Most Popular TV Show Set in Each State
From the big broadcast networks to the hundreds of channels found on cable to streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon, it's safe to say there isn't a lack of options when it comes to television in America.
With so much content out there, we decided to focus on the geographic side of TV, finding the biggest and most popular shows set in each state.
Some won't be surprises, some had serious competition, and some? Well, let's just say a few states could use better PR.
Alabama: "Hart of Dixie"
Show Life: 2011 - 2015
There have only been a handful of shows set in Alabama, including "Any Day Now," "Big Law: Deputy Butterbean," "Big Shrimpin'," "Looking for Alaska," "On the Job," "The Prancing Elites Project" and "Rocket City Rednecks." Don't remember these? Well, they were pretty short-lived.
"Hart of Dixie," however, lasted four years and earned solid reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show has a score of 81 percent from critics and 87 percent from viewers. This helped it endure for 76 episodes, which is good in modern-day TV terms.
The CW show starred Rachel Bilson as the big city-doctor, Zoe Hart, who finds herself deep in the heart of Dixie. (See what they did there?) It's the same fish-out-of-water story everyone loves to tell about northerns who discover the South is actually not a bad place to live. Worked for "Hart of Dixie," at least.
Alaska: "Northern Exposure"
Show Life: 1990 – 1995
"Empire," the movie and entertainment magazine, ranks "Northern Exposure" as one of the top 100 television shows of all time. This fish-out-of-water tale sticks another New York City doctor in a unique environment: the small fictional Alaskan town of Cicely. Hijinks ensue.
The show ran for six seasons and 110 episodes, introducing the world to John Corbett, who later went on to "Sex in the City" fame. On IMDb, it carries an 8.2 out of 10 rating.
Though the show leaned into its remote Alaska setting and the quirky locals populating it, it was actually primarily filmed in Roslyn, Washington, where a historical museum features a collection of memorabilia from the show.
Arizona: "Medium"
Show Life: 2005 – 2011
A supernatural thriller set in Phoenix starring Patricia Arquette, "Medium" only has a ranking of 6.9 out of 10 on IMDb, yet the show ran for seven seasons and 130 episodes, so they must have been doing something right. (TV.com gives it an 8.8 out of 10, which is more like it.)
As the name hints, Arquette's character, Allison DuBois, is a medium who uses her psychic abilities to help solve crimes.
As "The Phoenix New Times" put it, "While it wasn't exactly the greatest show to grace the television screen, Patricia Arquette working for the D.A. and bringing down the hammer of justice by talking to dead people sounds like the just the type of crazy you'd find in Arizona."
Arkansas: "Evening Shade"
Show Life: 1990 – 1994
The late Burt Reynolds led an all-star cast that included Marilu Henner, Ossie Davie, Hal Holbrook and Charles Durning in this comedy about a former professional football star retiring to his small hometown, Evening Shade. Although IMDb and TV.com reviews are lower than most on this list (6.9/10 and 7.3/10, respectively), "Evening Shade" gave Reynolds a Golden Globe, Primetime Emmy and People's Choice Award.
There may have only been four seasons of this warm-hearted show, but in total it received eight Golden Globes and 32 nominations. And if it didn't make you fall in love with the idea of life in small-town Arkansas, nothing would.
California: "The Brady Bunch"
Show Life: 1969 – 1974
Although "The Brady Bunch" only aired for five seasons, it became a cult classic and remains in syndication to this day — hardly a soul in America couldn't sing along to its absurdly catchy theme song.
The story of a lovely lady who was bringing up three very lovely girls and married a man named Brady, who was busy with three boys of his own, spawned countless TV movies to show us more of the clan throughout the years, and has high marks from TV.com (8.6).
The family's mid-century modern home and groovy fashion sense perfectly captured '70s-era California cool, making this a true state classic.
Colorado: "South Park"
Show Life: 1997 –
It may be a cartoon, but "South Park" will go down in history as one of the best TV shows ever created. In fact, IMDb, where it has a rating of 8.7, names it No. 26 of the best 250 television shows, and "Empire" ranks it as No. 33 of 100.
Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the story of four elementary school kids living in South Park, Colorado, makes fun of practically anything and everything using humor that can be both hilarious and shocking. All these years later, the show is still going strong.
