Discover the Ultimate Collection of Small Town TV Gems: 10 Unforgettable Shows That Will Transport You

Summary

Small towns are a great canvas for storytelling with unexpected secrets, rich narratives, and supernatural elements.

TV shows set in small towns often delve into the themes of connection, love, friendship, and how past events shape the present. Small towns, despite seemingly improbable, can serve as the fertile ground for darkness and malevolence to thrive.

TV shows set in small towns have always captivated audiences with their quirky characters, simple lifestyles, rebellious youths, and nostalgic charm. These towns provide the perfect backdrop for storytelling, with their hidden secrets, compelling narratives, past events, and even supernatural occurrences. While big cities may seem more promising for excitement and drama, some of the most captivating and engaging stories unfold in small towns.

In these tight-knit communities, everyone is familiar with each other's lives, resulting in a flood of gossip that surpasses what can be found in larger suburbs and cities. The close proximity and smaller population mean that one's knowledge of others is always at the forefront. Moreover, small towns tend to harbor a multitude of secrets. Perhaps it is because individuals are acutely aware of the power of small-town rumors that they go to great lengths to bury family secrets and hide their skeletons in the closet. This is precisely why TV shows set in small towns prove to be so enthralling. Here, we present the finest examples.

1 Stranger Things (2016-present)

2 Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Stranger Things, set in the fictional small town of Hawkins, Indiana, has captivated audiences worldwide since its premiere in 2016. Its success can be attributed to its homage to the 1980s and its powerful nostalgic themes. The story revolves around the sudden disappearance of Will Byers, prompting his group of friends to embark on a harrowing journey into an alternative and chilling dimension known as the Upside Down. This science-fiction horror-drama delves into various themes such as adolescence, friendship, and innocence. Yet, its true brilliance lies in its depiction of the unchecked growth of evil in unsuspecting rural areas, particularly within shady government organizations or private institutions. In these seemingly unwelcome places, darkness thrives where we least expect it.

In Stars Hollow, a fictional town in Connecticut, Gilmore Girls embodies everything that viewers seek in a small-town series. The show centers around Lorelai Gilmore, a single mother, and her teenage daughter Rory, along with their family and friends who reside in the close-knit community. Gilmore Girls continues to captivate and resonate with audiences due to its profound themes of connection and love, as well as the unwavering support provided by the ensemble cast, making it an incredibly popular comfort show. As the seasons progress, viewers witness the evolution of relationships in the quaint town, particularly the slow-burning and incredibly magnetic romance between Luke and Lorelai, illustrating that even in tiny towns, love can thrive.

3 Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)

Schitt's Creek showcases a captivating narrative: a privileged family's tumultuous downfall, leading them to relocate to a quaint, imaginary town inhabited by idiosyncratic and unsophisticated locals. Emphasizing themes of kinship, romance, and redemption, these overarching storylines propel the show forward. Each episode is imbued with amusing encounters and contradictions, highlighting the clash between the simplicity of small-town life and the opulence the family was accustomed to. This distinctive layer adds an enchanting touch typically absent from similar portrayals of rural communities. Despite the show's conclusion in 2020, garnering numerous accolades, viewers eagerly speculate on the potential for a Schitt's Creek revival.

4 Derry Girls (2018-2022)

Derry Girls takes place in the charming town of Derry, Northern Ireland, and follows a group of friends as they navigate the challenges of growing up. What sets this show apart from typical melodramas is its unique historical backdrop. Set in the '90s during a tumultuous period known as The Troubles, Derry Girls captures the impact of the political and historical events on its young characters. Despite the somber setting, the show is filled with witty dialogue and hilarious situations that highlight the everyday struggles of small-town adolescence while acknowledging the dark past.

5 Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

6 Dark (2017-2020)

The popular mockumentary series Parks and Recreation takes place in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, portraying it as a quintessential American small town. Combining elements of humor and political satire, the show delves into the daily challenges faced by Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler), the deputy director of Pawnee's Parks and Recreation Department. As Leslie strives to improve her community, she confronts bureaucratic obstacles and incompetence, highlighting the struggles she encounters on her mission to transform the town into a model for others. With a talented ensemble cast and amusing portrayals of local government employees, audiences can easily connect with the efforts to turn Pawnee into a better place.

Located in the fictional town of Winden, Germany, Dark unveils intricate enigmas that span multiple timelines. Following the disappearance of two young boys, the series delves into the convoluted experiences of various characters, all intertwined with the enigmatic caverns that permeate Winden. Accompanied by haunting musical scores and mesmerizing visuals, Dark delves into the repercussions of the secrets and traumas passed down through generations in a tight-knit community. The show provokes numerous inquiries concerning the nature of time and reality, evoking profound connections and perplexing mysteries that surround the four central families in the narrative.

7 Broadchurch (2013-2017)

8 Fargo (2014-present)

The psychological thriller series Broadchurch revolves around the tragic murder of a young boy in a quaint coastal town in England, which shares its name with the show. The entire community is left in shock and anguish following this brutal incident, heightened by the fact that the local police inspector has personal connections to the victims. As an enigmatic inspector from outside is enlisted to lend a hand in the investigation, both detectives are plunged into a tumultuous journey of emotional and psychological turmoil in their quest to apprehend the culprit. Broadchurch intricately depicts how a single event can irreparably fracture the closely-knit fabric of a community, exposing buried secrets and assigning blame that ultimately shatter the town beyond repair.

The critically acclaimed Fargo captures the essence of a small town in Minnesota, evoking images of snowy landscapes and people wearing trapper hats with ear flaps. What sets Fargo apart is its skillful blend of dark comedy and underlying drama. Drawing inspiration from the 1996 film of the same name, each season introduces fresh faces while weaving distinct narratives of deceit and murder within the backdrop of this perpetually besieged town. Despite shifting settings to Missouri in the latest season, Fargo managed to retain its enduring small-town vibe.

9 Riverdale (2017-2023)

10 Twin Peaks (1990-1991)

Riverdale is a contemporary adaptation of the Archie Comics, rejuvenating the outdated source material for a modern audience. This melodramatic series delves into the complexities of family, friendship, and the enigmatic and murderous events that plague their town, much like other melodramas. However, what sets Riverdale apart is its outrageous and wildly unpredictable narrative as the seasons progress. The show swiftly deviates from its typical soap opera themes to incorporate extraordinary storylines involving bear fights, alternate dimensions, superhuman abilities, time travel, supernatural beings, an immortal antagonist who acquired his powers through a pact with the Devil, and much more. Riverdale thrives on its refusal to take itself too seriously, yet the small town remains the epicenter of every enthralling tale.

The question of who killed Laura Palmer sets off a captivating investigation in the serene town of Twin Peaks, Washington. Even now, Twin Peaks remains a beloved series, its influence permeating popular culture. With its mesmerizing visuals, gripping dialogue, and haunting music, Twin Peaks intricately weaves a dark tale revolving around the FBI's pursuit of Palmer's murder. While J.J. Abrams may have popularized the idea of a "mystery box," Twin Peaks was the true trailblazer, showcasing layers of enigma and unanswered questions. In the realm of small-town dramas teeming with idiosyncratic characters and peculiar storylines, Twin Peaks undeniably reigns as the benchmark of excellence.