Los Angeles, California is a popular choice for both filming and setting television series. Its diverse mix of people, industries, and dramatic elements make it an ideal backdrop for many shows.
If you miss your hometown or want to see how Los Angeles is shown on TV, this list of the best shows set in L.A. can be your guide. Here you can discover 25 binge-worthy series that take place in and around the lively city of Los Angeles. You’ll find gripping dramas, funny comedies, and even detective stories with a supernatural twist. There’s something for everyone on this list, so sit back, relax, and enjoy exploring the diverse TV world of Los Angeles.
Table of Contents
1. Lucifer ( 2016-2021)
- Creator: Tom Kapinos
- Starring: Tom Ellis, Lauren German, DB Woodside
Based on a comic book, this TV series tells the story of the Devil leaving Hell and moving to Los Angeles. Surprisingly, he ends up helping the police solve murder cases. He also goes to therapy and deals with an angel who wants to take him back to Hell. The show combines regular police investigations with ongoing fantasy plots, and the characters are interesting and have different motivations. The best part is the lead actor, Tom Ellis, who plays the Devil in a charming and slightly funny way as he tries to become a better person.
2. Bosch ( 2014- Present)
- Creator: Michael Connelly
- Starring: Titus Welliver, Jamie Hector, Amy Aquino, Lance Reddick, Madison Lintz
Harry Bosch is a detective in Los Angeles who can’t stop thinking about murder. He used to be in the army and now works in the Hollywood police department. Bosch loves jazz music and is determined to solve homicide cases. He faces many obstacles as he investigates suspicious deaths and uncovers corruption, even within the police force. The TV show is based on popular books by Michael Connelly and has received high praise for its realistic storytelling.
3. Californication ( 2007)
- Creator: Tom Kapinos
- Starring: David Duchovny ,Natascha McElhone, Madeleine Martin, Evan Handler, Pamela Adlon
David Duchovny makes a comeback to TV series in this grown-up comedy. He plays the role of Hank Moody, a writer who drinks too much, chases after women, and tries to balance it all while raising his smart daughter, Becca. Hank still has feelings for his classy ex, Karen. The show also includes Hank’s agent, Charlie, and his former wife, Marcy.
4. 9-1-1 ( 2018- Present)
- Creator: Brad Falchuk
- Starring: Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, Oliver Stark, Aisha Hinds, Kenneth Choi
Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear put a fresh spin on procedural dramas with “9-1-1.” The show dives into the intense world of first responders, like police officers, firefighters, and dispatchers, who find themselves in scary, shocking, and heart-pounding situations. These heroes have to juggle saving lives in moments of extreme vulnerability while also dealing with their own personal challenges. Inspired by real-life stories, the show captures the unpredictable, intense, and inspiring experiences of first responders who face high-pressure situations.
5. Barry ( 2018- present)
- Creators: Alec Berg, Bill Hader
- Starring: Bill Hader, Stephen Root, Henry Winkler, Sarah Goldberg, Anthony Carrigan
Barry Berkman, a disillusioned hitman, is tired of his dark profession. Feeling depressed and trapped, he takes on a job in Los Angeles to eliminate an actor involved with a mobster’s wife. Little does Barry know that this trip may change his life. As he follows his target into an acting class, he discovers a new world and becomes enamored with the aspiring actors, particularly Sally, whom he develops feelings for. Barry dreams of starting fresh as an actor, but his handler, Fuches, has different plans, and Barry’s criminal history makes it difficult to leave his past behind.
6. Episodes (2011 – 2017)
- Starring: Matt LeBlanc, Stephen Mangan, Tamsin Greig, John Pankow, Kathleen Rose Perkins
In this comedy series, Matt LeBlanc plays a fictionalized version of himself. The former “Friends” actor is hired to star in an American adaptation of a popular British sitcom. However, things take a turn when LeBlanc takes creative control and turns the show into a clichéd mess, causing strain in the couple’s relationship and marriage.
