Special Report
Famous Places in Every State That Appear in at Least One TV Series
Published:
In the early days of television, nearly all the shows were filmed in either California or New York City. But the explosion in reality TV programming, often regionally based, as well as the aggressive overtures made by states to lure television and film projects to their locations, has significantly expanded the geography of television filming sites.
Virtually every state has a television and motion picture division that touts tax credits, discretionary grants, and other incentives to attract producers. States can later leverage the filming sites to attract tourists, who can go on tours of well-known locations for such series as the acclaimed crime dramas “Breaking Bad” (Albuquerque) or “Miami Vice.” (Here are 30 classic TV shows we’d like to see rebooted.)
To compile a list of famous places in every state that appear in at least one TV series, 24/7 Tempo consulted sources including IMDb, various state and city websites, and several entertainment industry sites. We chose series that were actually filmed in each state, at least in part, and not necessarily those that were set there.
In some cases, one city or location was used to stand in for another. For instance, “Justified,” while set in Kentucky, was shot partially in Pennsylvania, with Pittsburgh representing Lexington. “The Big C” used cityscapes from Stamford, Connecticut, to play Minneapolis.
A vast number of TV shows, including many of those listed here, are or were filmed mostly on studio sound stages or movie ranches in California, but used memorable images of the places where they were set in order to establish some authenticity.
Click here for a list of famous places in every state that appear in at least one TV series
Reality shows tend to focus on a single location (though that may change seasonally), and by definition avoid sound stages. Occasionally a scripted show is also filmed entirely in the place where it is set – like the long-running and recently revived original New York City-based “Law & Order.” (These are the best TV shows set in New York City.)
Most of the famous places on our list are iconic destinations in their respective states, but some have become famous precisely because one or more popular shows were set there.
Alabama
> TV series: “Love and Marriage: Huntsville” (2019-present )
This reality series about three African-American couples with successful professional lives is shot in their homes and in various restaurants and workplaces in North Huntsville.
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Alaska
> TV series: “Alaska: The Last Frontier (2011-present)
Profiling four generations of the Kilcher family, this reality show is shot in and around their 600-acre homestead 11 miles outside the town of Homer, known as “the halibut fishing capital of the world.”
Arizona
> TV series: “Broken Arrow” (1956-1958)
This cowboys-and-Indians drama was filmed at Apacheland Studios in Gold Canyon and the Old Tucson movie studio and theme park in Tucson, as well as several locations in Southern California.
Arkansas
> TV series: “The Simple Life” (2003-2007)
Party girls Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton gave up their pampered life to stay with the Ledings family and work the land in the town of Altus, Arkansas, in this reality show’s first season. Subsequently, the two hit the road and episodes were set in various places around the U.S.
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California
> TV series: “The Brady Bunch” (1969-1974)
A North Hollywood address, 11222 Dilling Street, provided the exterior shot of the house where America’s most famous blended TV family lived. Much of the show was also shot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.
Colorado
> TV series: “The Real World: Denver (2006-2007)
This Colorado-based iteration of the reality series was filmed at a two-story, 21,927-square-foot house in Lower Downtown Denver (LoDo), a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood bordered by Coors Field to the north.
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Connecticut
> TV series: “The Big C” (2010-2013)
Though this Showtime comedy-drama about a woman facing cancer is set in Minneapolis, it was filmed in Connecticut – at locations including Stamford Hospital, Westhill High School, the Summer Street restaurant and business strip, and the Cove area in Stamford and Thataway Café, Greenwich Tavern, and Morello Italian Bistro in Greenwich.
Delaware
> TV series: “Big Beach Builds” (2017-2018)
A reality show based on upgrading outdated beach houses, “Big Beach Builds” was filmed at shoreline residences in a number of First State locations, including Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Fenwick Island
Florida
> TV series: “Miami Vice” (1984-1990)
The slick crime drama famous for its fashions, theme music, and fast cars was filmed at various locations all over the city and nearby, including Bayside Marina, the Bal Harbour Shops, Freedom Tower, Miami International Airport, Turnberry Isle, and sites on Brickell Avenue, Collins Avenue, Bayshore Drive, and other famous thoroughfares. The exterior of vice squad headquarters was actually the Gold Coast Shipping Building.
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Georgia
> TV series: “The Walking Dead” (2010-2022)
The long-running zombie series was filmed at locations in the small town of Senoia, south of Atlanta, including the Senoia Welcome Center and Main Street, with the town standing in for the fictional town of Woodbury (and also for Alexandria, Virginia). Some filming was also done elsewhere in the state, such as Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island and a Grant Park area home and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre (standing in for CDC headquarters) in Atlanta.
