32 Famous TV Shows Set In The American South

The American South is a region brimming with fascinating stories and traditions. Like all parts of the United States, it has a unique identity and a rich history. Over the years, many incredible television shows have drawn inspiration from this Southern culture. This is a celebration of those shows and the captivating stories they tell.

Atlanta

Atlanta, the city often called “the capital of the South,” is perfectly represented by the TV show of the same name, created by and starring Donald Glover. The show received numerous awards for its insightful portrayal of life in the modern South, following a music manager (Glover) as he guides his talented client (Brian Tyree Henry) through the challenges of the music industry and American culture.

Matlock

You can’t get more classically Southern than the original *Matlock*, starring Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock in Atlanta. It’s a true classic – and often the target of jokes, like on *The Simpsons* – and any list of Southern-based shows needs to include it. While the recent reboot is good, it’s unfortunately set in New York City.

Friday Night Lights

High school football is deeply ingrained in Southern culture, and the TV series *Friday Night Lights* captures that world remarkably well. The show, which ran for five seasons, follows a small-town football team and its coach, Eric Taylor (played by Kyle Chandler). It’s based on a book-and later a movie-by Buzz Bissinger, and it vividly portrays the passion and impact of the sport on the community in a truly inspiring way.

Treme

New Orleans is one of a kind, unlike any other city in America. The HBO show *Treme* captures the spirit of the city in a way no other program has. Similar to David Simon’s acclaimed show *The Wire*, the city itself feels like a central character. *Treme* beautifully showcases all sides of life for the people who call New Orleans home.

A Different World

Though *A Different World* began as a spin-off of *The Cosby Show*, which was set in New York City, it followed Denise Huxtable (played by Lisa Bonet) as she started college at the made-up Hillman College in Virginia. Even after Bonet left after the first season, the show became a hugely popular and important Black sitcom.

Bad Monkey

A popular saying jokes that the deeper you travel into South Florida, the more ‘northern’ it becomes. However, Carl Hiaasen, the author whose book inspired *Bad Monkey*, brilliantly captures the true spirit of all of Florida. This Apple TV+ series offers a funny and insightful look at life in the Sunshine State, far removed from the typical tourist experience.

Dallas

Few things are as captivating as the intense stories of wealthy Southern oil families, and the show *Dallas* proved that. It ran for 14 seasons and famously kept viewers on the edge of their seats with the unforgettable mystery of “Who Shot J.R.?”

Eastbound & Down

Danny McBride consistently finds humor in Southern culture, as seen in shows like *The Righteous Gemstones*, *Vice Principals*, and especially *Eastbound & Down*. While later seasons weren’t quite as strong, *Eastbound & Down*, available on HBO Max, remains one of the funniest shows ever made about the South, with its first season being a true comedic masterpiece.

Designing Women

During the 1980s, Designing Women perfectly captured Southern charm. Set in Atlanta, the show centered around a talented all-female design firm and featured a remarkably strong cast, including Delta Burke, Dixie Carter, Jean Smart, and Annie Potts. Jan Hooks later joined the cast, adding even more to the show’s appeal.

The Walking Dead

While the story of *The Walking Dead* could theoretically unfold anywhere, the show is largely set in the Southern United States. It begins in Atlanta, Georgia, even featuring a trip to the CDC there, and concludes with the main characters establishing a life just outside of Washington, D.C., in the Virginia suburbs.

Nashville

As you might expect, the show *Nashville* is set in the heart of Country Music – Nashville, Tennessee. Over the last decade, since the show first aired in 2012, Nashville has become a hugely popular place to live in the South. People from all walks of life – from new college grads to established music stars – are moving to the city, drawn by its vibrant music scene and rich history.

The Golden Girls

Miami is often overlooked as part of the South, and it’s true that it’s quite different culturally from cities like Birmingham. However, geographically it’s as far south as you can go in the continental U.S., which is why the show *Golden Girls* definitely fits! The series, still popular after decades of reruns, is known for its witty humor and, ultimately, its touching portrayal of female friendship. It’s a classic that really speaks for itself, doesn’t it?

The Waltons

Even if you’re not familiar with the classic TV show *The Waltons* – about a family living in the Virginia mountains during the Great Depression – you likely remember its signature ending, where the close-knit family wished each other good night. The show is full of Southern charm and values.

The Dukes Of Hazzard

Few shows spark as much discussion as *The Dukes of Hazzard*. It was a hugely popular show in the ’70s and ’80s, known for its exciting car chases and the playful rivalry between the good-natured outlaws and the law. However, in recent years, the show has faced criticism for featuring the Confederate flag on its iconic car, the General Lee – a vehicle that many still consider incredibly cool.

Tyler Perry’s House of Payne

Tyler Perry calls Atlanta home and has played a big part in turning it into a major center for film and television production. So it’s fitting that his first sitcom, *Tyler Perry’s House of Payne*, is set there. The show, which mixes comedy with more meaningful storylines, has been a huge success, originally airing on TBS and later on BET. With over 300 episodes, it’s become one of the longest-running and most popular sitcoms featuring a primarily Black cast.

