The Best TV Shows Set In L.A.
Los Angeles, California is not only where most television series are filmed, but it also tends to be where they're set as well. It's not just that it's easy to set shows Los Angeles, but the mix of people, industries, and just plain drama in L.A. makes it a great setting for shows. If you're from Los Angeles and are missing home or are curious about how your hometown is portrayed on-screen, this list of the best shows set in L.A. can be your tour guide.
Sitcoms and soaps are often set in Los Angeles. Classics like Family Matters and Saved by the Bell set up the L.A. sitcom while shows like Modern Family continue the tradition. Crime dramas also love the City of Angels, with procedural shows such as Dragnet and Law & Order: LA to detective series such as Moonlighting and Columbo. But shows set in Los Angeles know how to get weird too, with alien shows such as ALF and Alien Nation offering up both sitcoms and procedural dramas with a twist or Fear the Walking Dead bringing the horror to the West Coast.
Which shows about Los Angeles should be at the top of the list? Vote up the best shows set in Los Angeles, California, vote down the shows that don't deserve to be set in such a great place and add any great L.A. shows that are missing. Then, check out what talk shows are filmed in LA.
- 1Sean Patrick Small, Rachel Hilson, John C. Reilly
- Premiered: March 6, 2022
Explore the captivating journey of an iconic basketball team as they rise to fame, fueled by ambition and camaraderie. Based on a true story, this compelling series delves into the intricacies of 1980s Los Angeles culture, capturing its unique essence while showcasing the remarkable impact made by the Lakers Dynasty in that era.
- 2Stephen Mangan, Tamsin Greig, John Pankow
- Premiered: January 9, 2011
A group of friends navigates the trials and tribulations of life, love, and career in the City of Angels while pursuing their dreams in the entertainment industry. With its clever writing, authentic portrayal of Los Angeles' diverse atmosphere, and exceptional ensemble cast featuring Matt LeBlanc as a fictionalized version of himself, this show offers a perfect blend of humor and heartwarming moments that resonate with audiences worldwide.
- NEW
- 3Tatiana Maslany, Mark Ruffalo, Tim Roth
- Premiered: August 18, 2022
A tenacious attorney juggles her day job defending superhumans, while embracing her own powerful alter ego, in a series that masterfully intertwines legal drama with superhero action. The Marvel show boasts an impressive ensemble cast and authentic storytelling, capturing the unique challenges faced by those with extraordinary abilities within the complex world of law and order.
- 4Nathan Fillion, Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz
- Premiered: October 16, 2018
A middle-aged man defies expectations by joining the Los Angeles Police Department as its oldest rookie, navigating the challenges of both age and crime in a city known for its glitz and grit. With a talented ensemble cast led by Nathan Fillion, this captivating series draws inspiration from real-life LAPD officer William Norcross' experience while showcasing the unique complexities of law enforcement in Los Angeles.
- 5Damson Idris, Carter Hudson, Sergio Peris-Mencheta
- Premiered: July 5, 2017
In the midst of a 1980s Los Angeles crack cocaine epidemic, this gripping drama series follows an ensemble cast of characters as their lives intertwine and collide. With its authentic portrayal of the era's socio-political climate and vivid depiction of LA's diverse neighborhoods, Snowfall offers viewers a raw, unfiltered look into the complex web that fueled this devastating drug crisis.
- 6
9-1-1
Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, Oliver Stark- Premiered: January 3, 2018
Explore the high-pressure experiences of first responders as they navigate the intense world of emergency services in this gripping drama. Set against the diverse backdrop of Los Angeles, 9-1-1 showcases a stellar ensemble cast, captivating storylines, and an authentic portrayal of life-saving heroes.
