Antony Platt/AMC
AMC’s TURN: Washington’s Spies has been filmed in Richmond for two seasons.
Historical thriller fans and Virginians, in particular, have reason to celebrate the announcement that TURN: Washington Spies will film its third season in the Richmond area.
“I am proud to welcome TURN: Washington’s Spies back to the Commonwealth for a third season of filming,” Gov. Terry McAuliffe says in his announcement. “The first two seasons were a gripping recreation of one of the most significant eras in American history, and Season 3 promises to be even more compelling. We are proud to be associated with such a high-quality endeavor that also provides jobs and financial benefits for Virginia workers and businesses."
The show, based on Alexander Rose’s book Washington’s Spies, focuses on America's first spy ring, established during the Revolutionary War. A farmer-turned-spy bands with his neighbors to aid George Washington during the war; many of the espionage techniques outlined in the book and featured on the show are still in use today.
PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes of AMC's TURN
TURN's return to Virginia reinforces the idea that the Richmond region has become a hotbed for filmmaking and television production. Richmond now holds more than 50 annual events all about cinema; most recently, the city (and Petersburg) served as a backdrop to the forthcoming Civil War-era PBS drama series, Mercy Street.
While in Richmond for TURN, actor Angus Macfadyen also teamed up with the VCU School of the Arts Cinema program to make a film adaptation of Macbeth.
“The state of Virginia has been a valued production partner on TURN: Washington’s Spies, and we’re pleased a third season will allow us to continue our work within their great state,” Stefan Reinhardt, co-head of AMC Studios, says in the news release. “Filming TURN in Virginia has given the show important historical authenticity, a great partner along the way and many aesthetically beautiful locations from which to choose. We look forward to another season of revolutionary television together.”
The Virginia Tourism Corp. offers an extra, interactive treat for TURN devotees — TURN: The Trail is a map of the show's filming locations in Richmond, Petersburg and Colonial Williamsburg. It includes "Revolutionary War-era attractions" and "exciting espionage activities and museums to get your heart pumping and patriotism roaring," according to the website.
TURN: Washington Spies Season 3 begins filming in Richmond this fall.