7. BLACK-ISH (2014 – Present)
- Creator: Kenya Barris
- Starring: Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown
Dre Johnson (played by Anthony Anderson) seems to have it all—a successful job, a gorgeous wife named Rainbow (played by Tracee Ellis Ross), four wonderful kids, and a beautiful house in a fancy neighborhood. However, as a black man, he starts to wonder if his family’s achievements have caused them to lose touch with their cultural roots. With the guidance of his father (played by Laurence Fishburne), Dre embarks on a journey to help his family reconnect with their ethnic identity, finding a balance between honoring their heritage and embracing the opportunities of the future.
8. Transparent (2014 – 2019)
- Creator: Joey Soloway
- Starring: Jeffrey Tambor, Gaby Hoffmann, Amy Landecker, Jay Duplass, Judith Light
Mort has a big secret that he really wants to tell his three grown-up children. But his kids are so focused on themselves that they don’t notice that something has changed for their dad, who is divorced and doesn’t have a girlfriend. Even when Mort invites them all for dinner to share his news, they end up talking about themselves instead. However, everything changes when Mort comes home and sees his married daughter getting close to her ex-partner. Now, he knows her secret, and she finds out about his secret too. As a result, the dysfunctional family starts revealing one secret after another.
9. Party Down (2009 – Present)
- Creators: John Enbom, Rob Thomas, Dan Etheridge, Paul Rudd
- Starring: Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Ryan Hansen, Martin Starr, Megan Mullally
Six aspiring actors and writers in Hollywood are trying to make their dreams come true. To support themselves, they take jobs at a fancy catering company in Los Angeles. Each episode focuses on a different event they cater, such as a party for senior singles, an after-party for a porn awards show, or a lavish Super Sweet 16 celebration. As they chase their aspirations, they navigate the unique and sometimes outrageous experiences that come with working in the glamorous world of event catering.
10. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006 – 2007)
- Creator: Aaron Sorkin
- Starring: Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet, Bradley Whitford, Steven Weber, D.L. Hughley
This comedy series revolves around a sketch-comedy show that lacks humor. The executive producer had a public breakdown on live television, the control room is chaotic, and the actors are struggling. The show’s salvation rests on the shoulders of talented writers Danny Tripp and Matt Albie, despite their own personal issues. Their creative input, along with the new network entertainment chief Jordan McDeere, offers a glimmer of hope for the show’s revival.
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11. Insecure (2016 – 2021)
- Creators: Issa Rae, Larry Wilmore
- Starring: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji,Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales, Jay Ellis
Issa and Molly are anything but the typical strong and confident modern-day black women. They grapple with their own flaws and insecurities, which are often exposed through a series of uncomfortable and relatable everyday situations. Created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore, the comedy series offers a unique and authentic portrayal of the friendship between two black women. It incorporates the music of indie and established artists of color and tackles various social and racial issues that resonate with the contemporary black experience.
12. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022 – Present)
- Starring: John C. Reilly, Quincy Isaiah, Jason Clarke, Adrien Brody, Gaby Hoffmann
Step into the fast-paced world of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers in this captivating drama series. Drawing inspiration from Jeff Pearlman’s book, Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers, the show delves into the lives of the legendary team that left an indelible mark on the world of sports. Experience the highs and lows of their professional and personal journeys as they become synonymous with dominance and excellence. Get a glimpse into the era-defining moments, both on and off the court, that shaped the legacy of this remarkable team.
13. New Girl (2011 – 2018)
- Starring: Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, Hannah Simone
Following a difficult breakup, Jess (played by Zooey Deschanel), a charming and quirky individual, finds herself sharing a living space with three single men. Nick, a clever and humorous guy, has settled for a job as a bartender instead of pursuing his ambitions. Schmidt is fixated on his social status and sees Jess as a personal project. Winston, a former competitive athlete who realizes his professional dreams won’t come true, joins them in the loft. With the addition of Jess’ best friend, Cece, this unique group forms an unexpected and slightly dysfunctional family, navigating life’s ups and downs together.