The Righteous Gemstones

Danny McBride’s hilarious and unique show, *The Righteous Gemstones*, is truly excellent. The HBO series, which ran for four seasons, features a great ensemble cast including McBride, John Goodman, Adam DeVine, Edi Patterson, and a standout performance by Walton Goggins.

The Andy Griffith Show

Few shows capture the charm of small-town Southern life quite like *The Andy Griffith Show*. The show’s fictional town, Mayberry, North Carolina, has become synonymous with the idea of a wholesome, idyllic community across the United States. Over its eight seasons on CBS, the beloved series ran for 249 episodes and famously helped launch the career of Ron Howard.

Army Wives

Although not specifically about Southern life, the Lifetime show *Army Wives* took place on a naval base in Charleston, South Carolina. It wasn’t a huge hit with everyone, but it maintained a loyal following over its seven seasons.

Dexter

We know *Dexter* isn’t always seen as a typical “Southern show” because it takes place in Miami, but Florida – and especially South Florida – definitely deserves to be included. The show, about a serial killer who targets other serial killers, has become a modern classic. And it’s worth noting that Jon Lithgow gave a truly unforgettable performance as one of the most terrifying villains ever seen on television.

Justified

Kentucky isn’t a common setting for TV shows, but *Justified* is likely the best example, even considering any other possibilities. The show has remained incredibly popular over the years, and arguably even gained fans since it originally aired on FX.

NCIS: New Orleans

The original *NCIS* has launched many spin-off series. *NCIS: New Orleans*, which premiered in 2014, was the second. Despite its cancellation after seven seasons on CBS, it proved to be a successful addition to the *NCIS* universe.

CSI: Miami

The CSI franchise was hugely popular on CBS in the early 2000s. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, set in Las Vegas, premiered in 2000, and in 2002, David Caruso starred in CSI: Miami. Many viewers, myself included, felt that Miami was just as compelling as the original series, and its impressive ratings reflected that. The show ran for ten seasons, totaling over 200 episodes.

True Blood

While Anne Rice is well-known for her vampire stories from Louisiana, Charlaine Harris has also become incredibly popular, especially because her books inspired HBO’s *True Blood*. The show, set in the made-up Louisiana town of Bon Temps, isn’t a lighthearted watch – it repeatedly shows that life there is far from easy, making it a modern gothic favorite.

In The Heat Of The Night

Inspired by the book and the 1967 movie *In the Heat of the Night*, the television series followed police chief Bill Gillespie (Carroll O’Connor) and detective Virgil Tibbs (Howard Rollins) in the fictional town of Sparta, Mississippi. Originally broadcast on NBC and later on CBS, the show didn’t shy away from difficult issues like racism and corruption within law enforcement.

One Tree Hill

The CW’s *One Tree Hill* took viewers to the town of Wilmington, North Carolina, for nine seasons. A favorite among Millennials, the show continues to have a dedicated fanbase even though it ended over a decade ago.

Reba

Most people remember Reba McEntire as a country music superstar, but she actually started acting with a memorable role in the movie *Tremors*. After appearing in a few other TV shows and films over the next ten years, she starred in her own sitcom, aptly named *Reba*. Born and raised in Oklahoma, McEntire’s show was notably set in Houston, making it one of the few television series to actually take place in that Texas city.

Fresh Off The Boat

The TV show *Fresh Off The Boat* on ABC offered a fresh perspective on the typical Southern drama. It followed a family who had recently immigrated from Taiwan as they pursued the American Dream in Orlando, Florida. Actress Constance Wu gained widespread recognition for her role as Jessica, the determined and ambitious daughter.

Ozark

I know some people debate whether Missouri is truly part of the South, and as a Missourian, I get why. However, the southern part of the state, particularly around Lake of the Ozarks, feels more Southern than Midwestern, which is why I have to mention the fantastic Netflix series, *Ozark*.

I Dream Of Jeannie

You might not immediately associate *I Dream of Jeannie* with the South, but the show was actually set in Florida. Astronaut Tony Nelson, played by Larry Hagman and Jeannie (Barbara Eden)’s housemate, lived in Cocoa Beach, Florida – a popular location for many NASA pilots at the time.

True Detective

When people talk about *True Detective*, they’re usually referring to its incredible first season. While later seasons took place in California and Alaska, the original season was uniquely set in Louisiana, a state deeply rooted in the American South. The third season also explored the South, this time in the hills of Arkansas.

Hart of Dixie

We definitely had to include *Hart of Dixie* on this list! It’s one of the rare TV shows that takes place in Alabama. The CW series stars Rachel Bilson as a New York doctor who finds herself adjusting to life in a small Alabama town.

Saving Grace

Oklahoma City isn’t often seen as a backdrop in TV shows and movies, but the TNT series *Saving Grace*, with Holly Hunter, was an exception. The show, which ran for three seasons in the late 2000s, frequently showcased well-known locations around the city. I especially love Holly Hunter’s performance in it, and I think the show deserves more recognition for that, along with the strength of the entire cast.

2025-09-25 00:43