The popular NBC television series Las Vegas (2003–2008) was not filmed entirely at Mandalay Bay, but the resort served as the primary inspiration and provided many of the show's iconic exterior shots. In the first season, the fictional "Montecito Resort & Casino" was actually modeled after Mandalay Bay, and the production used CGI to replace the real signage with the Montecito logo. While some early episodes featured location filming on the Mandalay Bay property—specifically around the pool and casino floor—the vast majority of the show's interior scenes were filmed on a massive, state-of-the-art soundstage at Culver Studios in California. The set was such a high-fidelity replica that many viewers believed it was a real casino. Interestingly, as the show progressed, the Montecito "moved" its fictional location on the Strip several times via digital editing. Today, fans visiting Mandalay Bay in 2026 can still recognize the distinct architecture and "tropical" vibe that defined the show’s glamorous aesthetic for five seasons.