While it's never been confirmed, it's believed that the town of South Park is based on Fairplay, Colorado, so add that destination to your bucket list if you're a fan of the show.
Connecticut: "Gilmore Girls"
Show Life: 2000 – 2007
Mother-daughter best friends Lorelai and Roy Gilmore share their ups and downs in a show so beloved (the Rotten Tomatoes audience score is 86 percent and TV.com users give it a 9 out of 10) that it came back to life briefly in 2016 on Netflix.
The show starred Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel as the dynamic and lovable titular duo. But arguably the real star of the show was the fictional Starry Hollow, a New England small town so magical, it made everyone and their own moms want to visit. (Alas, it's entirely fictional, though it was inspired by similar towns like Washington, New Milford, Bantam and Litchfield.)
Delaware: "The Pretender"
Show Life: 1996 – 2000
Just who was "The Pretender?" He was a genius raised in a secret facility that experimented on children. Able to assume any profession, he breaks out and attempts to find his true identity, while trying to avoid being captured.
The drama aired for four seasons and 86 episodes, and was widely beloved: TV.com users gave it a rating of 8.7.
The show's setting of Blue Cove, Delaware, was fictional, but located near the real (and charming) city of Dover.
Florida: "The Golden Girls"
Show Life: 1985 – 1992
Florida is a hot, hot, hot setting for TV shows, serving as the backdrop in mega-hits ranging from "Miami Vice" to "Dexter." But the most cherished show of them all, and one we simply cannot resist in late-night reruns, is "The Golden Girls."
Taking four single women in their "golden years" and having them live together flips the switch on storylines such as "Girls" and "Sex and the City." These are women who have lived full lives and they are still as feisty — and funny — as ever. Even "Rolling Stone" magazine ranked the show one of the top 100 ever.
Are you a diehard fan? Set sail from Miami on a "Golden Girls"-themed cruise in 2020.
Georgia: "The Walking Dead"
Show Life: 2010 –
"The Walking Dead" kicked off a zombie-apocalypse craze when it debuted on AMC in 2010. Each week's show follows a band of apocalypse survivors batting not only the undead but other "tribes" trying to survive, causing the audience to constantly question who will live and who will die.
The show lands on IMDb's top-shows list at No. 33, and No. 28 on the top-100 list from "Empire." This horror/thriller is still going, with some of the original cast members continuing to fight for their lives.
Fans of the show can explore the small town of Senoia, Georgia, where much of the show is filmed, or take a "Walking Dead"-themed tour in Atlanta.
Hawaii: "Hawaii Five-O"
Show Life: 1968 – 1980; 2010 –
All that is old is new again, which is why CBS introduced us to a new version of "Hawaii Five-0" in 2010. Attempting to capitalize on the original CBS show that lasted 12 years, the new show looks to have the same longevity.
Whether you liked the recent show or remain a fan of the older series, the detective drama based in Oahu, Hawaii, provides a fascinating glimpse into life on the islands. It is also where the popular line "Book 'em Danno" originated.
Idaho: "Wayward Pines"
Show Life: 2015 – 2016
There aren't a lot of shows set in Idaho, but one of the best was the unfortunately short-lived "Wayward Pines," headlined by film stars Matt Dillon and Jason Patric. Created by eerie movie-maker M. Night Shyamalan and based on the books of the same name, the show focused on a town you could enter, but never leave.
The Fox mystery was canceled after its second season, when critics and fans felt the show began to get too far "out there."
Illinois: "Roseanne"
Show Life: 1988 – 2008; 2018
When "Roseanne" debuted in 1998, led by Roseanne Barr, it was considered a groundbreaking show that centered on issues facing the American working class. "Rolling Stone" ranks the show as No. 70 on its list of the 100 greatest TV shows.
The cast became household names, including John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf and Sara Gilbert, and in 2018 excitement built up as Barr announced a reboot. Just into its initial and acclaimed debut, Barr tweeted racist remarks that got her canned from her namesake show, which now continues on without its matriarch in the renamed "The Conners."
In all its iterations, this beloved show has done an exemplary job showcasing blue-collar life in the Midwest.