Hawai’i
> TV series: “Hawai’i Five-O” (1968-1980, 2010-2020)
This tropical-set crime show was set primarily on the island of O’ahu, and used such actual locations as Ali’iolani Hale (real-life home of the state’s Supreme Court), the Twin Towers condo building, Waimanalo Beach, the Bayer Estate, and Hilton Hawaiian Village, all in Honolulu, as well as Pupukea on the island’s North Shore.
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Idaho
> TV series: “Hotel Hell” (2012-2016)
The longest-running series based in Idaho, “The Manhunter,” was actually filmed in British Columbia, and the state has proven to be surprisingly lacking as a film location. However, “Hotel Hell,” starring acerbic chef Gordon Ramsay, did shoot two installments in the state, one at the Roosevelt Inn in Coeur d’Alene in 2012 and the other at Angler’s Lodge in Island Park in 2016 – though other episodes were based all over America.
Illinois
> TV series: “Chicago Fire” (2012-present)
This drama is filmed extensively in Chicago, using such sites as a real-life firehouse on the city’s West Side, the Magnificent Mile, Riverwalk, and Lottie’s Pub in the Bucktown neighborhood – which appears at Molly’s, the bar the firefighters frequent.
Indiana
> TV series: “Parks and Recreation” (2009-2015)
There don’t appear to be any TV shows shot entirely or even mostly in the Hoosier State, but in episode 10, season five of this zany sit-com, there are shots of Lucas Oil Stadium and St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis.
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Iowa
> TV series: “Field of Dreams” (2022)
A prequel to the Oscar-nominated Kevin Costner movie of the same name, this limited television series was filmed in various locations in Polk, Mahaska, Clinton and Boone counties.
Kansas
> TV series: “Love Fraud” (2020)
This true crime documentary miniseries about the pursuit of a man who used social media to prey on women looking for love was filmed at locations including a Krab Kingz restaurant in Wichita and other sites around the state.
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Kentucky
> TV series: “Top Chef: Kentucky” (2019)
This iteration of the popular food reality series was filmed at such places as the Brown Hotel, the Seelbach Hilton and Rathskeller, and the 610 Magnolia and Decca restaurants in Louisville; Foxhollow Farm in Crestwood; Rupp Arena in Lexington; Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto; and Lake Cumberland.
Louisiana
> TV series: “American Horror Story” (2011-present)
“American Horror Story” is one of the most popular TV chiller series of all time. Because it is an anthology show, each season has a different setting. Most seasons have been shot primarily in Los Angeles, but seasons three (“Coven”) and four (“Freak Show”) used locations in New Orleans, including the Buckner Mansion, Gallier House, Lafayette Cemetery No. 2, Chubbies Fried Chicken, and the Hell or High Water Tattoo shop. Season four, which was set in Jupiter, Florida, was shot partially in Westwego, Louisiana.
Maine
> TV series: “Maine Cabin Masters” (2017)
The reality series about builders who renovate cabins in Maine’s woods was filmed at various locations including the Kennebec Cabin Company (Maine Cabin Masters headquarters) in Manchester, Lake Damariscotta, Deer Isle, Brunswick, and Penobscot Bay.
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Maryland
> TV series: “The Wire” (2002-2008)
The crime series “The Wire” examines the world of drug abuse in Baltimore through the experiences of law enforcement, drug sellers, and drug users. It was actually filmed in the city, at locations including Carlton C. Douglas Funeral Services, Green Mount Cemetery, the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, Pearson’s Florist, Pennsylvania Station, and the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Massachusetts
> TV series: “Cheers” (1982-1993)
This long-running chummy sit-com, set at the Boston bar “where everybody knows your name,” was filmed around the city, primarily at the Bull & Finch Pub at 84 Beacon Street. A house at 14 Chestnut Street served as Frasier and Lilith Crane’s home.
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Michigan
> TV series: “BMF” (2012-present)
While this Detroit-set crime drama based on real-life crime bosses Demetrius and Terry Flenory – “BMF” stands for “Black Mafia Family” – is filmed mostly in Atlanta, Motor City’s famed Belle Isle Park features prominently in season one, and there are scenes shot in the house where the Flenory brothers actually grew up.
Minnesota
> TV series: “Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-1977)
One of television’s greatest sit-coms, about a single woman trying to build a career at a television station in Minneapolis, was shot primarily at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, California. However a number of exteriors were shot in Minneapolis, including a house at 2104 Kenwood Parkway (home to Mary’s apartment in the first five seasons), RSM Plaza at Nicollet Mall, Riverside Plaza, IDS Center Crystal Court, and Lake of the Isles.
