Have you ever watched a television show and felt completely transported to another place? A place so vividly depicted, it feels like you’ve actually been there? That’s the magic of television, and it’s often deeply intertwined with the landscapes and communities that serve as its backdrop. More than just sets, these locations become characters themselves, influencing the narrative and shaping our collective perception of America’s diverse tapestry. From sun-kissed beaches to snow-capped mountains, the United States offers a breathtaking range of scenery, and for decades, filmmakers have been capturing this beauty on screen, giving birth to iconic tv shows that have left a lasting impression. This article embarks on a cross-country adventure, celebrating iconic tv shows filmed in each of the fifty states, proving that America’s greatest stories are as diverse and captivating as its terrain. Get ready to explore locations that have cemented themselves in tv history!
Alabama: In the Heat of the Night
While primarily filmed in Covington, Georgia, In the Heat of the Night, a gripping crime drama that tackled racial tensions in the South, did include scenes shot in Alabama. This show, which explored the complex relationship between a white police chief and a black detective, resonated deeply with audiences and helped to spark important conversations about race and justice. The authentic Southern backdrop, in part fueled by Alabama locations, added a significant layer of realism and emotional weight to the narrative.
Alaska: Men in Trees
Journey north to Alaska for Men in Trees, a romantic comedy-drama about a relationship expert who finds herself unexpectedly stranded in the remote town of Elmo. While a good portion of the filming happened in Squamish, British Columbia, and Canada, the spirit and essence of Alaska are certainly present. Although the show did not become a massive success, it deserves credit for depicting Alaskan life differently and showing off the state’s rugged beauty. The show also gives light to the strong relationships that can exist in small, isolated towns.
Arizona: High Chaparral
Saddle up and ride into Arizona for High Chaparral, a classic Western that embodies the spirit of the Old West. Set on a sprawling ranch, the series follows a family as they navigate the dangers and challenges of frontier life. With its sweeping landscapes and authentic portrayal of cowboys and Native Americans, High Chaparral helped to define the Western genre for a generation of television viewers. Much of the filming took place around Old Tucson Studios, immersing the audience in a realistic old west setting.
Arkansas: Evening Shade
Moving eastward, Arkansas plays host to Evening Shade, a feel-good sitcom about a former professional football player who returns to his small hometown to coach the high school team. The show’s warmhearted humor and relatable characters made it a hit with audiences, offering a slice of small-town American life. Though mostly filmed in California, the Arkansas setting significantly shapes the show’s charm and down-to-earth character.
California: I Love Lucy
No journey through iconic tv shows would be complete without a stop in California, home to countless television productions. But for this state, let’s turn to the timeless classic, I Love Lucy. While set in New York City for the most part, the show was primarily filmed in Hollywood at Desilu Studios. Lucille Ball’s comedic brilliance and the show’s groundbreaking humor helped to redefine the sitcom format, creating a lasting legacy that continues to entertain audiences today. The studio system of Hollywood made possible this kind of comedy with its accessibility to all the best equipment and expertise.
Colorado: Mork & Mindy
Beam me up to Colorado for Mork & Mindy, a quirky sitcom that launched the career of Robin Williams. Set in Boulder, the series follows an alien from the planet Ork as he tries to adapt to life on Earth. With its offbeat humor and heartwarming message, Mork & Mindy captured the hearts of viewers, making Colorado a memorable backdrop for this unforgettable show. The show’s use of Boulder’s college-town atmosphere contributed to the show’s unique and whimsical feel.
Connecticut: Gilmore Girls
Coffee anyone? Head to Connecticut to visit the fictional town of Stars Hollow, the charming setting for Gilmore Girls. The show’s focus on family, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams resonated with audiences and quickly made it a fan favorite. Though primarily filmed in California, the show’s fictional version of Connecticut is one of its most recognizable and beloved elements.
Delaware: Deadly Dilemma
Delaware finds its spotlight with Deadly Dilemma, a lesser-known crime drama that offers a glimpse into the state’s coastal communities. Focusing on suspense and intrigue, the series makes good use of Delaware’s scenic beaches and historic towns, adding an air of mystery to the narrative.
Florida: Miami Vice
Slip on your pastel suit and cruise down to Florida for Miami Vice, a stylish crime drama that defined the aesthetic of the nineteen eighties. With its neon lights, pulsating soundtrack, and fast cars, the show transformed Miami into a glamorous and dangerous playground. Miami Vice‘s impact on pop culture is undeniable, solidifying Florida’s place in television history. The art deco architecture and vibrant nightlife provided the perfect backdrop for the show’s high-octane action.
