15 facts about Ozark you may not know

The Netflix original series Ozark is one of the streamer’s top series. This show hooks in viewers with its unique storyline and outstanding casting. Netflix will release season 4 part 2 on April 29, 2022, and these will be the final episodes of the series.

The final season will continue with the Byrde family story with their never-ending list of illegal activities and unsavory business partners. These topics are what draw the fans in, as they never know what to expect next.

Below we will run down some incredible little-known and random facts about the series, the cast, and more. We’ve combed the internet to find the best facts about this series that you can use to impress your friends.

1. Series creator worked at Lakes of the Ozark while attending college

Bill Dubuque, the series creator, worked at the Alhonna Resort and Marina in Missouri while he was in college in the 1980s. This location was where he got the inspiration for The Blue Cat Lodge, which was featured in season 1. Dubuque has owned a cabin on the lake for over 25 years.

2. The Ozark crew visited “Meth Mountain” while scouting filming locations

In 2016, the crew visited the Ozarks, met with local politicians, and visited restaurants and tourist attractions while scouting for filming locations. This also gave them the feel of the area, and they also saw a secluded area known as “Meth Mountain,” an area famous for its production of methamphetamine.

3. Where is Ozark filmed?

The series Ozark might have the look and feel of Lake of the Ozarks but is actually filmed in Georgia. Most of the filming is done at Lake Altoona, a US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir located on the Etowah River. Other locations include Savannah, Johns Creek, Norcross, and Peachtree Corners. Georgia offers tax breaks to productions that film in the state.

4. Creators aggressively pursued Peter Mullan for the series

Writer, actor and director Peter Mullan, who portrayed Jacob Snell, was one actor Jason Bateman and the series’ creators aggressively pursued to star in the series. Known for his powerful roles, Mullan was perfectly cast in this series.

5. Jason Bateman wears the same shoes for every character he plays

It’s unclear how long this has been ongoing, but Bateman wears New Balance shoes for all of his characters. Marty is no exception as he sports New Balance M1400DM, a version exclusively made for J. Crew but is currently unavailable to purchase.

6. Marvel cast members

There are three members of the Ozark cast to also star in the MCU. Lisa Emery, who plays Darlene Snell, and Jessica Frances Dukes, who plays Maya Miller, both starred in Jessica Jones. Add to that, Tom Pelphrey, who plays Ben Davis starred in the Marvel series Iron Fist. 

7. Julia Garner is terrified of mice

The scene where Ruth picks up a mouse and drops it in the water almost gave the actress a panic attack. Julia Garner is deathly afraid of the rodents, and a double was used for this scene.

8. Ties to Arrested Development

Actor Jason Bateman often gives a nod to his series Arrested Development. In Ozark, he stashes cash in the wall. This is a nod to the banana stand from Arrested Development. And his knowledge of maritime law reflects the Queen Mary in Arrested Development. 

9. The title cards explain the episodes

Most fans know that each episode features title cards, created by graphic designer Fred Davis,  with a large “O” with images spelling out the basic plot. But did you also know that each image is a letter to spell out the word Ozark? Clever!

10.  The success of the series inspired a new bar in Missouri

If you are a fan of the series and ever find yourself vacationing at the Lake of the Ozarks, be sure to stop by the bar and grill inspired by the series. Marty Byrde’s Bar and Grill offers unique items like Darlene’s Killer Lemonade and Navarro Cartel Fries.

11. Laura Linney wasn’t interested in doing another series

Actress Laura Linney does a fantastic job portraying Wendy Byrde. But until she found out Jason Bateman was involved, she wasn’t interested in starring in another series. It is hard to imagine anyone else but Linney portraying this character.

12. The football games are from the Canadian Football League

Fans who really pay attention to the details in the series caught on to the fact that all of the games on TV are from the CFL. This is a nod to the production crew, who are fans of the Canadian League.

13. An anti-money laundering company fact-checked Marty’s schemes

The anti-money laundering company Jumio complied information where they fact-checked Mary’s schemes. The study was done on seasons 1 and 2 of the series, and the verdict is that the scenarios featured in the series are “plausible and very creative.”

14. Filming for the series is purposefully kept dark

Cinematographers Armando Salas and Ben Kutchins have kept the story’s bleakness while filming by using muted blue and gray colors. This was altered in season 3 when things became brighter, and the Byrde’s world got bigger, requiring different lighting for the new settings.

15. Ozark has received 32 Primetime Emmy Nominations

It isn’t surprising that a series like Ozark, which has received critical and audience praises, has garnered many nominations. The surprise is that it has only won three of the 32 nominations. Jason Bateman received the award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series in 2019. Julia Garner earned the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2019 and 2020. Will the final season also see a massive number of nominations? Most likely!

Don’t miss Ozark season 4, part 2 on Netflix, on April 29, 2022.