Mississippi
> TV series: “Quarry” (2016)
“Quarry,” a crime drama about a Marine struggling to adjust to civilian life after serving in Vietnam, is set mostly in Memphis and was filmed both there and in New Orleans, but some scenes were shot in the Mississippi towns of Nesbit and Holly Springs.
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Missouri
> TV series: “Farmer Wants a Wife” (2008)
The title of this reality show says it all – a bachelor farmer in Missouri attempts to choose a mate from among a group of women from cities across the country. The farmer, Matt Neustadt, called West Alton, at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, his home, and other shooting locations around the state included Orchard Farm and Portage des Sioux. (The show has been rebooted this year, featuring farmers from different states.)
Montana
> TV series: “Yellowstone” (2018-2023)
A modern-day Western starring Kevin Costner as the patriarch of a powerful family of ranchers, “Yellowstone” was filmed at the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, serving as the titular Yellowstone Ranch. Scenes were also shot in the town of Darby and in Bozeman, Helena, and Livingston.
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Nebraska
> TV series: “Heartland Docs, DVM” (2020-2022)
“Heartland Docs, DVM” is about husband and wife veterinary doctors Ben and Erin Schroeder as they tend to the needs of animals in rural Nebraska. The show was filmed entirely in and around the small town of Hartington, in the far northeastern corner of the state.
Nevada
> TV series: “CSI: Vegas” (2021-present)
Another show that’s filmed primarily in the Los Angeles area, this forensics-oriented crime series was originally going to be shot in Las Vegas itself, but instead the city is represented mostly with aerial scene-setting images, exteriors of the Venetian and MGM Grand hotels, and some Downtown street shots.
New Hampshire
> TV series: “North Woods Law” (2012 – 2021)
“North Woods Law” originally followed game wardens in Maine as they protected the wilderness from poachers and dealt with other problems in the wild. Beginning with its eighth season, in 2017, the action shifted to New Hampshire. The series shot at locations all over the state, including Mount Washington and Berlin. While production ceased in 2021, there is a possibility it will be revived.
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New Jersey
> TV series: “Jersey Shore” (2009-2012)
The reality series that made stars (at least temporarily) of Snooki and Pauly D follows the exploits of young Italian-American friends sharing a house in the coastal New Jersey town of Seaside Heights, and many of the episodes were filmed on the town boardwalk and at bars and restaurants there, including the Beachcomber Bar & Grill.
New Mexico
> TV series: “Breaking Bad” (2008-2013)
The iconic drama about a chemistry teacher with cancer who decides to make and sell crystal meth to provide for his family was both set and filmed in Albuquerque. Locations included main character Walter White’s house in the city’s Loma del Rey neighborhood, a variety of real-life bars and restaurants (Savoy Bar & Grill, Dog House Drive In, Burt’s Tiki Lounge, and more), the Hyatt Regency hotel, several museums, and Albuquerque International Sunport.
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New York
> TV series: “Law & Order” (1990-2010, 2022-present)
Among the longest-running crime dramas ever, “Law & Order” – which has spawned numerous spinoffs and was itself revived after a 12-year hiatus – has been filmed at hundreds of iconic locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond over its long life, among them One Police Plaza, Foley Square, Union Square Park, Chelsea Piers, Columbia University, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tudor City, Rikers Island, Katz’s Delicatessen, and Grimaldi’s Pizza.
North Carolina
> TV series: “American Gothic” (1995-1996)
“American Gothic,” a horror series about an evil sheriff who dominates a quaint small town, is set in South Carolina, but was filmed mostly in Wilmington, North Carolina, and at a few other locations in the state, including Franklin Square Park in Southport.
North Dakota
> TV series: “The Aviators” (2010-present)
Hosted and also produced by pilots, this all-about-flying documentary series states that it is “For everyone who has ever gazed skywards.” While it has been set in various other states, including Texas and Florida, episodes have been filmed at airports in Grand Forks and Fargo.
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Ohio
> TV series: “Secrets of the Zoo” (2018-present)
This reality series about caregivers and veterinarians was shot where they work, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Columbus.
Oklahoma
> TV series: “Tiger King” (2020-2021)
A documentary series focused on the heated rivalry between two animal park owners that led to attempted murder, “Tiger King” was filmed at the Garold Wayne Exotic Animal Memorial Park (since renamed the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park) in Wynnewood, south of Oklahoma City.
