The Best TV Show Set In Each U.S. State: A Journey Through America's Small Screens
The United States is a vast and diverse country, and its stories are as varied as its landscapes. While coastal cities dominate the small screen, every state in the U.S. has contributed to some of the best TV shows ever created. From the sunny beaches of California to the rugged mountains of Colorado, each state brings its unique charm and setting to the world of television.
Here's a journey through the best TV shows set in each of the 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, showcasing the diverse talent of showrunners and the rich tapestry of American life.
- Alabama: Hart of Dixie
Hart of Dixie (2011-2015) is a delightful portrayal of Alabama's charm through the quirky, tight-knit community of Bluebell, a fictional Gulf Coast town. When Zoe Hart, a fast-talking New York doctor, inherits part of a medical practice, she's forced to slow down and embrace small-town life. With Southern traditions, tangled romances, and fish-out-of-water comedy, Hart of Dixie is a perfect replacement for Virgin River, celebrating Alabama's blend of hospitality, humor, and heart.
- Alaska: Northern Exposure
Northern Exposure (1990-1995) captures the wonder and eccentricity of rural Alaska. New York doctor Joel Fleischman is sent to the remote town of Cicely to repay his student loans, and he's thrust into a community unlike any other. Filled with philosophical ex-bush pilots, radio hosts, and free spirits, the show explores themes of belonging and adaptation. It's a forgotten gem that won the 1992 Emmy for Best Drama, serving as a love letter to life on the Last Frontier.
- Arizona: Alice
Alice (1976-1985) is set in a Phoenix greasy spoon, where Linda Lavin stars as Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother whose car breaks down en route to Los Angeles. This derails her singing dreams and leads her to a waitressing job at Mel's Diner. Over the years, Alice and her co-workers become family, sharing laughter, heartbreaks, and endless cups of coffee. Based on Martin Scorsese's film, the sitcom was both heartfelt and humorous, showcasing everyday resilience and friendship in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona.
- Arkansas: True Detective (Season 3)
True Detective season 3 is a haunting love letter to Arkansas, using the Ozarks' misty forests and small-town stillness to frame a deeply human mystery. Starring Mahershala Ali as Detective Wayne Hays, the season follows a decades-spanning investigation into the disappearance of two children in the fictional town of West Finger. The story unfolds like a Southern gothic novel, intimate, mournful, and steeped in atmosphere.
- California: Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000) is a cultural phenomenon that made a city—and a single neighborhood—iconic. It's the only ZIP code everyone can name, symbolizing a glossy, sun-soaked world of privilege and drama. After a slow start, the series became a pop culture juggernaut, tackling real teen issues while defining '90s California cool. Its cast became household names, and its influence spawned successful reboots and a meta revival, cementing Beverly Hills' place in TV history.
- Colorado: South Park
South Park (1997-) is animated and absurd, but it's Colorado to its core. Created by Colorado natives Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the series captures the quirks and contradictions of small-town life in the Centennial State. With snow-capped mountains, political clashes, and a defiant independent spirit, South Park has evolved into a satire of modern America and a love letter to the weirdness of growing up in Colorado.
- Connecticut: Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) is the quintessential Connecticut show, steeped in charm, wit, and cozy small-town spirit. Inspired by Amy Sherman-Palladino's visit to Mark Twain's Hartford home, the series captures the essence of life in Stars Hollow, a fictional town bursting with eccentric locals, endless town meetings, and picture-perfect seasonal festivals. Its fall foliage, snowy winters, and tight-knit community evoke a nostalgic New England ideal.
- Delaware: The Pretender
The Pretender (1996-2000) is a unique show set in Delaware, featuring Michael T. Weiss as Jarod Russell, a child prodigy raised in a secretive Delaware facility. After escaping, Jarod uses his skills to help others while evading his former captors. Though the series ended on a cliffhanger, passionate fans kept it alive through TV movies and novels, making The Pretender Delaware's most intriguing contribution to television lore.
- Florida: The Golden Girls
The Golden Girls (1985-1992) is the ultimate sunny Florida show, set in Miami. It follows four women navigating retirement with humor, heart, and a little sass. Their adventures turned Miami into a backdrop for laughter, friendship, and the joys of growing older, though the characters weren't as old as you might think. A huge hit, The Golden Girls won 11 Emmys, including acting wins for each star.
- Georgia: Dukes of Hazzard
The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1985) is a classic sitcom that embodies the spirit of Georgia life, blending Southern charm, humor, and high-octane adventure. Set in Hazzard County, it follows cousins Bo and Luke Duke as they outwit the corrupt Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. From Daisy Dukes to moonshine-fueled escapades, the series captured a larger-than-life version of rural Georgia, becoming a cultural touchstone for the state.
