The Best TV Shows Set In Portland

Ranker TV
Updated June 23, 2023
Help shape these rankings by voting on this list of The Best TV Shows Set In Portland
Voting Rules
Vote up the best scripted television shows that take place in Portland, Oregon

If you love the quirky Pacific Northwest then you're in luck because Portland a very popular setting for a television series. It's not just that it's considered one of the most crunchy, hipster cities in the US, but Portland’s small size and proximity to both big cities like Seattle and incredibly rural forests offer unique locations to tell a tale. If you're from Portland and are missing home (or the rain) or are curious about how the most easily stereotyped city on the West coast is portrayed on-screen, this list of the best shows set in Portland can be your tour guide.

Portland as a setting is fun because it can be so many things. You can have a straightforward procedural like Leverage set in Portland, or something as fantastical as Grimm or The Librarians - and both can accurately and interestingly depict the unique buildings, neighborhoods, and cultures that define Portland. You can even have a show starring a puppet, like Disney’s Crash & Bernstein and it honestly makes sense. Comic book series like Stumptown seem to work in Portland, thanks to the area also being a hub for indie comic book publishers. The over the top hipster that seems so uniquely Portland is also skewered with series like Portlandia.

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

  • Grimm
    1

    Grimm

    David Giuntoli, Russell Hornsby, Reggie Lee
    22 votes
    • Premiered: October 28, 2011
    • Genres: Drama,Fantasy,Horror,Thriller
    In the mystical world of Grimm, viewers are transported into a modern-day fairy tale that seamlessly weaves drama, fantasy, and crime-solving. The series follows homicide detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), who discovers he is a descendant of the legendary Grimms‚ guardians sworn to protect humanity from supernatural creatures known as Wesen. Throughout its six-season run, the show garnered a devoted fan base and earned a Saturn Award nomination for Best Network Television Series. With a strong ensemble cast, including Silas Weir Mitchell as the lovable Blutbad Monroe, Grimm artfully balances dark storylines with moments of humor and camaraderie, all while exploring the complexities of good versus evil.

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  • Portlandia
    2

    Portlandia

    Carrie Brownstein, Fred Armisen
    20 votes
    • Premiered: January 21, 2011
    • Genres: Comedy
    Portlandia, a satirical sketch comedy series, gently pokes fun at the eccentricities of Portland, Oregon, and its quirky inhabitants. The Emmy-nominated show, starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, skillfully portrays a variety of offbeat characters, from feminist bookstore owners to overly-enthusiastic foodies. Throughout its eight-season run, Portlandia garnered critical acclaim for its keen observations and clever humor. With guest appearances by notable celebrities and local personalities, the series paints a whimsical portrait of a city where artisanal pursuits and progressive ideals reign supreme, eliciting chuckles and nods of recognition from viewers who appreciate its idiosyncratic charm.

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  • The Librarians
    3

    The Librarians

    Rebecca Romijn, John Larroquette, Christian Kane
    10 votes
    • Premiered: December 7, 2014
    • Genres: Adventure,Drama
    The Librarians offers a refreshing mix of adventure, mystery, and humor as it follows the journey of an unlikely team working to protect the world's magical artifacts. Garnering a devoted fan base and critical acclaim, the series skillfully blends elements of action, fantasy, and comedy while delivering an engaging storyline. The ensemble cast, including Rebecca Romijn as the tough-as-nails Guardian Eve Baird, and Christian Kane as the ruggedly charming Jacob Stone, delivers memorable performances that enthrall viewers. With its inventive plot twists and dynamic character development, The Librarians has proven to be a delightful addition to the realm of television entertainment.

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  • Leverage
    4

    Leverage

    Timothy Hutton, Aldis Hodge, Christian Kane
    13 votes
    • Premiered: December 7, 2008
    • Genres: Crime,Drama,Mystery,Thriller
    In the world of high-stakes heists and elaborate cons, Leverage stands out as a refreshing take on the crime drama genre. With an ensemble cast led by Timothy Hutton (Nathan Ford), the series follows a team of skilled misfits as they utilize their unique abilities to right societal wrongs. The show masterfully weaves heart-pounding action with subtle humor, earning it a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy win for guest star Gerald McRaney. Carefully crafted storylines keep audiences guessing, while the camaraderie between characters fosters a deeper connection to the series. In essence, Leverage offers a thrilling ride that keeps viewers hooked episode after episode.

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  • Stumptown
    5

    Stumptown

    Cobie Smulders, Jake Johnson, Tantoo Cardinal
    17 votes
    • Premiered: September 25, 2019
    • Genres: Crime,Drama
    In the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, a tenacious private investigator takes center stage in a thrilling yet grounded crime drama. Stumptown, inspired by the graphic novel series, follows Dex Parios (Cobie Smulders) as she navigates her complex personal life while solving cases with grit and determination. Balancing action-packed sequences with moments of heartfelt emotion, the show has garnered critical acclaim, earning a Satellite Award nomination for Best Television Series. With a strong ensemble cast, including Jake Johnson as Grey McConnell and Michael Ealy as Detective Miles Hoffman, Stumptown offers viewers a refreshing take on the genre, blending mystery and humor seamlessly.

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  • Shrill
    6

    Shrill

    Aidy Bryant, Lolly Adefope, Ian Owens
    12 votes
    • Premiered: March 15, 2019
    • Genres: Comedy,Comedy,Drama
    A refreshing dramedy with a powerful message, Shrill explores the life of Annie Easton (Aidy Bryant), a young journalist striving to balance her career, relationships, and self-acceptance. The show skillfully tackles themes of body positivity and personal growth, earning critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of a plus-sized woman's journey. With a strong ensemble cast, including Lolly Adefope as Annie's unwavering best friend and John Cameron Mitchell as her challenging boss, Shrill has garnered multiple award nominations, including a Primetime Emmy nod for Outstanding Cinematography. Through its three-season run, the series manages to evoke humor, heartache, and inspiration without revealing too much, making it a must-watch for viewers seeking a relatable and uplifting narrative.

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