New York City, often referred to as “The City That Never Sleeps,” has long been a favorite backdrop for countless TV shows, capturing the spirit, culture, and complexities of urban life. If you’re planning a visit to the Big Apple, immersing yourself in these TV shows can help set the stage, giving you a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant world of NYC. Here’s a list of ten shows you should watch before boarding that plane:
1. Friends (1994 – 2004)
One of the most iconic shows ever, Friends follows six friends—Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—navigating life, love, and friendship in Manhattan. While the show was filmed on a Los Angeles soundstage, its depiction of Central Park, cozy apartments, and iconic New York City coffee culture makes it a must-watch for visitors.
What You’ll Experience: Central Park, cozy coffee shops, and the iconic West Village neighborhood where the characters’ apartment was set.
2. Sex and the City (1998 – 2004)
Sex and the City is synonymous with New York glamour. This show centers around four friends—Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda—as they navigate love, careers, and friendship in the bustling city. The series gives viewers a taste of Manhattan’s upscale dining, fashion, and nightlife.
What You’ll Experience: Fifth Avenue shopping, trendy restaurants, luxury hotels, and Carrie Bradshaw’s chic lifestyle.
3. Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)
If you’re interested in New York’s Upper East Side lifestyle, Gossip Girl is the show to watch. It revolves around privileged teenagers attending an elite private school, filled with drama, secrets, and stunning city views. It showcases many of the city’s most luxurious and famous landmarks.
What You’ll Experience: The glamour of Upper East Side, iconic hotels, high-end fashion, and Central Park.
4. Seinfeld (1989 – 1998)
Dubbed as “a show about nothing,” Seinfeld is a comedic portrayal of everyday life in New York, centered around stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his quirky friends. The sitcom captures the humorous side of New York City living, from small cafes to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.
What You’ll Experience: New York’s diner culture, the Upper West Side, and quirky, relatable city scenarios.
5. How I Met Your Mother (2005 – 2014)
How I Met Your Mother is a comedy that follows Ted Mosby and his friends as they navigate relationships, careers, and friendships in New York City. With a mix of humor and sentimentality, the show highlights various New York hotspots and bars, making it perfect for those looking for nightlife recommendations.
What You’ll Experience: Lively bars, rooftop hangouts, and the atmosphere of Manhattan’s bustling streets.
6. Law & Order (1990 – 2010; 2021 – Present)
For fans of crime dramas, Law & Order is a long-running series that takes you deep into New York City’s justice system. From police precincts to courtrooms, the show offers a gritty, realistic view of the city’s darker side, while showcasing iconic neighborhoods and landmarks.
What You’ll Experience: The legal world of New York, real NYC locations, and famous court buildings.
7. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017 – 2023)
Set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel as she pursues a career in stand-up comedy. The show captures New York’s vintage charm, with scenes in Greenwich Village and other classic neighborhoods. Its nostalgic take on the city makes it a joy to watch for history buffs.
What You’ll Experience: Historic Greenwich Village, classic New York venues, and a glimpse of the city’s golden era.
8. Broad City (2014 – 2019)
If you want a contemporary, comedic take on living in New York City, Broad City is perfect. The show follows two twenty-something best friends, Abbi and Ilana, as they tackle everyday challenges in the city. It’s a hilarious, unfiltered look at modern New York life.
What You’ll Experience: The authentic feel of Brooklyn, quirky shops, street food, and the comedy of real New York living.
9. Mad Men (2007 – 2015)
While Mad Men mainly revolves around the world of advertising, it also offers a deep dive into New York during the 1960s. The show’s depiction of Manhattan’s changing skyline, the workplace culture of Madison Avenue, and the retro cocktail bars are must-sees for anyone fascinated by NYC’s historical transformation.
What You’ll Experience: 1960s-era cocktail bars, Midtown’s iconic buildings, and the evolution of Manhattan’s cityscape.
10. You (2018 – Present)
For those who enjoy thrillers, You provides a suspenseful look into modern New York life. The show follows Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager with a dark side, as he navigates relationships in the city. It explores Manhattan’s trendy spots, bookstores, and hidden corners, revealing a unique side of the city.
What You’ll Experience: New York’s trendy coffee shops, unique bookstores, and the city’s hidden gems.
From comedy and drama to romance and thrillers, these TV shows not only entertain but also serve as your virtual tour guides to New York City’s vibrant neighborhoods, culture, and iconic landmarks. Watching these shows before your visit will not only familiarize you with the city’s landscape but also set the mood for the unforgettable experience that awaits you in New York! Whether you’re wandering through Central Park, dining in a cozy café, or exploring the Upper East Side, these TV series will give you a head start in understanding the city’s unique rhythm.
