TV Shows Based in Colorado
Colorado has served as the backdrop for numerous television series, showcasing its diverse landscapes, fascinating culture, and historical significance. From cult sci-fi classics to reality TV hits, the Centennial State’s influence on TV is undeniable. Here’s a revised and comprehensive list of notable television shows set in or connected to Colorado:
1. South Park
The animated sitcom, created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, is set in the fictional town of South Park, Colorado. Known for its satirical humor and controversial topics, South Park has been a cultural force since its debut in 1997, frequently referencing Denver landmarks like Casa Bonita.
2. Stargate SG-1
This sci-fi series centers around a U.S. Air Force team that travels through an alien portal, known as the Stargate, housed in the Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado Springs. Stargate SG-1 ran for ten seasons, becoming a fan favorite in the sci-fi community.
3. Mork & Mindy
This 1970s sitcom, starring Robin Williams as the lovable alien Mork, was set in Boulder, Colorado. Mork’s attempts to assimilate into human culture provided comedic gold and introduced audiences to the charm of Colorado.
4. Godless
Set in the San Luis Valley and eastern plains of Colorado, this 2017 Netflix limited series follows a town populated mostly by women who must defend themselves from a notorious outlaw gang. Colorado’s landscapes serve as a stunning backdrop for this modern take on the Western genre.
5. Community
Though the show is focused on quirky character dynamics, it is set in the fictional town of Greendale, Colorado. The show aired from 2009 to 2015, becoming a cult hit with its smart, meta humor and ensemble cast.
6. Those Who Can’t
This irreverent comedy was created by Colorado comedians and takes place in a fictional Denver high school. Premiering in 2016, the series ran for three seasons and features appearances from notable stars like Patton Oswalt and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
7. Dog the Bounty Hunter
Following Duane “Dog” Chapman, this reality show highlighted his bounty-hunting work in Colorado and Hawaii. The show ran for eight seasons, offering a gritty portrayal of law enforcement through the controversial bounty hunter’s lens.
8. Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
Set in Colorado Springs in the 1800s, this CBS drama follows Dr. Michaela Quinn, a wealthy physician from the East Coast, as she adjusts to life in the Wild West. The series aired from 1993 to 1998 and tackled various social issues of the time.
9. The Real World: Denver
The 18th season of MTV’s reality series was set in Denver’s LoDo district in 2006. The show followed a group of twenty-somethings living together, providing a snapshot of Denver before its significant transformation into a trendy hotspot.
10. Last Man Standing
This sitcom stars Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, a conservative sporting goods store executive living with his family in Denver. The show aired on ABC from 2011 to 2017 and moved to Fox for its later seasons.
11. Flight Attendant School
This docu-series on the Travel Channel focused on the lives of future Frontier Airlines flight attendants as they trained for the job. You can watch all episodes of this Colorado-based show on YouTube.
12. Top Chef: Colorado
The 15th season of this popular cooking competition series was filmed in various Colorado cities, including Denver, Boulder, Telluride, and Aspen. Chefs competed against each other while taking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Centennial State.
13. Dynasty
Set in Denver, this soap opera follows the feuding Carrington and Colby families, both oil-rich dynasties in Colorado. Dynasty became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s, showcasing the glamour and high-stakes drama of Denver’s elite.
