The Best TV Show Set In Each U.S. State

The United States is a huge and varied country, and that diversity is reflected in its television stories. While many shows focus on cities along the coasts, every state has been featured in some of television’s most popular and acclaimed programs.

Whether it’s glamorous locations like Rodeo Drive or authentic rodeos, many top TV creators find inspiration in specific settings. Here’s a list of the best TV shows set in each of the 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

52. Alabama

Hart of Dixie (2011-2015)

It’s rare to see a show set in Alabama, but Hart of Dixie beautifully portrays the state’s unique appeal through the close-knit, eccentric town of Bluebell, a made-up Gulf Coast community. When ambitious New York doctor Zoe Hart (Rachel Bilson) unexpectedly inherits a share of a local practice, she must adjust to a slower pace and the charms of small-town living.

If you enjoyed Virgin River, Hart of Dixie is a great next watch. It’s a charming show filled with Southern culture, sweet romances, and funny moments about a New Yorker adjusting to life in Alabama. It beautifully captures the warmth, humor, and genuine spirit of the South, showing that anyone can find a place to belong.

51. Alaska

Northern Exposure (1990-1995)

As a film and TV buff, I’ve always been captivated by shows that really nail a sense of place, and Northern Exposure does that brilliantly with rural Alaska. It’s about a New York doctor, Joel Fleischman, who gets sent way up north to a quirky little town called Cicely as part of a deal to pay off his student loans. Honestly, the people he meets are amazing – think former bush pilots who love to philosophize, offbeat radio personalities, and just generally free-spirited folks who’ve made a life for themselves out in the middle of nowhere. It’s a show that really captures that feeling of isolation and the unique characters who thrive in it.

Northern Exposure is a heartwarming and funny show that beautifully captures the spirit of Alaska. This Emmy-winning drama from 1992 explores what it means to find your place and adjust to a new life against the stunning backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness – it’s a real hidden treasure.

Honorable Mention: True Detective season 4.

50. Arizona

Alice (1976-1985)

Photo: CBS via MovieStillsDB

The show Alice begins in a classic diner in Phoenix, where a simple stop turns into a new beginning for its main character. Linda Lavin plays Alice Hyatt, a mother and aspiring singer whose plans are interrupted when her car breaks down while traveling to Los Angeles. She ends up working as a waitress at Mel’s Diner.

The sitcom, inspired by Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, followed Alice and her colleagues as they became like a family, supporting each other through good times and bad, all while sharing countless cups of coffee. Set in Phoenix, Arizona, the show was known for being both funny and touching, and it beautifully portrayed the strength and bonds of everyday friendships.

49. Arkansas

True Detective (Season 3 – 2019)

The third season of True Detective is a beautifully atmospheric and moving portrayal of Arkansas. It uses the state’s foggy forests and quiet towns as the backdrop for a compelling mystery. Mahershala Ali plays Detective Wayne Hays, and the story follows his investigation over several decades into the case of two missing children in the made-up town of West Finger.

Like a classic Southern gothic tale, True Detective is deeply personal, melancholic, and full of mood. With its stunning visuals and thoughtful look at class, race, and memory, the show treats Arkansas as more than just a location—it portrays the state as a living, breathing character, both beautiful and haunting, shaped by its history.

48. California

Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000)

No TV show has made a city, or even a neighborhood, as famous as Beverly Hills, 90210. The 90210 ZIP code is instantly recognizable, representing a glamorous, sunny lifestyle filled with wealth and excitement. The show started slowly, but quickly became a huge cultural phenomenon, dealing with relatable teenage problems while perfectly capturing the style of 1990s California.

The show’s stars – Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Luke Perry, Jennie Garth, and Tori Spelling – became incredibly well-known, and the original series led to both a 2008 reboot and a 2019 revival that played with the show’s own history. Together, they made Beverly Hills a lasting part of television history, turning the 90210 ZIP code into a worldwide representation of young life, luxury, and fresh starts.

Honorable Mentions: Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage, Insecure, The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air.

47. Colorado

South Park (1997-)

Despite being a cartoon known for its outrageous humor, South Park is deeply rooted in Colorado. Created by Colorado locals Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the show perfectly portrays the unique and often contradictory aspects of life in a small Colorado town – from the snowy mountains to the political debates and the strong sense of independence.

With its wild and often outrageous stories about Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny, South Park has become known for both poking fun at American society and fondly remembering what it’s like to grow up in Colorado. Even after almost 30 years, season 27 of South Park remains witty and continues to reflect current events and trends.

Honorable Mentions: Community, Dynasty.

46. Connecticut

Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Gilmore Girls perfectly embodies the charm and cozy atmosphere of Connecticut and New England. The show, sparked by Amy Sherman-Palladino’s visit to Mark Twain’s house, beautifully portrays life in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, filled with quirky characters, frequent town gatherings, and delightful seasonal celebrations.

With its beautiful autumn leaves, snowy winters, and close community, the show captures the classic feel of New England. At its heart, Gilmore Girls is about the quick-witted and loving relationship between Lorelai and Rory. It’s a clever, funny, and feel-good series that’s also a warm tribute to life in Connecticut—and a celebration of coffee!

45. Delaware

The Pretender (1996-2000)

Delaware isn’t a common setting for TV shows, but The Pretender definitely puts it on the map. The series stars Michael T. Weiss as Jarod Russell, an incredibly gifted child who grew up in a hidden Delaware facility called the Centre. There, he was trained to become a master of disguise and impersonation – a “pretender” able to convincingly take on any job or profession.

Once he breaks free, Jarod puts his unique abilities to work helping people, all while staying one step ahead of those who once held him captive. Although the original show only lasted four seasons and ended with an unresolved storyline, dedicated fans kept the story going through two made-for-TV movies and a series of books, making The Pretender Delaware’s most memorable contribution to television history.

44. Florida

The Golden Girls (1985–1992)

The Golden Girls is the quintessential feel-good show set in sunny Florida, specifically Miami. The series centers on Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia—three widows and one divorced woman—who come from different walks of life and hilariously and warmly embrace life after retirement, complete with plenty of attitude.

The adventures of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia made Miami a vibrant setting for fun, friendship, and the experience of getting older – and the actresses weren’t even that old themselves! The show was a massive success, earning 11 Emmy Awards, including individual acting awards for each of the four stars and winning the award for Best Comedy Series two years in a row when it first aired.

Honorable Mentions: Dexter, Miami Vice, Bad Monkey.

43. Georgia

Dukes Of Hazzard (1979-1985)

The Dukes of Hazzard is a beloved sitcom that captures the feel of life in Georgia, mixing Southern hospitality, comedy, and exciting action. The show is set in the made-up Hazzard County and follows cousins Bo and Luke Duke as they constantly foil the plans of the dishonest Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane, frequently performing impressive car stunts in their famous General Lee.

I’ll always remember The Dukes of Hazzard as more than just a fun show. It really captured a wild, over-the-top version of rural Georgia – from Daisy’s shorts to all those crazy chases involving moonshine! It was definitely a product of its time, but honestly, nothing has ever created such a lasting, iconic image of Georgia. For me, it’s become a true symbol of the state and a big part of its culture.

Honorable Mention: Atlanta.

2025-11-03 01:21