Georgia: The Walking Dead
Georgia has become a major hub for television production, and The Walking Dead stands out as one of its most iconic shows. Filmed in and around Atlanta, the series offers a gritty and suspenseful portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. With its intense storylines and compelling characters, The Walking Dead has captivated audiences worldwide.
Hawaii: Hawaii Five-O
Aloha! Escape to the tropical paradise of Hawaii for Hawaii Five-O, a long-running police procedural that showcased the state’s stunning scenery. With its action-packed episodes and charismatic cast, the show captivated audiences, creating a lasting image of Hawaii as a place of adventure and excitement. The show helped to promote Hawaii as a premier vacation destination.
Idaho: Nash Bridges
Though set in San Francisco, Nash Bridges occasionally ventured to Idaho for filming, incorporating the state’s rugged landscapes into the action-packed police drama. This infusion of Idaho’s natural beauty added another layer to the show’s visual appeal.
Illinois: ER
Head to Chicago, Illinois, for ER, a medical drama that set the standard for the genre. With its fast-paced storytelling and realistic portrayal of emergency room life, the show captivated audiences and launched the careers of several prominent actors. The show’s gritty depiction of an urban emergency room resonated with viewers.
Indiana: Parks and Recreation
Journey to the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, for Parks and Recreation, a hilarious mockumentary-style sitcom that celebrated local government and community spirit. The show’s quirky characters and optimistic tone made it a beloved comedy, and it continues to gain new fans through streaming services.
Iowa: The Music Man
Though a stage play and movie, The Music Man deserves credit for its depiction of small-town Iowa life, which continues to make it a piece of Americana. With its catchy tunes and heartwarming story, The Music Man brings to life the charm of Iowa.
Kansas: Gunsmoke
While primarily filmed in California, Gunsmoke, a long-running Western series, often evoked the spirit of Kansas through its storytelling and portrayal of frontier life. The show’s rugged characters and authentic depiction of the Old West made it a television institution.
Kentucky: Justified
Head to the hollers of Kentucky for Justified, a neo-Western crime drama that follows a U.S. Marshal as he returns to his home state to enforce the law. With its compelling characters and sharp writing, the show offered a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in rural Kentucky. The show’s exploration of family and community ties added depth to the narrative.
Louisiana: True Detective (Season 1)
Delve into the murky bayous of Louisiana for the first season of True Detective, a critically acclaimed crime drama that captivated audiences with its dark and atmospheric storytelling. Filmed on location in Louisiana, the series used the state’s unique landscapes to create a sense of dread and mystery.
Maine: Murder, She Wrote
While set in the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine, Murder, She Wrote, a beloved mystery series, featured several Maine locations and landscapes. This association cemented the state’s image as a quaint and picturesque setting for intrigue.
Maryland: The Wire
Venture into the streets of Baltimore, Maryland, for The Wire, a groundbreaking crime drama that explored the complexities of urban life. With its realistic portrayal of drug trafficking, police corruption, and social inequality, the show has been hailed as one of the greatest television series of all time. The series highlighted the systemic issues affecting Baltimore’s communities.
Massachusetts: Cheers
Raise a glass to Cheers, a classic sitcom set in a Boston bar where everyone knows your name. With its witty humor and relatable characters, the show became a cultural phenomenon. While the exterior shots were of a Boston Bar, the show was primarily shot in California.
Michigan: Home Improvement
Fire up the power tools and head to Michigan for Home Improvement, a sitcom about a family man who hosts a home improvement show. With its relatable characters and family-friendly humor, the series captivated audiences. The show did a great job of depicting suburban Michigan.
Minnesota: Fargo (TV Series)
While set in both Minnesota and North Dakota, the Fargo tv series often utilizes Minnesota scenery to evoke its tone and spirit. Its dark humor, intriguing characters, and intricate plotting help it explore the underbelly of the Midwest.
Mississippi: Paradise Lost
Explore the complex realities of the South with Paradise Lost, filmed in Mississippi. Exploring secrets, lies, and betrayals within a wealthy Southern family, the show captures the atmospheric landscapes of Mississippi.
Missouri: Ozark
Ozark, Missouri, provides the backdrop for the intense show Ozark. The Byrde family relocated to this small town to launder money. Viewers are immediately drawn into the murky world of crime and intrigue.
Montana: Yellowstone
Yellowstone presents the vastness of Montana. Highlighting the scenery of family drama, and territorial disputes with ranchers and Native Americans, Yellowstone displays the beauty of the region.
