The Best TV Shows Set In Florida

Ranker TV
Updated June 23, 2023 729 votes 128 voters
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best TV Shows Set In Florida
Voting Rules
Vote up the best scripted television shows that take place in Florida.
Latest additions: Florida Man, Panhandle
Most divisive: Jane the Virgin

Florida, Miami in particular, catches the imagination when it comes to television series. It's not just that Florida knows how to make a great headline, but the mix of people, tropical weather, wildlife, and wilder nightlife makes it a great setting for shows. If you're from Florida and are missing home or are curious about what Florida cities other than Miami are portrayed on-screen, this list of the best shows set in Florida can be your tour guide.

Let's get the big Miami TV shows out of the way first: Miami Vice is not only titular, but it also defined an era. Dexter, Nip/Tuck, The Golden Girls, and Jane the Virgin all also benefitted from the sunny, kind of strange world that surrounds Miami and the Florida Keys. But there are other shows set in Florida that aren't also set in Miami - though there aren't many. Fresh Off The Boat is set in Orlando while Cougar Town is set in a fictional city in the very real Sarasota County.

Which shows about Florida should be at the top of the list? Vote up the best TV shows set in Florida and Miami, then vote down the shows that don't deserve to be set in such a great place and add any great Florida shows that are missing.

Ranked by
  • Burn Notice
    1

    Burn Notice

    Jeffrey Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell
    55 votes
    • Premiered: June 28, 2007

    Set in: Miami

    Set against the vibrant backdrop of sun-soaked Miami, Burn Notice skillfully combines the intrigue of espionage with a dash of humor. This action-packed series follows the story of Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), a disavowed CIA spy navigating the criminal underworld to unravel the mystery behind his sudden termination. Alongside an eclectic team, Fiona Glenanne (Gabrielle Anwar) and Sam Axe (Bruce Campbell), Westen tackles high-stakes missions while staying one step ahead of his former agency. Throughout its seven-season run, Burn Notice earned critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase, garnering multiple award nominations, including Emmys and Satellite Awards. Its unique blend of adrenaline-fueled chases, clever plot twists, and witty banter make it a standout in the realm of television dramas.

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  • Dexter
    2

    Dexter

    Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, C.S. Lee
    58 votes
    • Premiered: October 1, 2006

    Set in: Miami

    A gripping drama with a dark and twisted premise, Dexter revolves around an unassuming blood-spatter analyst who moonlights as a vigilante serial killer. The protagonist, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), navigates a double life, satisfying his insatiable thirst for justice while maintaining a facade of normalcy. Set against the backdrop of sun-soaked Miami, this award-winning series expertly blends elements of crime, mystery, and psychological thriller. Dexter's complex relationships with sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) and love interest Rita (Julie Benz) add depth and emotion to the narrative, ensuring that viewers remain invested in the characters' fates throughout the show's suspenseful eight-season run.

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  • Miami Vice
    3

    Miami Vice

    Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, Edward James Olmos
    57 votes
    • Premiered: September 16, 1984

    Set in: Miami

    Miami Vice, a groundbreaking crime drama of the 1980s, expertly combines the gritty underworld of drug trafficking with the vibrant pastel hues of South Florida's nightlife. This Emmy Award-winning show boasts an ensemble cast led by Don Johnson (Detective James "Sonny" Crockett) and Philip Michael Thomas (Detective Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs) who portray undercover detectives navigating both personal and professional challenges. The series is lauded for its innovative use of contemporary music and stylish visuals, which elevate it beyond a mere procedural drama. Miami Vice encapsulates the essence of a time and place, while exploring the complexities of human nature and the blurred lines between good and evil.

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  • The Golden Girls
    4

    The Golden Girls

    Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White
    50 votes
    • Premiered: September 14, 1985

    Set in: Miami

    The Golden Girls, a timeless sitcom that has left an indelible mark on television history, follows the adventures of four spirited and witty women navigating their golden years together. Set in sunny Miami, the show boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including the sharp-tongued Dorothy (Bea Arthur), her endearing mother Sophia (Estelle Getty), the lovable and naive Rose (Betty White), and the sultry Southern belle Blanche (Rue McClanahan). Throughout its seven-season run, The Golden Girls garnered numerous accolades, including 11 Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. The show's enduring charm stems from its exploration of friendship, love, and aging, all while delivering heartfelt humor that transcends generations.

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  • CSI: Miami
    5

    CSI: Miami

    David Caruso, Emily Procter, Adam Rodriguez
    43 votes
    • Premiered: September 23, 2002

    Set in: Miami

    Delving into the world of forensic science, CSI: Miami offers a thrilling exploration of criminal investigations in the sun-soaked city. Led by Lieutenant Horatio Caine (David Caruso), this skilled team of investigators unravels complex cases through meticulous analysis and cutting-edge technology. The show's gripping narratives, coupled with its dynamic ensemble cast, have earned it numerous award nominations, including six Primetime Emmy Awards. With a blend of drama, suspense, and occasional humor, CSI: Miami has made a lasting impression on television audiences, solidifying its place as an iconic crime procedural in the pantheon of TV classics.

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  • Bloodline
    6

    Bloodline

    Kyle Chandler, Sissy Spacek, Linda Cardellini
    29 votes
    • Premiered: March 20, 2015

    Set in: Florida Keys

    Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Florida Keys, Bloodline unravels a gripping family drama that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With Emmy-nominated performances by Kyle Chandler and Ben Mendelsohn, this psychological thriller delves into the lives of the Rayburn family as they grapple with their past and struggle to maintain a facade of normalcy. The show masterfully intertwines elements of mystery and suspense, while exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of long-held secrets. As the narrative progresses, each character's intricacies are unveiled, revealing a web of deception that engulfs the once-idyllic Rayburn family.

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