Television series set in Florida leverage the state’s distinct character as more than a backdrop, instead using its sun-drenched coastlines, humid swamps, and complex social dynamics to shape compelling narratives. The setting functions as a character itself, influencing the pace, tone, and conflicts that drive stories across genres. From the neon glare of Miami nightlife to the quiet, oppressive heat of the Everglades, these shows capture a specific sense of place that resonates with both residents and viewers imagining a life under the constant, brilliant sun.
The Allure of the Sunshine State on Screen
The decision to set a show in Florida is often a deliberate creative choice to tap into specific themes of transformation, excess, and escape. The state operates as a blank yet hyper-specific canvas where American dreams and nightmares collide with particular intensity. The perpetual summer, juxtaposed with sudden violence or deep-seated corruption, creates a dramatic tension that feels uniquely Floridian. This environment allows creators to explore wealth disparity, cultural collision, and reinvention in a way that feels more heightened and immediate than in more temperate settings.
Defining Examples of Florida-Based Storytelling
Certain series have become synonymous with the Florida aesthetic, each highlighting different facets of the state’s personality. These shows move beyond postcard imagery to use the location as a foundation for their plot and character development, proving that the setting is integral to the story being told. The diversity of these series showcases the breadth of Florida, from its most glamorous cities to its most forgotten corners.
Miami Vice and the Iconic Neon Noir
Revolutionizing television in the 1980s, Miami Vice defined a visual style and tone that remains influential. The show didn't just use Miami; it made the city’s art deco architecture, pastel clothing, and synthwave soundtrack synonymous with a specific brand of crime drama. It presented a Miami of luxury yachts and white suits, where the line between law enforcement and the criminal world was perpetually blurred, capturing the city’s international allure and underlying chaos.
Dexter and the Dark Heart of the Bay
Shifting to the darker side of the peninsula, Dexter utilized the Miami setting to juxtapose the city’s sunny reputation with a hidden world of ritualistic violence. The show leveraged Florida’s coastal isolation and humid atmosphere to create a sense of claustrophobia for its protagonist. The location allowed for a narrative that was both a procedural crime drama and a character study, using the state’s waterways and tropical climate as literal and metaphorical hiding places.
Beyond the Glitter: Diverse Genres and Settings
The scope of television set in Florida extends far beyond the crime dramas that first come to mind. The state’s varied landscapes and communities provide fertile ground for a wide array of genres, from biting political satire to heartfelt family dramedy. This section highlights how different shows utilize specific Floridian locales to serve their unique narrative goals.
The Wilds and Survival Thriller
While The Wilds utilizes a remote island, its connection to Florida lies in the state’s association with escape and hidden danger. The show subverts the typical tropical paradise trope, using an isolated location to explore themes of survival and female resilience. The contrast between the island’s beauty and the characters' peril mirrors the unsettling duality often found in stories set across the state’s natural frontier.
Snowbirds and the Politics of Place
Series like Only Murders in the Building have successfully woven Florida into their narrative fabric, using the state as a destination for retirees seeking escape. The show touches on the vibrant, sometimes insular communities of "snowbirds" and the unique social dynamics of Florida’s retirement communities. This setting provides a rich backdrop for exploring themes of aging, fame, and the secrets that can fester in seemingly quiet locales.