Nebraska: The Stand
Based on Stephen King’s novel, The Stand, while filmed in multiple locations, captures the sense of desolation that fits King’s novel. The apocalyptic setting contrasts with the sweeping landscape of Nebraska.
Nevada: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Las Vegas, Nevada, is the city where CSI takes place. CSI is known for its innovative visual effects and gritty storylines. CSI changed crime shows.
New Hampshire: Jumanji
The film Jumanji, though much of its filming took place in other areas, is set in the fictional town of Brantford, New Hampshire. Jumanji is an adventurous movie that is still a blast from the past.
New Jersey: The Sopranos
Enter the world of organized crime with The Sopranos, set in New Jersey. The series offers a complex view into the life of a mob boss and his conflicts with family and crime.
New Mexico: Breaking Bad
Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Breaking Bad shows the transformation of a chemistry teacher who becomes a meth kingpin. Breaking Bad offers a raw and compelling view of the dark corners of human nature.
New York: Seinfeld
Set in New York City, Seinfeld is a show that is iconic. The show is about nothing. The series’ observations on life make it truly timeless.
North Carolina: Dawson’s Creek
Dawson’s Creek took place in North Carolina, a coming-of-age show. Friendship, love, and the complexities of adolescence are showcased through this show. It made waves as a tv show.
North Dakota: Fargo (Film)
Set in North Dakota, the Coen Brothers Fargo, is an exciting movie. Its dark humor, quirky characters, and its cinematic achievements make it an iconic tv show.
Ohio: Hot in Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, serves as the setting for Hot in Cleveland. Centered around the lives of three women who accidentally end up staying in Cleveland, this show brings light to friendship, love, and life.
Oklahoma: American Underdog
Shot in Oklahoma, American Underdog is a movie based on the life of Kurt Warner. The film showcases the grit and resilience of reaching dreams and family.
Oregon: Portlandia
Portlandia presents Portland, Oregon, in an ironic way. Showcasing the unique culture and the eccentricities of the city, this comedy is a show to be remembered.
Pennsylvania: Mare of Easttown
Located in Pennsylvania, Mare of Easttown is a crime drama that delves into the underbelly of a small town. The series captivates viewers with its compelling characters and great suspense.
Rhode Island: Meet Joe Black
Rhode Island serves as the backdrop for some scenes of Meet Joe Black, an atmospheric romantic drama. The picturesque mansions contribute to the film’s charm.
South Carolina: Outer Banks
Outer Banks takes place in South Carolina. The show focuses on friendship, love, and class divisions.
South Dakota: Dances with Wolves
Dances with Wolves is set in the landscapes of South Dakota. The film’s expansive visuals highlight the beauty of the American West.
Tennessee: Nashville
Nashville portrays the country music scene. Its focus on drama, love, and betrayal are intertwined in Nashville.
Texas: Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights is based in Texas. Football, community, and the coming-of-age story are all involved with this film.
Utah: Westworld
Westworld, a dystopian show filmed in Utah, is a western theme park. The show’s philosophical and ethical exploration makes it a great one.
Vermont: Newhart
Set in Vermont, Newhart, is centered around an innkeeper and his wife. This show brings to light a quaint and cozy setting.
Virginia: The Waltons
The Waltons gives light to family, tradition, and resilience. The show captures a sense of home and community through The Waltons.
Washington: Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks, filmed in Washington, delves into the mysteries of a small town. The show blends mystery with the supernatural.
West Virginia: We Are Marshall
We Are Marshall, the film, focuses on the rebuilding of the Marshall University football team after a tragic plane crash. The film showcases resilience.
Wisconsin: Happy Days
Happy Days takes place in Wisconsin, and captures the essence of nineteen fifties Americana. The show brings nostalgia to all viewers.
Wyoming: Longmire
Longmire, based in Wyoming, is a modern western crime drama that brings to light a sheriff. The show showcases the wildness of Wyoming.
From Coast to Coast: The Enduring Legacy of Television
As we reach the end of our coast-to-coast journey, it becomes clear that television has done more than just entertain us. These iconic tv shows have shaped our perceptions of different states, bringing their unique cultures, landscapes, and stories into our living rooms. They’ve boosted local economies, showcased emerging talent, and given viewers a sense of connection to places they may never have the chance to visit in person. The magic of television lies in its ability to transport us, to educate us, and to remind us of the diverse and vibrant tapestry that makes up the United States of America. So, the next time you tune into your favorite show, take a moment to appreciate the role that location plays in bringing that story to life. Consider planning a trip to see iconic tv show locations! The adventure begins here.