14. Two and a Half Men (2003 – 2015)
- Creators: Chuck Lorre, Lee Aronsohn
- Starring: Jon Cryer, Charlie Sheen, Ashton Kutcher, Conchata Ferrell, Angus T. Jones
Alan Harper, a chiropractor and devoted single father, shares a beachfront house with Walden Schmidt, a divorced billionaire who purchased the property after Alan’s brother, Charlie, passed away. As they adjust to their new living situation, the uptight and organized Alan takes on the role of a mentor to Walden, who has always relied on others to take care of him and is somewhat inexperienced in life. Despite Alan’s own romantic struggles, he also attempts to guide Walden in navigating the world of dating. The series also features Berta, a no-nonsense and straightforward housekeeper.
15. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990 – 1996)
- Starring: Will Smith, James Avery, Daphne Maxwell-Reid, Alfonso Ribeiro, Janet Hubert
In this lighthearted sitcom on NBC, Will Smith portrays a character closely resembling himself. The show follows the story of fictional Will, who is sent by his mother from his challenging neighborhood in Philadelphia to live with his affluent Uncle Phil and Aunt Vivian in the upscale community of Bel-Air. Will frequently finds amusement in teasing his snobbish cousins Carlton and Hilary.
16. Ray Donovan (2013 – 2020)
- Creator: Ann Biderman
- Starring: Liev Schreiber, Jon Voight, Eddie Marsan, Dash Mihok, Katherine Moennig
Ray Donovan is a problem solver for the rich and famous in Hollywood. He’s the person they turn to when they need their troubles to disappear. It’s a much better job than his violent past as a tough guy in South Boston, and it brings him closer to wealth and power. But no matter how much money he has or the fancy things he can buy, Ray can’t escape his troubled history. His brothers are always causing problems, and his recently released father, who spent 20 years in prison, comes back into his life. Now that he’s free, Ray’s father, Mickey, arrives in Los Angeles to claim what he believes is rightfully his. Mickey’s desire to reconnect with his family and settle old scores threatens to destroy everything Ray has worked so hard to build, including his relationships with his wife and children, who are curious to meet their estranged grandfather.
17. Perry Mason (2020 – Present)
- Starring: Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Shea Whigham, Eric Lange
This legal drama takes place in 1932 Los Angeles and is inspired by the novels and short stories written by Erle Stanley Gardner.
18. Snowfall (2017- Present)
- Creators: John Singleton, Eric Amadio, Dave Andron
- Starring: Damson Idris, Carter Hudson, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Michael Hyatt, Amin Joseph
Set against the backdrop of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles, “Snowfall” is a gripping drama that explores the profound impact it had on the culture. The series follows the intertwining stories of various characters whose lives are on a collision course. Franklin Saint, a young entrepreneur, is determined to rise to power in the streets. Gustavo “El Oso” Zapata, a Mexican wrestler, finds himself caught in a dangerous power struggle within a crime family. Teddy McDonald, a CIA operative with a haunting past, embarks on an unauthorized mission to fund the Nicaraguan Contras. Lucia Villanueva, the daughter of a Mexican crime lord, navigates her own path to power. As 1984 dawns in Los Angeles, “Snowfall” delves into the relentless pursuit of money, influence, and control.
19. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000 – Present)
- Starring: Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, J.B. Smoove
Larry David, the co-creator of “Seinfeld,” portrays a fictional version of himself in this improvised series. He constantly deals with everyday irritations, but his well-intentioned efforts often lead to bigger problems. The episodes often revolve around his lack of knowledge or disregard for social norms, and he insists that others follow rules that only he knows about. Originally conceived as a one-time project in 1999, the series debuted in October 2000 and continues to showcase Larry David’s unique perspective on life’s mishaps.
