NBC built Abby's a special outdoor set next to Wisteria Lane

The New York Times

"Abby’s was filmed before a live outdoor audience" will open each episode of the Michael Schur-produced sitcom. That's because producers wanted the backyard bar-set comedy to be as accurate as possible, complete with bleachers for am outdoor studio audience. "After NBC gave the go-ahead, an outdoor studio was built behind the house that once belonged to Edie (the desperate housewife played by Nicollette Sheridan)," reports Jeremy Egner. "The goal was to split the difference between a conventional set — with water- and windproof lighting rigs and a smooth, level concrete slab for easy camera movement — and a backyard, with strung lights, fire pits and largely unobstructed natural elements."