Indiana: "Stranger Things"
Show Life: 2016 –
This one was a toughie, as "Parks & Recreation" is set in Indiana, which "Empire" ranks as the No. 23 best show. But since blowing onto the scene in 2016, "Stranger Things" has quickly become a fan favorite — it's No. 28 on IMDb's current list, with a rating of 8.8.
Set in the 1980s, the show is a flashback for Gen X-ers (even featuring the comeback of Gen X darling Winona Ryder) and a showcase for the best of '80s culture and fashion, with neon and scrunchies playing a prominent role.
Despite its scary premise, it also celebrates the sense of community found in small-town Indiana.
Iowa: "American Pickers"
Show Life: 2010 –
Poor Iowa. It may have movies like "Field of Dreams" and "The Bridges of Madison County," but when it comes to television, it's mostly overlooked. That's why "American Pickers" appears here, although the show features different states based on its season.
This History Channel reality show follows Mike Wolfe and Iowa native Frank Fritz, who "pick" through junkyards, garages and barns around the country to recycle hidden gems for resale at Wolfe's shop Antique Archaeology. (There is a location in LeClaire, Iowa.)
Maybe someone will come out with the quintessential Iowa show someday?
Kansas: "Gunsmoke"
Show Life: 1955 – 1975
One of the longest-running television shows in the history of TV goes back to the black-and-white days, focusing on Marshal Matt Dillon's attempts to clean out crime in Dodge City, Kansas.
There are 480 episodes of this Western, although the show actually debuted on the radio in 1952. "Rolling Stone" has "Gunsmoke" just making it as one of the top 100 TV shows of all time. TV.com's users give it an 8.9 rating — people love this kind of good-guy/bad-guy series!
Kentucky: "Justified"
Show Life: 2010 – 2015
Yet another example of a show about a good guy in a cowboy hat, "Justified" earned more than two dozen award nominations, including an Emmy for lead Timothy Olyphant.
The show based on an Elmore Leonard series of books followed U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, who had a not-so-ethical approach to fighting crime. Although it only lasted five years, it has a 97 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is on the "Empire" top 100 list.
Some locals chafed at the show's stereotypical portrayal of life in rural Eastern Kentucky, but mostly, "Justified" was well-liked by people living in the state.
Louisiana: "True Blood"
Show Life: 2008 – 2014
In the early 2000s, vampires were all the rage. (Thank you "Twilight!") And for seven seasons, viewers loved sinking their teeth into "True Blood."
The show was based on the Southern Vampires Mysteries series, and featured Sookie Stackhouse falling hard for the 173-year-old vampire, Bill. (Fans fell hard, too.)
The horror/love story ended they way shows often do: Material was dying out as fast as characters. Still, the show holds a 8.6 rating on TV.com.
Fans can visit filming sites in Louisiana, including the Roseneath Plantation.
Maine: "Murder, She Wrote"
Show Life: 1984 – 1996
If you were a child in the 1980s or '90s, you couldn't escape "Murder, She Wrote," the mystery series starring Angela Lansbury as the writer/amateur detective solving crimes. The show was set in the fictional Cabot Cove, Maine, the perfect representation of an idyllic (if mysterious) coastal New England town.
It may not have made the "Rolling Stone" or IMDb list, but 93 percent of Google users love this show that lasted 12 seasons. Lansbury was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards for 11 consecutive years! (She never won, making her basically the Susan Lucci of nighttime TV.)
Maryland: "The Wire"
Show Life: 2002 – 2008
If you missed the Baltimore-set "The Wire," find it and stream it right away! This crime drama is No. 2 on the "Rolling Stone" list and No. 4 on the "Empire" list of the greatest TV shows ever created. TV.com's user rating lists the show at a 9, IMDb rates it 9.3 out of 10, and Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 94 percent. Get it yet? This show is amazing!
The HBO show about Baltimore's drug scene brought us Michael B. Jordan, who went on to star in "Black Panther" and "Creed," and Idris Elba, who is rumored to become the next James Bond.
With its nuanced portrayal of inner-city issues, "The Wire" was as important as it was riveting.
Massachusetts: "Cheers"
Show Life: 1982 – 1993
Everybody knows the names of the cast of "Cheers," the story of a bunch of misfits in a Boston basement bar owned by former Red Sox player Sam Malone. Some consider the show divided into two different versions, with Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) as Sam's love interest or Rebecca Howe (Kristie Alley) as his polar opposite, both of whom keep Sam on his toes.