20. Modern Family (2009 – 2020)
- Starring: Ed O’Neill, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Sofía Vergara, Jesse Tyler Ferguson
The series is told through the perspective of a documentary filmmaker who remains unseen. It provides an honest and often humorous look into the lives of the family. Phil and Claire, the parents, strive to have an open and honest relationship with their three children. However, their daughter is growing up too quickly, their other daughter is highly intelligent, and their young son is full of energy, making things challenging. Jay, Claire’s father, and his wife Gloria, who is Latina, are raising two sons together. Sometimes people mistake Jay as Gloria’s father. Mitchell, Jay’s gay son, and his partner Cameron have adopted an Asian girl, creating a diverse and loving family unit.
21. The Rookie (2018 – Present)
- Starring: Nathan Fillion, Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Titus Makin Jr.
Starting anew can be tough, especially for John Nolan, a guy from a small town. After a life-changing event, he decides to chase his dream of becoming a police officer in Los Angeles. As the oldest rookie on the force, he faces doubts from some higher-ups who view him as a midlife crisis in action. To succeed and avoid putting lives at risk, including his own, John must prove himself among younger cops and criminals. With his life wisdom, determination, and humor, he aims to gain an advantage and thrive in this fresh chapter of his life.
22. Wilfred (2011 – 2014)
- Starring: Elijah Wood, Jason Gann, Fiona Gubelmann, Dorian Brown
In this comedy series, Elijah Wood takes on the role of Ryan, a young man facing life’s challenges. Everything changes when he befriends his neighbor’s dog, Wilfred, and an extraordinary bond forms between them. While everyone else sees Wilfred as an ordinary dog, Ryan sees him as a grumpy Australian guy dressed in a dog costume. Together, they embark on hilarious and thought-provoking adventures, as Wilfred becomes Ryan’s guide to conquering fears and embracing the craziness of the world.
23. NCIS: Los Angeles (2009 – Present)
- Starring: Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, Linda Hunt, Daniela Ruah, Eric Christian Olsen
Starring Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J, this TV show is part of the “NCIS” franchise and takes place in Los Angeles. It follows the intense operations of the Office of Special Projects (OSP). The agents at OSP are highly skilled and utilize cutting-edge technology to go undercover and capture criminals who pose a risk to national security. Special Agent G. Callum is a master of disguise, adapting to any role necessary to infiltrate criminal organizations. His partner, former Navy SEAL Sam Hanna, specializes in surveillance and provides crucial information to the field agents using advanced equipment.
24. Entourage (2004 – 2011)
- Starring: Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Jeremy Piven
Vince, an aspiring actor with great potential, leads a group of four friends as they move from Queens, New York to pursue their dreams in Hollywood. Joining Vince are his half-brother Drama, his loyal best friend Eric, and their fun-loving buddy Turtle. As they navigate the fast-paced and competitive environment of the entertainment industry, Vince’s determined agent Ari often takes charge, occasionally causing frustration for Eric. Together, they embark on a journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and the constant pursuit of success in Tinseltown.
25. Southland (2009 – 2013)
- Starring: Michael Cudlitz, Benjamin McKenzie, Regina King, Tom Everett Scott, Michael McGrady
Experienced Los Angeles police officer John Cooper takes on the role of training rookie Ben Sherman. As Ben witnesses John’s no-nonsense approach to policing, he starts to question his own abilities to be an effective officer. The police team also includes Detective Lydia Adams, who juggles her duties as a caregiver for her mother outside of work, and her partner Russell Clarke, a married father of three who is unhappy in his marriage. Overseeing the gang detectives Nate Moretta and Sammy Bryant is Detective Daniel “Sal” Salinger. Another member of the team is patrol officer Chickie Brown, a single mother with aspirations of joining the SWAT team. Together, they navigate the challenges and responsibilities of serving and protecting the city of Los Angeles.
