The Lincoln Lawyer & 10 Must-See Shows Spotlighting the City of Angels

The Lincoln Lawyer, a popular legal drama on Netflix, breaks the trend of most series by actually being set in Los Angeles, which is known as one of the top filming locations in the US. With its numerous studio lots and diverse landscape, LA can effortlessly transform into any setting, contributing to the city's exponential population growth and sprawling urbanization across thousands of square miles. However, the true essence of Los Angeles lies in its unique regions, cultures, and communities, which remain largely unexplored on-screen.

The Lincoln Lawyer stands out among the few TV shows that choose to place their stories in Los Angeles itself. The city's vibrant melting pot of cultures makes it an intriguing backdrop for gripping drama, amplified by the presence of the entertainment industry. Hollywood, with its absurdity and inflated egos, has become a captivating subject of exploration for TV writers. Meanwhile, other series delve into the rampant wealth inequality, as well as the perceived shallowness and moral decay associated with LA.

The Lincoln Lawyer

GLOW

The Lincoln Lawyer, a captivating adaptation of Michael Connelly's book series, revolves around Micky Haller, a defense attorney who operates his law office from the comfort of a chauffeur-driven Lincoln town car. This acclaimed series is the brainchild of the immensely talented David E. Kelley, renowned for his exceptional legal dramas like Ally McBeal, Boston Legal, and Goliath. Haller's journeys within the car take us through various iconic locations in the car-friendly city of Los Angeles, including the enchanting Marina Del Rey, bustling Grand Avenue, and the prestigious Spring Street, often referred to as the "Wall Street of the West".

Netflix’s GLOW depicts a fictional women’s wrestling circuit set in Los Angeles during the 1980s. The central focus lies on the turbulent relationship between Ruth and Debbie, who were once best friends but now have become estranged. Their personal conflict is strategically exploited by the wrestling director for maximum entertainment value. The series stands out with its cleverly designed production, providing a distinct portrayal of 1980s Los Angeles. Utilizing numerous authentic locations throughout the city, the show captures the essence of the era. Moreover, as the wrestlers' fictional tour expands, it ventures into the wider regions of Southern California and Southern Nevada.

Bojack Horseman

Bojack Horseman mesmerizes viewers with the captivating tale of its eponymous protagonist as he navigates the complexities of life in the flashy realm of Hollywood. This iconic character, who astonishingly possesses the ability to converse, happens to be a talking horse. The series stands as a pinnacle in Netflix's collection of adult animated shows, skillfully blending an element of ludicrous comedy, sharp satire, and deeply resonating interpersonal conflicts. With its irreverent sense of humor, the show fearlessly exposes the ills and absurdities of the entertainment industry and the city it calls home, Los Angeles. Notably, numerous well-known figures in this world make guest appearances, lending their voices to the characters. Additionally, the show's remarkable art direction showcases a multitude of clever background jokes, emphasizing the comical premise of an alternate Los Angeles populated by humanoid animals.

Charlie’s Angels

This iconic action series revolves around three women employed at a detective agency in Los Angeles, working under the mysterious Charlie. Upon its release, the show garnered immense success, exceeding the expectations of ABC executives who initially lacked confidence in its potential. In fact, the network aired the pilot episode again just one week later to verify the astonishing viewership numbers (via Sunday Post). The filming of Charlie's Angels took place at various locations throughout Los Angeles, as the producers favored real settings over studio lots. However, this preference often presented challenges, as the actresses' immense popularity frequently led to sets being swarmed by enthusiastic fans.

Lucifer

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

: Lucifer, the crime procedural series, tells the tale of a devil who abandons hell to become a nightclub owner in Los Angeles. He joins the LAPD as a consultant to unravel murder mysteries. Initially aired on Fox, the show ran for 3 seasons before facing cancellation. However, Netflix came to the rescue and picked it up, blessing us with three more seasons of this captivating urban fantasy detective show. Lucifer skillfully showcases the seedy underbelly of LA, where sin flourishes and the eponymous character thrives.

As depicted in its awe-inspiring theme song, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air chronicles the journey of a street-smart young man from Philadelphia who is uprooted and placed in the opulent neighborhood of Bel-Air, Los Angeles, to reside with his affluent relatives. Despite being primarily shot on studio lots, this multi-camera sitcom revolves around Los Angeles and humorously showcases the protagonist's resistance against the glamourized and posh lifestyle embraced by the city's prosperous elite. The series has even spawned a riveting reinterpretation, Bel-Air, set within the same community of LA.

Barry

This black comedy-drama series, co-created and starring Bill Hader, follows the story of Barry Berkman, a disillusioned hitman who moves to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, all while evading crime bosses and the watchful eye of the police. Over its four seasons, the series evolves from a lighthearted blend of drama and comedy to a deep exploration of existential themes, all while maintaining a satirical perspective on the inner workings of the Hollywood entertainment industry, a realm in which Hayder, an industry veteran, holds great familiarity. Primarily focusing on the struggles of the less fortunate residents of Los Angeles, Barry extensively features the suburban homes that lie on the outskirts of the city's sprawling landscape.

Columbo

This timeless crime series chronicles the adventures of Columbo, a seemingly unremarkable yet relentless detective for the LAPD, as he works to solve murders. The show's unique structure, which showcases the crime being committed in the opening scene, provides an immensely satisfying viewing experience as Columbo persistently hounds murderers who are convinced they have executed the perfect plan. The allure of the series lies in witnessing the steady downfall of arrogant and self-important criminals who consistently underestimate Columbo. This approach is particularly fitting in the backdrop of Los Angeles, a city known for its superficiality and affluent population, making it the perfect setting for Columbo's investigations. Over the years, the series has been revived multiple times, offering captivating insights into the evolving landscape of Los Angeles.

Six Feet Under

Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip

HBO's critically acclaimed dark comedy series, Six Feet Under, chronicles the dysfunctional Fisher family as they navigate the operation of a funeral home in the bustling city of Los Angeles. The show delves deep into the exploration of death, examining its multifaceted aspects - interpersonal, philosophical, and spiritual - with a fresh corpse featured in each episode. By showcasing funerals for individuals from diverse backgrounds, Six Feet Under offers a thought-provoking commentary on the universal nature of mortality. Set in a city known for its extensive urban landscape and diverse cultural tapestry, Los Angeles provides an ideal backdrop to bring this concept to life.

Aaron Sorkin's lesser-known comedy-drama delves into the behind-the-scenes world of a sketch show based on the iconic Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. Comparable to Saturday Night Live, the fictional West Coast production showcases the LA Philharmonic in its second episode. Drawing parallels to the likes of Bojack Horseman and The Lincoln Lawyer, the series captures the essence of Hollywood by featuring renowned celebrities as themselves and utilizing recognizable LA locations. Despite boasting an impressive ensemble cast and sparking a bidding war for its rights, Studio 60 on The Sunset Strip unfortunately faced an untimely cancellation after just one season. Nevertheless, it remains widely regarded as one of Aaron Sorkin's finest endeavors.

Source: Sunday Post.