I’m toying with the idea of a poll to try to find how TV shows with a strong “regional” feel compare in terms of authenticity and effectiveness.
The two I think of as good examples of that sort of thing are The Sopranos (New Jersey) and Justified (Kentucky). I know there are others where the setting is important to the mood of the show, Dexter in Miami for one. But I’d like to get a good list of such shows to build a poll from.
Defunct shows like Chicago Code and Detroit 1-8-7 are worth considering, as is the current Blue Bloods, but my view on them is that the “regional” aspect is not as strong there.
It may just be a bit of jadedness on my part, but I tend to dismiss the NYC and LA “regionalism” component, unless it’s stressed as a main feature of the show. One exception I can think of is the excellent Southland where LA is essential to how the show comes across. I’m not arguing with your list, and would certainly include them in the poll, but I see them as not all that strongly tied to place as other shows. Thanks for the response.
The Middle takes place in Indiana. They often talk about different towns in Indiana and the dad is a huge Colts (NFL) and Hoosiers (NCAA) fan. And the title of the show refers to “the middle of the country.”
Hot in Cleveland is always throwing Cleveland-specific shout outs out there. From Amish Country to the Cavs. Same with The Drew Carey Show.
It’s often said that NYC is one of the primary characters on Law & Order (the original).
Does Breaking Bad rely on the Desert Southwest (Albuquerque to be more precise) for much of its mood and feel?
Does The Killing need Seattle to work?
Does Bones have to be set (for at least some of its inter-agency squabbles) in DC?
Asked another way, if you didn’t know where the city or town in which the show is supposedly set was Town-X or City-Y, would it even matter for how the show comes across?
My Name is Earl never revealed its actual location, but it was very good at establishing a sense of place. I think it fits the OP’s “strong regional sense.”
Good examples. In case it wasn’t obvious in the OP, I would prefer the poll to be based on “contemporary” or “modern day” shows, thereby excluding Westerns for the most part. Present day Westerns could be included if the place is significant. Breaking Bad comes as close as any show I watch regularly to be in that category, but it’s hard for me to think of it as a “western” per se.
Breaking Bad is set in New Mexico. I’ve spent very little time in that part of the country, but the show relies on the desert, the mexican border, and the general region quite strongly. I’m trying to picture the show set elsewhere, and it’s really a different show. That may be a way to get at your question - move the show to another setting, how much has to change?
It’s also my impression that people from the area think it is quite accurate, regionally.