When the show came to an end, 84.4 million people watched — making it one of the four most-watched finales in television history. Rightfully, it lands at No. 20 on the "Rolling Stone" list of the greatest TV shows.
Today, it continues to live on in syndication as the quintessential show about Boston (where, yes, you can visit the real-life Cheers bar when you visit).
Michigan: "Freaks and Geeks"
Show Life: 1999
Were you a freak or a geek in high school? If you were either (or both!), you may have related to the kids in "Freaks and Geeks."
The show was written by Judd Apatow, who went on to produce blockbuster movies with his friends and cast members Seth Rogen and Jason Segel. (The show also made James Franco a star.) No. 11 on Rolling Stone's list and given 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the show only made it one season but was critically acclaimed — a show ahead of its time.
"Freaks and Geeks" took place in Chippewa, Michigan, a fictional suburb of Detroit, and rang true for good reason: Series creator Paul Feig, who later directed "Bridesmaids" and "Spy," was born and raised in Michigan.
Minnesota: "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"
Show Life: 1970 – 1977
Who can turn the world on with her smile? Why, Mary Tyler Moore, who did just that for seven straight seasons during the 1970s. Back when women were entering the workplace, Mary (as Mary Richards) was a 30-something single woman (gasp!) who wasn't interested in getting married; she was working hard on her career in television instead. Go Mary!
Not only did Mary take home an Emmy for Actress of the Year and Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy, but fellow actors Cloris Leachman, Ed Asner, Ted Knight and Betty White received accolades as well. The show itself also achieved Emmy and Golden Globe-winning status.
The show was set in Minneapolis, which plays a starring role in that famous opening sequence where Mary tosses her hat in the air.
Mississippi: "In the Heat of the Night"
Show Life: 1988 – 1995
After achieving fame as Archie Bunker, Carroll O'Conner found himself "In the Heat of the Night" as a police chief for the small town of Sparta, Mississippi. For seven seasons, this television show took on the crime and grit that was previously found in the book and movie of the same name. The show has an 8.3 user rating on TV.com.
Although it's not on any best-of lists, O'Connor did win an Emmy for his work and the show received Image Awards from the NAACP for the advancement of "Colored People" in television.
Missouri: "Grace Under Fire"
Show Life: 1993 – 1998
Taking on the struggles of being a single mother in a time when divorce was still a newer occurrence, comedian Rhett Butler blazed trails in her show "Grace Under Fire."
The show doesn't have a strong following on IMDb, but TV.com users give it an 8.4 out of 10. The show also launched the career of Dylan Sprouse, who went on to become a teen heartthrob.
Montana: "Buckskin"
Show Life: 1958 – 1959
Montana is a beautiful state, so it would be great to see some TV shows set in Big Sky country. Alas, the state's most notable moment in the boob-tube spotlight was the short-lived Western, "Buckskin."
The show launched in 1958 and in less than a year was over, after 39 episodes.
Nebraska: "The Young Riders"
Show Life: 1989 – 1992
Following the smash-hit "The Young Guns" movie, television decided to take a bunch of young bucks and put them into a Western called "The Young Riders." These weren't outlaws, however, but Pony Express riders defying obstacles to deliver the mail.
The show was a starting spot for Stephen Baldwin as William F. Cody and Josh Brolin as James Butler Hickok, but lasted just three seasons.
Nevada: "Bonanza"
Show Life: 1959 – 1973
For 14 years, families watched the Cartwright family manage the Ponderosa Ranch in Nevada. Lorne Greene served as the patriarch, with Michael Landon as "Little Joe," Dan Blocker as "Hoss" and Pernell Roberts as Adam. (Not sure why he didn't get a nickname.)
"Bonanza" was a huge hit and made Landon a star. He went on to head up "Little House on the Prairie" and "Highway to Heaven."
The series also showcased Nevada's vast Western landscapes to memorable effect.
New Hampshire: "The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire"
Show Life: 2003
If you haven't heard of "The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire," don't worry. Most people haven't. The drama starring Randy Quaid, Chris Penn, John Carroll Lynch and Mare Winningham made it mere months before it was yanked off the air.
