Copyright Screen Rant
The U.S. is a vast country, and its stories are as diverse as the landscape. While there is a concentration of shows set in coastal cities, every single state in the U.S. has been represented on the small screen, in some of the best TV shows of all time. From Rodeo Drive to actual rodeos, many of the best showrunners use the unique setting as inspiration. Here are the best TV shows set in each of the 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. 52 Alabama Hart of Dixie (2011-2015) Not too many shows are set in Alabama, but Hart of Dixie captures Alabama’s charm through the quirky, tight-knit community of Bluebell, a fictional Gulf Coast town. When fast-talking New York doctor Zoe Hart (Rachel Bilson) relocates there after inheriting part of a medical practice, she’s forced to slow down and embrace small-town life. With the Southern traditions, tangled romances, and fish-out-of-water comedy, Hart of Dixie is the perfect Virgin River replacement show, celebrating Alabama’s blend of hospitality, humor, and heart—proving that even the most unlikely transplant can find a home below the Mason-Dixon line. 51 Alaska Northern Exposure (1990-1995) Few shows capture the wonder and eccentricity of rural Alaska quite like Northern Exposure. When New York doctor Joel Fleischman is sent to the remote town of Cicely to repay his student loans, he’s thrust into a community unlike any other—filled with philosophical ex–bush pilots, radio hosts, and free spirits who thrive amid the isolation. The series balances humor and heart, using Alaska’s rugged beauty to explore themes of belonging and adaptation. Northern Exposure is a forgotten gem that won the 1992 Emmy for Best Drama, serving as a love letter to life on the Last Frontier. Honorable Mention: True Detective season 4. 50 Arizona Alice (1976-1985) Set in a Phoenix greasy spoon, Alice turns a pit stop into a fresh start. Linda Lavin stars as Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother whose car breaks down en route to Los Angeles, derailing her singing dreams and leading her to a waitressing job at Mel’s Diner. Over the years, Alice and her co-workers become family, sharing laughs, heartbreaks, and endless cups of coffee. Based on Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, the long-running sitcom was both heartfelt and humorous, showcasing everyday resilience and friendship in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. 49 Arkansas True Detective (Season 3 - 2019) 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. Through its rich cinematography and nuanced exploration of class, race, and memory, True Detective honors Arkansas not just as a setting, but as a character—beautiful, mysterious, and forever marked by the passage of time. 48 California Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000) No show has made a city—let alone a single neighborhood —more iconic than Beverly Hills, 90210 did. 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—Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Luke Perry, Jennie Garth, and Tori Spelling—became household names, and its influence spawned both the successful 2008 reboot 90210 and the 2019 meta revival BH90210. Together, they cemented Beverly Hills’ place in TV history, turning one Los Angeles ZIP code into a global symbol of youth, glamour, and reinvention. Honorable Mentions: Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage, Insecure, The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. 47 Colorado South Park (1997-) South Park may be animated and absurd, but it’s Colorado to its core. Created by Colorado natives Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the long-running series captures the quirks and contradictions of small-town life in the Centennial State—complete with snow-capped mountains, political clashes, and a defiant independent spirit. Through the raunchy, ridiculous adventures of Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny, South Park has evolved into both a satire of modern America and a love letter to the weirdness of growing up in Colorado. Now almost three decades in, South Park season 27 is as sharp and culturally relevant as ever. Honorable Mentions: Community, Dynasty. 46 Connecticut Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) Gilmore Girls is the quintessential Connecticut—and New England—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, while the fast-talking bond between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore gives the show its emotional core. Equal parts smart, funny, and heartwarming, Gilmore Girls remains a love letter to Connecticut’s culture, character, and coffee-fueled comfort. 45 Delaware The Pretender (1996-2000) There may be slim pickings when it comes to TV shows set in Delaware, but The Pretender makes the First State unforgettable. Michael T. Weiss stars as Jarod Russell, a child prodigy raised in a secretive Delaware facility known as the Centre, where he was trained to become a “pretender” capable of mastering any profession. After escaping, Jarod uses his skills to help others while evading his former captors. Though the series ended after four seasons on a cliffhanger, passionate fans kept it alive through two TV movies and a series of novels—cementing The Pretender as Delaware’s most intriguing contribution to television lore. 44 Florida The Golden Girls (1985–1992) The Golden Girls is the ultimate sunny Florida show—literally, it’s in the name. Set in Miami, the series follows Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia, three widows and a divorcee from diverse backgrounds, as they navigate 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 Golden Girls characters weren't as old as you might think. A huge hit for its time, The Golden Girls won 11 Emmys, including acting wins for each star and back-to-back Best Comedy Series trophies in its first two seasons. Honorable Mentions: Dexter, Miami Vice, Bad Monkey. 43 Georgia Dukes Of Hazzard (1979-1985) The Dukes of Hazzard is a classic sitcom that embodies the spirit of Georgia life, blending Southern charm, humor, and high-octane adventure. Set in the fictional Hazzard County, the show follows cousins Bo and Luke Duke as they outwit the corrupt Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane, often in daring car jumps with their iconic General Lee. From Daisy Dukes to moonshine-fueled escapades, the series captured a larger-than-life version of rural Georgia that became instantly recognizable. While very much of its time, no show has surpassed The Dukes of Hazzard in creating an enduring, iconic image of Georgia, making it a cultural touchstone for the state. Honorable Mention: Atlanta.
