Fictional Places & UniversesLists that explore the creative, visually stunning, most unforgettable worlds in film, TV, literature, comics, video games, and other media.
Updated May 10, 2022 9.1K votes 1.6K voters 31.0K views
Oh, small towns: where everybody knows everybody, secrets eventually come out, and you always run into someone you know on your way to the grocery store. There’s no wonder so many TV shows are set in small towns – the setting brings characters closer and allows for charming exterior shots.
Plus, the best TV towns have the unique appeal of giving viewers the urge to leave the big city behind and retire to a quieter life. Maybe somewhere sunny, where attending town events is mandatory and locking your doors doesn’t always have to be on your to-do list.
However, not all small towns on television are safe and idyllic. Some are populated with supernatural creatures, while others lose tourism points due to their unusually high crime rate. And yet, viewers can’t help but imagine how it would be to live in a place where vampires throw the most epic parties and witches can totally bring you back to life if you lose your head along the way.
These are the best small towns in television history. Which one is your favorite?
TV series: The Andy Griffith Show If you’re the nostalgic type, Mayberry is perfect for you. Townspeople may not have been technologically savvy, but they surely knew how to spend some quality time together. And more often than not, that’s what really makes a small town awesome.
Actors: Andy Griffith, Ron Howard, Don Knotts, Frances Bavier, Elinor Donahue
TV series: Gilmore Girls Although fictional, Stars Hollow wins charm points due to its eclectic inhabitants and engaging town events. If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, you likely already pictured yourself reading a book in the gazebo or trying one of Luke’s famous burgers. And no quaint adorable village is complete without a town troubador.
TV series: Parks and Recreation Leslie Knope wrote a book titled Pawnee: The Greatest Town in America, and it's hard to disagree with her (despite its incredibly high obesity rate or the raccoons that ran rampant there). The fictional Indiana town that housed The Glitter Factory, Food and Stuff, and JJ's Diner clearly had a lot to offer. Plus, some of the show’s funniest moments came from the quirkiness of its setting. For instance, did you know for a brief time in the ’70s, the town was taken over by a cult?
Actors: Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt
TV series: Hart of Dixie Charming is the first word that comes to mind when describing this lovely Alabama town. The mayor had a pet alligator, the Rammer Jammer was the perfect hang-out spot, and the abundance of parties could surely keep you busy. Not too shabby.
TV series: The Simpsons At first glance, Springfield doesn’t seem like an ideal destination, mainly because it’s home to a nuclear power plant. If you look closer, though, you notice there’s plenty to enjoy in this odd fictional town. You can go bowling at Barney's Bowl-A-Rama and chill with a refreshing beverage at Moe's Tavern. Plus, if all else fails, you can always move to Shelbyville.
TV series: That '70s Show Back in the ‘70s, this was the place to be. Sure, there’s wasn’t much to do there, but at least you knew you’d always have your friends close. As long as they didn’t suddenly decide to move to Africa.
Actors: Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Laura Prepon