Why is a show that no one watched on this list? Because New Hampshire, for no good reason, gets dissed as a TV location. It does, however, have claim on the Academy Award-winning film "On Golden Pond."
New Jersey: "The Sopranos"
Show Life: 1999 – 2007
You didn't think we would have anything but "The Sopranos" to represent New Jersey, did you?
Leading a family of gangsters while seeing a therapist to help him deal with his panic attacks, Tony Soprano was an antihero for the ages in a show that brilliantly juxtaposed humor and drama. The late, great James Gandolfini had the starring role, for which he took home a Golden Globe and multiple Emmy Awards.
"Rolling Stone" ranks "The Sopranos" as the Greatest TV Show of all Time. Rotten Tomatoes? 92 percent. IMDb? 9.2 out of 10. TV.com? 8.9 out of 10.
R.I.P. Gandolfini, we wish we could bring Tony Soprano back.
New Mexico: "Breaking Bad"
Show Life: 2008 – 2013
While Tony was leading family crime in New Jersey, a certain cancer-riddled teacher wanting to take care of his family ended up becoming a nightmare in New Mexico. The story of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) taking ex-student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) into the world of meth and crime was so riveting, "Breaking Bad" became one of the biggest series in TV history.
It may have only lived five seasons, but "Empire" ranks it the No. 1 show ever and Rolling Stone lists it at No. 3. Again, the other big three (IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes and TV.com) give it high marks, as well: 9.5 of 10, 96 percent and 9 of 10, respectively.
Like "The Sopranos" for New Jersey, this isn't a particularly flattering portrayal of the place where it's set. But it's definitely a memorable one.
New York: "Friends"
Show Life: 2008 – 2013
This is a split decision, with two New York City-set shows topping numerous lists. One is a show about nothing. The other is a show about friends. Both brilliantly showcase New York neuroses.
"Rolling Stone" places "Seinfeld" at No. 5 and "Friends" at No. 26, but "Empire" has "Friends" at No. 5 and "Seinfeld" at No. 26 — exact swaps! "Seinfeld" ran nine seasons and has 8.8/88/9.1 on IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes/TV.com. Friends has 8.9/78/9.2.
We are calling it, especially with the rebirth on Netflix: You gotta have "Friends!"
North Carolina: "The Andy Griffith Show"
Show Life: 1960 – 1968
The epitome of sweetness, good parenting, friendship and every and anything right in the world, "The Andy Griffith Show" starred the show's namesake as Andy Taylor, as well as Don Knotts as Barney Fife and the young Ron Howard as Opie. The widower sheriff in a small town in North Carolina always had a lesson for Opie on how to be the best we can be, which is why this show remains a heartfelt favorite of TV viewers.
Over the course of eight years and 249 episodes, "The Andy Griffith Show" became one of the most renowned shows in TV history, and all the ratings show the love: It has an 8.3/10 and 8.9/10 on IMDb and TV.com.
North Dakota: "Fargo"
Show Life: 2014 –
When the movie of the same name debuted in 1996, the thriller blew away audiences. (And won Academy Awards!) To bring it to the small screen in 2014 on FX, "Fargo" brought back the movie's directors and writers, the Coen brothers, as executive producers. On the small screen, too, it was a hit.
"Rolling Stone" and "Empire" both love the series, as do audiences. Winning Emmy Awards and Golden Globes, the seasons have been packed with stars from Billy Bob Thornton to Ted Danson and Jean Smart to Kirsten Dunst.
The show is actually mostly set in Bemidji, Minnesota, but shows off its namesake city in North Dakota as well.
Ohio: "Family Ties"
Show Life: 1982 – 1989
The show that made Michael J. Fox a star (as Alex P. Keaton), "Family Ties" showcased a Reagan-era family in the American heartland of Ohio.
The parents? Former hippies of the 1960s. Son Alex? A Reagan-supporting Republican. The show showed the differences in politics within one family, while teaching life lessons at the end of every episode.
Fox won numerous Emmy and Golden Globes Awards in the role, and the show won its own awards as well. One would-be writer (ahem!) grew up with "Family Ties" leading the way.
