“Never Have I Ever,” the hit Netflix series, captures the whirlwind of high school with humor and heartfelt authenticity. While the series is fictional, its setting, Sherman Oaks High School, is inspired by a real institution: Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High School in Los Angeles, California.
A Look Behind the Camera: The Inspiration for Sherman Oaks High
The show’s creator, Mindy Kaling, drew heavily from her own experiences growing up in the Boston suburbs, but the visual representation of Sherman Oaks High pulls from the architectural and environmental cues of Southern California. Notre Dame High School, a Catholic school located in the actual Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles, provides the visual foundation for the fictional school. While filming didn’t take place inside Notre Dame, its external appearance and general atmosphere heavily influenced the set design and location scouting for the series. Other locations throughout the Los Angeles area were used for interior shots and various outdoor scenes associated with the school.
Essentially, the fictional Sherman Oaks High is an amalgamation of Mindy Kaling’s creative vision and the visual aesthetics offered by places like Notre Dame High School and the surrounding Los Angeles landscape. This creates a plausible and relatable high school setting for Devi Vishwakumar’s journey.
Decoding “Never Have I Ever”: Frequently Asked Questions
To further unravel the details surrounding the show’s setting and production, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
General Production Information
FAQ 1: Was “Never Have I Ever” actually filmed at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High School?
No, the filming of “Never Have I Ever” didn’t predominantly occur inside Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High School. While the school served as a visual inspiration, the production team utilized various locations across the Los Angeles area, including sound stages and other schools, for interior and some exterior scenes. The external shots of the school and its general atmosphere are closely modeled after Notre Dame.
FAQ 2: Where were the interior scenes of Sherman Oaks High filmed?
The interior scenes were primarily filmed on sound stages and at other locations in the Los Angeles area. This allows for greater control over lighting, sound, and set design, ensuring the best possible quality for the series. The exact studio or specific locations used aren’t publicly disclosed in detail to maintain privacy and logistical control.
FAQ 3: Who designed the set and the overall aesthetic of Sherman Oaks High?
The production design team, led by a production designer, is responsible for the look and feel of Sherman Oaks High. They work closely with the creators and directors to translate the script into a visually compelling reality. They draw inspiration from various sources, including real-life schools like Notre Dame High School, to create a believable and engaging environment.
Character and Storyline Details
FAQ 4: Is Sherman Oaks High a real high school in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood?
Yes, Sherman Oaks is a real neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. However, “Sherman Oaks High” in “Never Have I Ever” is a fictional high school, loosely based on schools in the area, particularly Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High School.
FAQ 5: Is Devi Vishwakumar’s character based on a real person who attended Notre Dame High School?
While Mindy Kaling draws inspiration from her own high school experiences, Devi Vishwakumar is a fictional character. The storylines and experiences depicted in the show are creative interpretations and are not intended to be a direct portrayal of any specific individual or school.
FAQ 6: What are some of the key differences between the real Notre Dame High School and the fictional Sherman Oaks High?
One of the most significant differences is that Notre Dame High School is a Catholic school, while Sherman Oaks High is portrayed as a public school. This difference impacts certain aspects of the school culture and curriculum depicted in the show. Additionally, the show exaggerates certain aspects of high school life for comedic and dramatic effect.
Location and Community Information
FAQ 7: What is Sherman Oaks like as a neighborhood?
Sherman Oaks is a vibrant and affluent neighborhood in Los Angeles known for its tree-lined streets, upscale shopping and dining, and family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a popular location for filming due to its proximity to studios and its diverse range of architectural styles.
FAQ 8: How does the show’s portrayal of Sherman Oaks compare to the real neighborhood?
The show captures the general vibe of Sherman Oaks as a desirable and relatively affluent community. However, it’s important to remember that the show is a fictionalized representation, and not every aspect accurately reflects the reality of living in the neighborhood.
FAQ 9: Are there any other schools in the Sherman Oaks area that might have influenced the show?
While Notre Dame High School is the primary visual inspiration, it’s possible that the production team also drew inspiration from other high schools in the surrounding area, such as Grant High School and Van Nuys High School. These schools could have influenced the overall atmosphere and details of the fictional Sherman Oaks High.
Fan Interactions and Behind-the-Scenes Insights
FAQ 10: Have any students from Notre Dame High School been involved in the making of the show?
While there’s no publicly available information indicating direct involvement of Notre Dame High School students in the production, it’s possible that some students may have served as extras or interns on set. However, this hasn’t been officially confirmed.
FAQ 11: How has Notre Dame High School reacted to being the visual inspiration for Sherman Oaks High?
There’s no official public statement from Notre Dame High School regarding their reaction to being the visual inspiration for “Never Have I Ever.” However, it’s likely that the school is aware of the connection and sees it as a form of recognition, even if the show is fictionalized.
FAQ 12: Where can fans find more behind-the-scenes information about the making of “Never Have I Ever”?
Fans can find behind-the-scenes information on Netflix’s official social media channels, in interviews with the cast and crew, and on various entertainment websites and blogs. Following the show’s official accounts and using relevant hashtags can also lead to discoveries of exclusive content.