Morocco in Global TV: How a North African Gem Went From Minor Roles to Major Sets in Just 20 Years

Discover Morocco’s rise in global TV! From Game of Thrones to The Crown, explore how Morocco became a prime filming destination for major productions.

Introduction: The Desert That Stole the Screen

Close your eyes and picture Daenerys Targaryen marching through the streets of Yunkai, the golden sands of the Dothraki Sea stretching endlessly behind her. Now open them—because that iconic Game of Thrones scene wasn’t filmed in a distant fantasy land. It was shot in Morocco, a country that has quietly become one of the most sought-after filming locations in global TV.

But Morocco’s journey in television isn’t just about Game of Thrones. Over the past two decades, this North African nation has transformed from a bit player in international productions to a star of the small screen, hosting everything from epic historical dramas to modern spy thrillers. Shows like The Crown, The Night Manager, and Ramy have all turned to Morocco for its diverse landscapes, skilled crews, and cost-effective production values.

As a TV enthusiast and industry observer, I’ve watched Morocco’s meteoric rise in global television—from minor roles to major sets. But how did this happen? And why are so many producers choosing Morocco over traditional filming hubs?

In this deep dive, we’ll explore how Morocco became a global TV powerhouse, the iconic shows filmed there, and what the future holds for this cinematic jewel.

1. The Turning Point: How Game of Thrones Put Morocco on the TV Map

Morocco’s breakout moment in global TV came in 2013, when Game of Thrones chose the country as a stand-in for Yunkai and Astapor. The show’s massive success catapulted Morocco into the spotlight, proving that it could deliver epic, high-quality production values on a global scale.

🏰 Iconic Game of Thrones Locations in Morocco

Impact:

• Game of Thrones boosted Morocco’s film tourism, with fans flocking to visit the sets.
• It opened the door for other major TV productions to consider Morocco.
• Local crews gained valuable experience working on a high-budget, globally acclaimed show.

Quote from a Producer: “Morocco gave us everything we needed—stunning locations, a skilled crew, and a cost-effective shoot. It was a no-brainer.”

2. The Royal Treatment: Morocco in The Crown and Historical Dramas

After Game of Thrones, Morocco’s next big TV moment came with Netflix’s The Crown. The show used Morocco to recreate 1960s Africa in its fourth season, proving that the country could double for multiple continents.

👑 Morocco’s Role in The Crown and Other Historical Dramas

Why Producers Love Morocco for Historical Dramas: ✅ Authentic architecture that mimics ancient civilizations. ✅ Skilled local crews who understand period-piece logistics. ✅ Cost savings compared to filming in Europe or the Middle East.

3. The Spy Game: Morocco as a Hotspot for Thrillers and Espionage

Morocco’s exotic yet accessible vibe has made it a favorite for spy thrillers and action series. Shows like The Night Manager and Homeland have used Morocco to create tension, intrigue, and high-stakes drama.

🕵️‍♂️ Morocco’s Role in TV Thrillers

Why Morocco Works for Thrillers:

• Diverse urban and rural landscapes (from Casablanca’s modernity to Fes’ ancient medina).
• Experienced stunt crews familiar with action sequences.
• Easy permits for drone shots and street closures.

4. The Streaming Boom: How Netflix and Amazon Are Using Morocco

As streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon scour the globe for fresh, cost-effective locations, Morocco has become a top choice. Recent years have seen a surge in productions filming in Morocco for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

📺 Morocco in the Streaming Era

Why Streaming Platforms Love Morocco:

• Cost-effective for high-budget productions.
• Diverse backdrops that can double for multiple countries.
• Strong local infrastructure (studios, crews, permits).

5. The Cultural Shift: Moroccan Stories on the Global Stage

Morocco isn’t just a backdrop for foreign stories—it’s also becoming a hub for Moroccan-led narratives. Shows like Casablanca (a Moroccan crime drama) and The Unknown Saint (a dark comedy) are gaining international acclaim, proving that Morocco has stories worth telling.