Oklahoma: "Saving Grace"
Show Life: 2007 – 2010
Take one hot detective and give her an edge and you have "Saving Grace," starring Holly Hunter as an antihero with a literal angel on her shoulders to help her get on track.
The show was middle-of-the-road on reviews and lasted just three seasons, but because so few shows are set in Oklahoma (this one took place in Oklahoma City), it nonetheless makes the list.
Oregon: "Portlandia"
Show Life: 2011 –
When "Saturday Night Live" stars Fred Armisen and musician Carrie Brownstein created the hit sketch comedy "ThunderAnt," a series was born. Set in Portland, Oregon, the show makes fun of the city and its eccentric characters, and features guest stars such as Jeff Goldblum, Kyle MacLachlan and Ed Begley Jr.
"Portlandia" pops onto the "Rolling Stone" list of best shows after eight years, and Rotten Tomatoes has the show at 94 percent.
Pennsylvania: "The Office"
Show Life: 2005 – 2013
"The Office" was originally a UK show starring Ricky Gervais, but when the American version debuted in 2005, it was an immediate hit that today lives on in Netflix syndication. (Please don't stop it from streaming!)
The show, set in the Scranton-based office of Dunder Mifflin, starred Steve Carrell and a cast of now-iconic characters. It was the Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) storyline that captivated us most, along with Jim and Dwight's (Rainn Wilson) feud. It ranks No. 48 on the "Rolling Stone" list.
Rhode Island: "Family Guy"
Show Life: 1999 –
Only the second cartoon on the list, "Family Guy" is the brainchild of Seth MacFarlane and is set in Quahog, Rhode Island. The show is a bit twisted (and yet this writer's teens cannot get enough of it), and has long been on the edge of cancellation. But it continues into 2020 with an 8.1 IMDb rating.
MacFarlane serves as a writer and supplies his voice to characters on this show about an oddball family, complete with a talking dog that only a baby can understand.
Visitors to Rhode Island who love the show can take a self-guided "Family Guy"-themed tour.
South Carolina: "Army Wives"
Show Life: 2007 – 2013
Examining the (untrue) stories surrounding the women who stay behind as wives to their military spouses, "Army Wives" is a drama that examines the (fictional) lives of military families in South Carolina.
Reviews for the series are light compared to the rest of the shows on this list, but the Charleston-set drama was popular for seven years.
South Dakota: "Deadwood"
Show Life: 2004 – 2006
Before Timothy Olyphant won the world over with "Justified," he headed up the post-Civil War drama "Deadwood." Olyphant and his co-star Ian McShane earned a number of accolades for the show about a mining town in South Dakota.
The three-season drama ranks No. 23 on the "Rolling Stone" list, as well as the "Empire" list at No. 15. Perhaps it is Olyphant (always in a wide-brimmed hat) who is making these shows hits?
Tennessee: "The Grand Ole Opry"
Show Life: 1955 –
There are a few shows set in Tennessee that get more nationwide attention (like, recently, "Nashville"), but our money is on "The Grande Ole Opry."
The show has been in existence since 1925 — nearing 100 years! Beginning as a radio show and morphing into a television series, this "barn dance" filled with live performances and a live audience is filmed in the largest broadcast studio in the world.
Stars like Loretta Lynn, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash have made appearances on the radio/television show, not to mention teenage royalty, Elvis Presley.
Texas: "Friday Night Lights"
Show Life: 2006– 2011
In Texas, Friday night football is a way of life. And there is no better depiction of this reality than the five-season drama "Friday Night Lights." The show — like the 1990 nonfiction book and 2004 movie adaptation it was based on — honed in on the city of Odessa, Texas, and its obsession with high school football.
"Empire" and "Rolling Stone" both named the show one of the best, with "Rolling Stone" ranking it at No. 24. The series revolved around Coach Eric Taylor and his attempt to rebuild a team, while his wife, the principal of the rival high school, has to deal with her own issues.
Utah: "Big Love"
Show Life: 2006– 2011
When HBO released "Big Love" in 2006, it did so under a lot of controversy. The late Bill Paxton played Bill Hendrickson, a Mormon practicing polygamy and leading a family with three wives. Although the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints banned polygamy in 1890, the show's focus was a small sect that continues the practice.
