Originally named after it’s role in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) this set was extensively remodelled to be the new Munster home for the TV reboot Mockingbird Lane. When the show didn’t get beyond a pilot episode, the Chicken Ranch was returned to it’s usual appearance.
Unlike many buildings on the lot, this is a fully practical set which can be fully used as a location, both inside and out.
It’s based on a real house in Austin, Texas where establishing shots for Best Little Whorehouse were filmed.
The set was originally built inside Stage 12 (for better control over the environment for filming) and was moved to it’s current location after filming, so it could be used for other productions.
It’s position was previously occupied by the Psycho house (which was moved to it’s current location when filming began for Psycho II in 1983).
A small outhouse behind the Chicken Ranch was moved, around March 2007, and is now at the entrance to the Earthquake attraction behind Denver Street.
The other buildings at the rear of the set were removed around March / April 2012, in preparation for a new extension for Mockingbird Lane.
This production was short-lived, and a number of facades were built at the side and rear of the Chicken Ranch for About A Boy (TV).
Chicken Ranch Interiors (2023)
Photos from Universal Studios Lot instagram (@universalstudioslot)
About A Boy Photos (2015)
Mockingbird Lane Photos (2014)
Chicken Ranch (2013)
The structures at the rear of the house were removed leaving a larger yard area, and improving the look of the rear considerably.
Chicken Ranch (to 2012)
