to return to his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, after losing his dream job.

Reluctantly taking up a teaching position at Whitlock High School, Jack refuses to teach biology, instead using the students and resources at his disposal to exact petty revenge on his professional rival.

Set in Toledo but filmed in various locations across Ohio and California, A.P. Bio combines the charm of small-town life with the comedic chaos of Jack's misadventures.

A.P. Bio was filmed primarily at Millikan High School in Long Beach, California, with additional scenes shot in Toledo, Ohio, including locations like the Toledo Museum of Art and International Park.

All major filming locations of A.P. Bio explored

Millikan High School, Long Beach, California

Though the story revolves around Whitlock High School in Toledo, most of the school’s exterior shots were filmed at Millikan High School in Long Beach, California.

The school’s architecture and campus provided an ideal backdrop for scenes featuring Jack and his students. It also doubled as the primary stand-in for Whitlock High throughout the series.

Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio

The Toledo Museum of Art served as one of the show’s most visually stunning locations. Located in the city’s Old West End neighborhood, the museum added authenticity to the series’ Toledo setting. Known for its impressive art collection and architectural beauty, the museum became integral to the show’s storytelling.

International Park, Toledo, Ohio

For scenes featuring picturesque riverside views, the production team used International Park, a historic port area in Toledo. Its serene setting and connection to the city’s maritime legacy made it a fitting location for the show’s occasional outdoor moments

Maumee Indoor Theatre, Maumee, Ohio

Just a short distance from Toledo, the Maumee Indoor Theatre provided a unique, vintage backdrop for several episodes. The theater’s old-school charm stood out as one of the show’s more distinctive filming locations

Huntington Center, Toledo, Ohio

The Huntington Center, a popular sports and entertainment arena in Toledo, was prominently featured in the episode Walleye during a hockey match scene. While parts of the scene were filmed in Los Angeles, the Toledo-based venue added a touch of local flavor to the episode.

What is A.P. Bio about?

A.P. Bio is a comedy series centered around Dr. Jack Griffin, whose career implodes after an embarrassing public incident at Harvard. Forced to return to his hometown, he reluctantly accepts a job teaching Advanced Placement Biology at Whitlock High School.

Jack’s disdain for the role is evident from the start. He declares he won’t teach biology and instead uses the job as a means to plot his comeback in academia and undermine his professional rival, Miles Leonard.

The show balances Jack’s self-centered schemes with the quirky and endearing dynamics of the high school’s faculty and students. Principal Ralph Durbin (Patton Oswalt), a well-meaning yet inept administrator, tries to keep the school afloat while navigating Jack’s unpredictable antics.

Meanwhile, a trio of supportive teachers, Stef, Mary, and Michelle, inject humor and camaraderie into the mix. Running for two seasons on NBC before moving to Peacock, A.P. Bio was praised for its sharp writing and standout performances, particularly from Howerton and Oswalt.

Cast details of A.P. Bio

A.P. Bio's ensemble cast features Glenn Howerton leading the series as Dr. Jack Griffin, a bitter, cynical former professor with no intention of actually teaching. Patton Oswalt co-stars as Principal Ralph Durbin, a hapless yet well-meaning figure trying to manage Whitlock High School’s daily chaos.

The faculty trio includes Lyric Lewis as Stef Duncan, a history teacher with a sharp wit; Mary Sohn as Mary Wagner, the eccentric art teacher; and Jean Villepique as Michelle Jones, a mild-mannered health and home economics teacher. Paula Pell plays Helen Demarcus, the quirky school secretary.

The recurring cast of A.P. Bio includes Aparna Brielle, who stars as Sarika Sarkar, an overachieving student constantly at odds with Jack. Nick Peine plays Marcus Kasperak, a hapless student council president.

Allisyn Snyder, Eddie Leavy, and Jacob Houston round out the student ensemble as Heather, Anthony, and Victor, respectively. Other notable recurring roles include Charlie McCrackin as Coach Novak and Patricia Belcher as Superintendent Bullard.

Interested viewers can watch A.P. Bio on Netflix.

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