Iconic TV Shows Filmed in Every State

Ed Bradley

5 min read

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31-12-2024

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Television has a unique ability to transport us to different worlds, and often, those worlds are created right here in the United States. Many iconic TV shows have chosen various states as their filming locations, bringing a slice of Americana—and sometimes a heightened version of it—to our screens. Let's take a look at some of the most memorable shows and the states that served as their captivating backdrops.

From Coast to Coast: A State-by-State Look

This list is not exhaustive, as numerous shows film in multiple locations, and many states host several productions. However, this overview highlights some particularly strong associations between state and show.

Note: Filmed locations can shift throughout a show's run, and sometimes, only portions of a show are filmed in a specific state.

Alabama: While Alabama may not boast a long list of A-list productions primarily filmed within its borders, it has played host to various productions over the years, often utilizing its diverse landscapes for background shots.

Alaska: The vast and untamed landscapes of Alaska offer a unique cinematic backdrop. Several documentaries and nature programs have captured the state's raw beauty, though fewer scripted dramas have chosen it as a primary filming location.

Arizona: The dramatic deserts and canyons of Arizona have lent themselves well to Westerns and other genre shows, providing a striking visual element for many productions.

Arkansas: Similar to Alabama, Arkansas's contributions to prime-time television are less prominent, though the state has featured in various independent films and documentaries.

California: The undisputed king of television filming, California boasts countless iconic shows. From "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Full House" to the recent wave of streaming series, California's diverse landscapes and established studio infrastructure make it a perennial favorite.

Colorado: The stunning mountain scenery of Colorado has been featured in numerous shows, often showcasing outdoor adventure or dramatic narratives against a backdrop of natural beauty.

Connecticut: While perhaps less known for major network television shows, Connecticut has a long history of supporting film and television productions, with many smaller productions using its diverse locales.

Delaware: Delaware's smaller size and less prominent film infrastructure have resulted in fewer major television shows being primarily filmed there. However, it continues to support smaller productions.

Florida: Florida's beaches, theme parks, and diverse environments have made it a popular filming location for a range of shows, from family-friendly sitcoms to crime dramas.

Georgia: The Peach State has experienced a significant boom in television and film production in recent years, due in part to attractive tax incentives. Shows such as "The Walking Dead" and "Stranger Things" have utilized Georgia locations extensively.

Hawaii: Hawaii's breathtaking scenery has made it a backdrop for countless television shows and movies, often used to portray tropical paradises or exotic locales.

Idaho: Idaho, with its striking landscapes, has featured in various documentaries and nature programs, although fewer scripted television shows have used it as a primary setting.

Illinois: Chicago serves as a major filming location for many television shows, often showcasing the city's unique architecture and urban environment.

Indiana: While not as prolific as some other states, Indiana has still served as a filming location for television projects, often using its Midwestern charm and landscapes.

Iowa: Iowa, with its iconic farmlands, has featured in a number of productions, often portraying rural America.

Kansas: Similar to Iowa, Kansas is known for its depiction of rural settings in television shows and films.

Kentucky: Kentucky's diverse landscapes have featured in various television productions, often using its natural beauty as a backdrop.

Louisiana: New Orleans, in particular, has emerged as a popular filming location, providing a unique setting for numerous television series.

Maine: Maine’s coastal scenery provides a striking backdrop for some productions, though its role in major television remains relatively limited.

Maryland: Maryland, with its proximity to Washington D.C. and its diverse landscapes, has supported a range of television productions.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts, with its historic cities and towns, has frequently served as a filming location for period pieces and other television shows.

Michigan: Michigan’s diverse environments, from urban centers to the Upper Peninsula's wilderness, have made it a filming location for various projects.

Minnesota: Minnesota’s unique landscapes, often featuring lakes and forests, have served as backdrops in several productions.

Mississippi: While Mississippi has supported several smaller productions, its role in major television is less prominent.

Missouri: Missouri, with its blend of urban and rural areas, has been featured in various television shows.

Montana: Montana’s vast and unspoiled landscapes have made it a suitable setting for documentaries, nature programs, and shows focusing on the outdoors.

Nebraska: Nebraska's landscapes have found their way onto television screens, mainly in smaller productions and documentaries.

Nevada: Nevada's iconic landscapes, from deserts to casinos, have appeared in numerous television productions.

New Hampshire: New Hampshire's scenic beauty has been captured in several documentaries and smaller television projects.

New Jersey: New Jersey, with its varied landscapes and proximity to New York City, has played host to a number of television productions.

New Mexico: New Mexico's unique landscapes, including deserts and mountains, have made it a popular location for Westerns and other genre shows.

New York: New York City, in particular, has served as a backdrop for countless television shows, using its iconic skyline and urban environment.

North Carolina: North Carolina’s varied landscapes have led to its use as a location for various television productions.

North Dakota: Similar to other states in the Great Plains region, North Dakota has featured in smaller productions and documentaries.

Ohio: Ohio, while not a primary hub for television filming, has still seen its landscapes used in various productions.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma’s landscapes have served as a backdrop for several television shows and movies, often portraying the American West.

Oregon: Oregon's stunning natural beauty has made it a popular location for a range of television productions.

Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania, with its diverse landscapes and historic cities, has been the setting for several television shows.

Rhode Island: Rhode Island’s coastal charm and smaller towns have been featured in various television productions.

South Carolina: South Carolina’s varied scenery has provided backdrops for several television productions.

South Dakota: South Dakota’s landscapes have been featured in various documentaries and smaller television productions.

Tennessee: Tennessee's cities and landscapes have appeared in various television productions, often benefiting from the state's film incentives.

Texas: Texas's vast and varied landscapes have made it a popular filming location for numerous television shows.

Utah: Utah's dramatic landscapes, including canyons and deserts, have appeared in several productions, often used for their unique visual appeal.

Vermont: Vermont's scenic beauty has been featured in several productions, often showcasing its rural charm.

Virginia: Virginia’s diverse environments have been used in various television productions.

Washington: Washington state, with its diverse landscapes and major cities, has hosted many television productions.

West Virginia: West Virginia's mountainous regions have featured in various productions.

Wisconsin: Wisconsin’s lakes and landscapes have appeared in several productions.

Wyoming: Wyoming’s wide-open spaces have been used as a backdrop for documentaries, nature programs, and other shows.

This overview demonstrates the extensive reach of television production across the United States, highlighting the diverse landscapes and environments utilized to bring fictional worlds to life. Many states contribute to the rich tapestry of television storytelling, and this list serves as a reminder of the far-reaching influence of the industry.