The upcoming Apple TV+ series Widow’s Bay is bringing a mix of horror and comedy to the streaming platform on April 29, 2026. The show follows a skeptical mayor who clashes with superstitious townspeople who believe their New England island is cursed. To bring this fictional island to life, the production team set up across multiple real towns in Massachusetts during the spring and summer of 2025.
Here is a complete look at where Widow’s Bay was filmed and what viewers can expect from the series.
The Massachusetts Towns That Became Widow’s Bay
Production crews spread out across more than a dozen Massachusetts locations to capture the right atmosphere for the show. The complete list of filming locations includes Berlin, Danvers, Devens, Gloucester, Groton, Harvard, Rockport, Shirley, Sudbury, Wayland, and Worcester. Each spot brought something different to the series, from coastal charm to small-town character.
Rockport and Bearskin Neck
Rockport served as a key filming location, with crews working at Bearskin Neck, a popular waterfront area known for its shops and views. This spot previously appeared in movies like The Proposal and CODA. The production team filmed storefront scenes here, using the real coastal atmosphere to stand in for the village on the cursed island.
Local residents had mixed feelings about the production. One Rockport resident told WBZ NewsRadio, “It’s exciting. It’s a hassle,” while another added, “The last three days have just been crazy.” Despite the temporary disruptions, some locals welcomed the attention, with one saying, “They’re great people. They’re professional. It’s going to put us more on the map.”
Gloucester and Essex
Gloucester and Essex both hosted filming for the series. In Essex, the production crew took over Vita Bella Ristorante (formerly Winward Grille) on Eastern Avenue. Another set was located on Forest Lane near the Gloucester city line. Signs at both locations listed the project under the working title Flashlight, but crew members confirmed the real name was Widow’s Bay.
Essex has a history of serving as a backdrop for Hollywood productions. Back in 2009, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, and Salma Hayek filmed scenes for Grown Ups at Woodman’s restaurant in the same area.
Worcester and Vincent’s Bar
Worcester contributed to the show’s atmosphere through filming at Vincent’s Bar on Suffolk Street. The crew changed the inside of the bar to look like a run-down dive, swapping out regular seating for mismatched chairs and stools. Many props came from the nearby Westerman Prop Warehouse.
This was not the first time an Apple TV+ production used Vincent’s Bar. Defending Jacob, which starred Chris Evans, also filmed at the same location on April 4, 2019. For Widow’s Bay, crews set up the interior on May 19, filmed scenes on May 20, and broke down the set on May 21, 2025.
Good Harbor Beach
Filming also took place at Good Harbor Beach, which served as Widow’s Bay Island in the series. The production brought in vintage cars to the beach parking lot as part of the scene setup. This location added the coastal, isolated feel that fits the show’s cursed island premise.
What Is Widow’s Bay About?
The series follows Mayor Tom Loftis, played by Matthew Rhys, a practical single father who refuses to believe the superstitious warnings from the residents of his New England island town. The people of Widow’s Bay claim their home is cursed, but the mayor sees their beliefs as obstacles to his plan. He wants to turn the island into a popular tourist destination like Nantucket.
Things take a dark turn when the mayor actually succeeds in attracting visitors. The residents may have been right about the curse all along, and something sinister hides beneath the surface of the growing tourist town. The show mixes scary moments with comedy as the town deals with whatever has been awakened.
Who Stars in the Series
Matthew Rhys, known for his Emmy-winning role in The Americans and his recent work in The Beast in Me on Netflix, leads the cast as Mayor Tom Loftis. He also serves as an executive producer on the project.
The supporting cast includes Kate O’Flynn, Stephen Root (famous for his role in Office Space), Dale Dickey, Kevin Carroll, and Kingston Rumi Southwick.
Who Is Making the Show
Katie Dippold created the series and serves as showrunner and executive producer. Her previous writing credits include The Heat starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, as well as the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot. She also wrote for the popular comedy series Parks and Recreation.
Hiro Murai, an Emmy Award-winning director known for his work on Atlanta, The Bear, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, directed the pilot episode and serves as a producer. Other directors for the series include Ti West, Sam Donovan, and Andrew DeYoung. Apple Studios produces the show.
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Release Details
Widow’s Bay will release its first three episodes on Apple TV+ on April 29, 2026. After the premiere, the remaining seven episodes will come out weekly every Wednesday through June 17, 2026.
The show consists of 10 episodes total. Apple first ordered the series in September 2024, with Matthew Rhys joining the project in February 2025.
Early Fan Response
Social media users have been sharing their thoughts ahead of the show’s release. One fan wrote on X, “Horror comedy vibes, I’m ready for the spooky ride! Matthew Rhys slays fear and jokes.” Another person who worked on the series shared, “I thought I would be less scared if I worked on a scary series but I’m more scared than ever. Very excited for everyone to go to Widow’s Bay.”
Some viewers expressed cautious interest, with one saying, “Matthew Rhys as the feeble mayor of a cursed island? ‘Widow’s Bay’ is shaping up to be the perfect mix of laughs, chills, and small-town chaos. Who’s ready to binge the first three episodes on April 29?”
Check back to VvipTimes for more updates on Widow’s Bay and other upcoming streaming series heading to your favorite platforms.
