Famous TV Shows Set in Florida
Florida has long been a popular setting for television shows, thanks to its vibrant cities, stunning coastlines, and landscapes. Numerous TV series have been set in the Sunshine State, ranging from crime dramas to reality TV. Here are some of the most famous TV shows that take place in Florida:
1. CSI: Miami (2002-2012)
One of the most well-known Florida-based TV shows, CSI: Miami was a hit crime drama that followed a team of forensic investigators solving crimes in Miami. Led by Horatio Caine (played by David Caruso), the team used cutting-edge technology to investigate murders, drug deals, and organized crime. The show featured iconic Miami scenery, including beaches, luxury homes, and the Everglades, where tourists often go for airboat rides in Fort Lauderdale, an element often featured in the show’s backdrop.
2. Dexter (2006-2013, 2021-2022)
Dexter is a psychological crime thriller centered around Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall), a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who also leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer. The show’s depiction of Miami’s nightlife, suburban life, and criminal underworld added depth to its dark and suspenseful storytelling. The Everglades, which can be explored on airboat rides in Fort Lauderdale, also made brief appearances in the series, showcasing the state’s wild and unpredictable nature.
3. Burn Notice (2007-2013)
Burn Notice follows Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), a former spy who is “burned” (disavowed) by the U.S. government and forced to operate as an unlicensed private investigator in Miami. The show combined espionage, action, and humor, with Miami’s sunny beaches and diverse neighborhoods providing a striking contrast to the show’s intense spy operations. The lush Everglades landscape, often accessible by airboat rides in Fort Lauderdale, was sometimes used to heighten the drama and set the stage for covert missions.
4. The Glades (2010-2013)
This crime drama followed Jim Longworth (Matt Passmore), a Chicago detective who relocates to South Florida and takes a job with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The show featured murder investigations set in various Florida locations, including the Everglades, beach towns, and rural communities. The Everglades itself, as can be seen dduring airboat rides in Fort Lauderdale, served as a backdrop to many of the show’s tense moments, underscoring the state’s allure and mystery.
5. Ballers (2015-2019)
Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Ballers was a sports drama that explored the lives of professional football players, agents, and financial managers in Miami. Johnson played a former NFL player turned financial advisor, navigating the high-stakes world of sports management. The show showcased Miami’s luxurious lifestyle, featuring lavish parties, high-end cars, and stunning waterfront properties, but Florida’s natural beauty, accessible through airboat rides in Fort Lauderdale, was sometimes highlighted in the background.
6. Siesta Key (2017-Present)
A reality TV series inspired by MTV’s Laguna Beach, Siesta Key follows a group of young adults navigating relationships, careers, and social life in the upscale coastal town of Siesta Key, Florida. The show captures the beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast, with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, which visitors often explore via airboat rides in Fort Lauderdale for a thrilling adventure.
From gripping crime dramas to glamorous reality shows, Florida has been the setting for some of the most popular TV series in recent years. Whether highlighting Miami’s vibrant nightlife, the natural beauty of the Everglades, or the high-stakes world of professional sports, these shows have captured the essence of Florida in unique and compelling ways. For those visiting, airboat rides in Fort Lauderdale offer an exciting way to experience the state’s wild side, which frequently appears in many TV shows.
