But if you need proof of Wearside's ability to welcome the stars, here it is.
Camera crews have rolled into the area loads of times and used everything from the top of Wearmouth Bridge to Easington dog track as a backdrop.
Intrigued? Read on for our Echo archive instalment of camera crews in Sunderland.
5. A day at the dog track
Easington's dog track got the attention of this crew in September 2005. They were filming for a 'gritty Northern comedy'. | se
6. Penshaw and proud
An advert which promoted the region was being filmed by One NorthEast at Penshaw Monument in January 2006. | se
7. Comedy headlines
Seaham was at the centre of a comedy sketch show in this scene from June 2006. | se
8. Gently does it
Seaham Hall car park was the setting for this film crew which was preparing for a shoot of Inspector George Gently in April 2010. | se