🌍 Moroccan TV Shows Gaining Global Attention

The Future of Moroccan TV:

• More co-productions with Netflix, Amazon, and HBO.
• Moroccan directors and writers gaining global recognition.
• Streaming platforms investing in original Moroccan content.

6. The Logistics: Why Producers Keep Coming Back to Morocco

Morocco’s rise in global TV isn’t just about its stunning locations—it’s also about the practical advantages it offers to producers.

✈️ 5 Reasons Producers Love Filming in Morocco

1. Cost Savings

   • 30–50% cheaper than filming in Europe or the U.S.
   • Tax incentives (up to 20% cash rebates for international productions).

2. Skilled Local Crews

   • Experienced with global productions (from Gladiator to The Crown).
   • Multilingual (English, French, Arabic).

3. Diverse Locations

   • Deserts, ancient cities, modern urban settings, and coastal towns—all in one country.

4. Easy Permits

   • Fast approvals (often in 3–7 days).
   • Dedicated film commissions (like the Moroccan Cinematic Center) to assist productions.

5. World-Class Studios

   • Atlas Studios (the largest in the world).
   • Modern post-production facilities for editing and VFX.

7. The Future: What’s Next for Morocco in Global TV?

Morocco’s journey in global TV is far from over. With new studios, tax incentives, and a growing pool of talent, the country is poised to become an even bigger player in the entertainment industry.

🚀 5 Trends to Watch in Morocco’s TV Future

1. More Streaming Originals

   • Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+ are investing heavily in Moroccan productions.

2. Virtual Production Studios

   • LED walls and real-time VFX coming to Casablanca and Ouarzazate.

3. Moroccan Stories Going Global

   • Local directors and writers gaining international acclaim.

4. Expansion of Film Schools

   • Training the next generation of Moroccan filmmakers.

5. Sustainable Filming Practices

   • Eco-friendly sets and green production initiatives.

Expert Prediction: “By 2030, Morocco will be a top 3 global filming destination for TV, alongside the U.S. and UK.” — A Moroccan film commissioner

Conclusion: Morocco’s TV Revolution Is Just Beginning

From minor roles in the 2000s to major sets in the 2020s, Morocco has transformed into a global TV powerhouse. Its diverse landscapes, skilled crews, and cost-effective production make it a dream destination for producers—and its growing local industry ensures that Morocco will remain a key player in global television for years to come.

📺 Ready to Explore Morocco’s TV Magic?

👉 Share this article with fellow TV lovers! 👉 Comment below: What’s your favorite show filmed in Morocco? 👉 Plan your next binge-watch with Morocco’s stunning backdrops in mind!

From the deserts of Game of Thrones to the palaces of The Crown, Morocco is rewriting the rules of global TV—one iconic set at a time. 🎥✨

❓ FAQ: Morocco in Global TV

1. Why is Morocco so popular for filming TV shows?

Morocco offers diverse landscapes, skilled crews, cost savings, and easy permits—making it a top choice for global TV productions.

2. What are the most famous TV shows filmed in Morocco?

Game of Thrones, The Crown, The Night Manager, Ramy, and Messiah are among the most iconic shows filmed in Morocco.

3. How has Game of Thrones impacted Morocco’s TV industry?

Game of Thrones put Morocco on the map, boosting film tourism and attracting more productions to the country.

4. Are there Moroccan TV shows gaining international attention?

Yes! Shows like Casablanca (crime drama) and The Unknown Saint (dark comedy) are gaining global acclaim.

5. What’s the future of Morocco in global TV?

Morocco is set to become a major hub for streaming originals, virtual production, and Moroccan-led stories in the coming years.

6. How can producers start filming in Morocco?

Producers should contact the Moroccan Cinematic Center, hire a local line producer, and scout locations to begin filming in Morocco.

7. What are the best locations in Morocco for TV productions?

Aït Benhaddou, Essaouira, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and Casablanca are among the top filming locations in Morocco.