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Oregon
> TV series: “Portlandia” (2011-2018)
“Saturday Night Live” alum Fred Armisen and Sleater-Kinney rocker Carrie Brownstein starred in this sitcom poking fun at the quirkiness of Portland. Filming locations around the city ranged from City Hall and the Moda Center arena to Mary’s Club and Powell’s City of Books.
Pennsylvania
> TV series: “Justified” (2010-2015)
This gritty modern noir, based on stories by Elmore Leonard, is set in Harlan County and Lexington, Kentucky, but was filmed in California and Pennsylvania – in the latter case, specifically in Kittanning, Washington, and Pittsburgh (where locations included the Heinz History Center) and at Buttermilk Falls.
Rhode Island
> TV series: “Providence” (1999-2002)
The bulk of this drama about a high-profile Hollywood plastic surgeon returning to her roots in the Rhode Island capital was filmed at L.A.-area studios, but crews did also film at various locations around Providence itself. The series includes numerous examples of what producer John Masius called “postcards of the city,” including sweeping skyline shots and scenes shot on the banks of the Providence River.
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South Carolina
> TV series: “Southern Charm” (2013-present)
“Southern Charm” is a reality series about the lives of young socialites in Charleston. Filming locations include such local landmarks as Republic Garden and Lounge, Hall’s Chophouse, Airy Hall Plantation, and the Isaac Jenkins Mikell House.
South Dakota
> TV series: “Full Throttle Saloon” (2009-2015)
This reality show about the day-to-day activities at the world’s largest biker bar was filmed in and around the eponymous establishment in Sturgis – the town known for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, during which the Saloon has been known to serve as many as 20,000 guests a night.
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Tennessee
> TV series: “Nashville” (2012-2018)
A drama with lots of music following the lives of both successful and aspiring country singers, this series was shot in many locations in “Music City.” These include houses on Page Road and Boscobel Street, Ryman Auditorium (home of the Grand Ole Opry), and local clubs like Tootsies Orchid Lounge and The 5 Spot. The Bluebird Cafe, where much of the action – and music – took place, is a real club, too, but while the exterior was shot for the show, interiors were filmed in a Nashville sound stage recreation of the place.
Texas
> TV series: “Dallas” (1978-1991)
The wildly popular primetime soap opera, featuring the machinations of the malevolent oil tycoon J.R. Ewing, was filmed at the Southfork Ranch in Parker; Southern Cross Ranch, Campbell Centre, and Fountain Place in Dallas; and other locations in Dallas and in Frisco, Plano, and Rockwall.
Utah
> TV series: “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” (2020-present)
The 10th iteration of the “Real Housewives” franchise, this reality show has made good use of the state’s scenery, both urban and rural. Places seen in the series include Trolley Square and Faith Temple Church in SLC, the Daybreak residential community in South Jordan, the Prohibition speakeasy in Murray, various fast food stops around Utah (Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Sonic Drive-In), and Rocky Mountain destinations like Alta and Park City.
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Vermont
> TV series: “Newhart” (1982-1990)
Veteran comic and TV star Bob Newhart played a New York writer turned Vermont innkeeper in this popular comedy series. It was actually shot entirely in Los Angeles – Newhart once told a reporter that he’d never even set foot in Vermont – but the scene was set with colorful landscapes of the state under the opening credits, and the 19th-century Waybury Inn in East Middlebury was filmed as the inn exterior.
Virginia
> TV series: “Walking Dead: World Beyond” (2020)
This spinoff of the original “Walking Dead,” which focused on the first generation to grow up after the zombie takeover, was filmed in various parts of Hopewell, Petersburg, and Richmond – including, in the last case, the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University.
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Washington
> TV series: “The Real World: Seattle” (1998)
The Seattle version of this reality series took place in the Capitol Hill section of the city. The young people lived at a house at Pier 70 and attended Seattle SuperSonics games at the Climate Pledge Arena.
West Virginia
> TV series: “Ghost Adventures” (2008-present)
While this eerie reality series roamed America (and shot some episodes in Europe), West Virginia locations were featured in season one (Moundsville Penitentiary) and season three (the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston), and those places were revisited in five follow-up specials.
Wisconsin
> TV series: “Battleground” (2012)
A political-themed mockumentary about a U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin, this one-season series (later revived as a podcast) was filmed largely in Madison, the state capital. Well-known local landmarks like Camp Randall Stadium, Wingra Park, and Mickie’s Dairy Bar were featured.
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Wyoming
> TV series: “The Monroes” (1966-1967)
This Western about orphans caring for themselves on the frontier in the 19th century was filmed partially in Jackson Hole and at Grand Teton National Park.
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