James Spader says 'The Blacklist' will return for 10th season; series films locally

Some good news for fans of NBC's "The Blacklist."

First, the crime series returns with a new episode Feb. 25.

Secondly, on  "The Tonight Show" on Tuesday, actor James Spader, who plays the central role of Raymond "Red" Reddington on the series, confirmed “The Blacklist” will be back for a 10th season. 

Which got us to thinking of all the episodes that filmed locally.

Here are some of our favorite "Blacklist" stories:

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1. Pleasantville pilot

The series 2013 pilot episode was filmed in the village, with crews shooting scenes on Washington Avenue and Manville Road. Production returned in 2019 to film scenes along Route 117.  

2. Red loves Rockland

"The Blacklist" has filmed all over the county beginning in its first season in 2013 with scenes shot in Pearl River. Production returned to the village multiple times over the years, most recently in 2021. Scenes were also filmed at Beckerle Lumber, in Haverstraw, and at Veterans Park Gazebo in Nyack in 2021. 

3. Series "blew" the doors off a Blauvelt home

It would have been just another regular morning for Steve and Christine Griggs if not for their front door being blown off and a crowd of  FBI agents storming inside. The Griggs were not on the "most wanted" list but their Blauvelt home was. Production scouts  chose it for a 2018 scene in which the front door of their home was "blown" off. 

4. Then "blew up" something in Tarrytown

In 2019, neighbors in the south end of the village got a notice that they should not be alarmed if they heard what sounded like an explosion during the night. The production, which filmed at the nearby Belvedere estate, said residents could expect a controlled explosion of a vehicle happening no later than 11:30 p.m.

5. Then shook up, Ardsley, too! 

Also in 2019, Ardsley, village officials said filming for "The Blacklist" would take place on village streets and might involve the sounds of fake gunshots, actors wearing fake police uniforms, and prop weapons and emergency vehicles.

6. Red likes the opera

The series filmed in Tarrytown for two days in 2019 including at The Music Hall  in a scene where Red, in full tuxedo, is supposed to be arriving at the opera.

7.  Series medic has saved lives in real life

Kevin McKenna,  the on-set medic for the show, revived a diner choking in a Westchester restaurant in 2019 by using the Heimlich Maneuver. This was the fourth time McKenna had saved someone's life this way. As the set medic, his job was to take care of injuries to everyone from the stars to the crew to the extras. 

If you spot filming in your neighborhood, let us know. Email Karen Croke, kcroke1@lohud.com

Karen Croke is the features editor for lohud.com and poughkeepsiejournal.com. Find my stories here. Reach me at kcroke1@lohud.com