In Utah, some locals decried the show's perpetuation of stereotypes, though others praised what the show got right about the state.
In any case, the show achieved critic acclaim and nominations for Golden Globes and Primetime Emmys, along with average reviews from audiences.
Vermont: "Newhart"
Show Life: 1982 – 1990
Bob Newhart was a TV staple in the 1970s and '80s, first starring in "The Bob Newhart Show" from 1972 to 1978, and then "Newhart" from 1982 to 1990. The latter, about a couple who relocate from New York City to small-town Vermont, is another fish-out-of-water comedy with a clever twist. And its portrayal of a quirky, sweet-natured Vermont B&B was pitch-perfect.
Before the show that "Rolling Stone" lists at No. 53 concluded, Newhart played up on his long run with a finale that had him waking from a dream in "Newhart" with his wife and setting from "The Bob Newhart Show." Just perfect!
Virginia: "Homeland"
Show Life: 2011 –
Most shows set in Virginia center around Washington, D.C. drama, crime and international spies, and "Homeland" is no exception. Mandy Patinkin as Saul Berenson mentors Claire Danes as CIA agent Carrie Mathison as she chases down terrorists. The twist? She is bipolar.
The Showtime series kicks off its eighth season in 2020 and remains popular on Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, TV.com and "Rolling Stone," which includes it among the top television series of all time.
Washington: "Twin Peaks"
Show Life: 1990 – 1991; 2017
Although "Frasier," which took "Cheers" psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane to Seattle to host a radio show, was on air for 11 seasons and took home award after award for Outstanding Comedy, Supporting Actor (David Hyde Pierce) and Best Actor (Kelsey Grammer), "Twin Peaks" remains the critics' darling.
Lasting just three seasons, the unusual crime drama set in the delightfully wacky town of Twin Peaks, Washington, enjoyed a cult following of dedicated David Lynch devotees. Wanting more of the show about the murder of a high school student (who may not have been as innocent as she seemed), Showtime released a limited series 25 years later.
In the town of Snoqualmie, Washington, you can stay at the Salish Lodge & Spa, the inspiration for the show's Great Northern Hotel.
West Virginia: "Appalachian Outlaws"
Show Life: 2014
History Channel, shame on you for trying to perpetuate negative stigmas about West Virginia with a reality show following feuding families who deal with moonshine, fur and wild ginseng crops (who knew?).
The show only lasted two seasons with horrible reviews that included a 5.3 out of 10 on IMDb. But, alas, there just isn't really anything else that's been set in West Virginia.
Wisconsin: "Happy Days"
Show Life: 1974 – 1984
For 10 glorious years, families gathered together in front of the TV to return to the innocence of the 1950s and '60s with the Cunningham family, friends Potsie and Ralph, and the ultimate bad boy in black leather, the Fonz (Fonzie), played by Henry Winkler. The good boy to Fonzie's bad, Richie, was played by the award-winning director Ron Howard, before he gave up acting to move behind the camera.
Also on the "Rolling Stone" list of the greatest television shows, "Happy Days" spouted off Wisconsin-set spin-offs like "Laverne & Shirley," "Joanie Loves Chachi" and "Mork & Mindy," which first gave the world the genius of Robin Williams as the lovable alien from the planet Ork.
Wyoming: "The Virginian"
Show Life: 1962 – 1971
Wyoming's expansive terrain lends itself best to Westerns, which is what "The Virginian" served up for nine seasons and 249 episodes — each 90 minutes in length!
These mini-movies on television starred James Drury as the titular Virginian who makes his way to Wyoming to drive cattle and fight outlaws.
Washington D.C.: "The Blacklist"
Show Life: 2013 –
We had to include the District of Columbia if for no other reason than to feature "The Blacklist" (a personal favorite). James Spader plays Raymond "Red" Reddington, one of the world's most notorious criminals working with the FBI to help them catch a "blacklist" of criminals. Is Red to be trusted? Not one bit. More often than not, he has the FBI helping him catch criminals who have done him wrong. Why does he do it? Oh, because the FBI profiler Elizabeth Keen may or may not be his daughter.
Filled with plot twists, action and wry comedy from Spader, the show has been on the brink of cancelation within the last two seasons, so audiences are hoping to finally get some much-needed answers.