Florida’s vibrant culture, picturesque landscapes, and unique quirks have long made it a captivating setting for television series. From crime dramas to comedies, shows set in the Sunshine State offer viewers a diverse array of stories and characters. Below is a list of some of the best TV shows set in Florida, including information on where you can stream them. If you have one you think we missed, please add it in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
Bad Monkey
“Bad Monkey” is a black comedy crime drama that premiered on Apple TV+ in August 2024. Developed by Bill Lawrence and based on Carl Hiaasen’s 2013 novel, the series stars Vince Vaughn as Andrew Yancy, a former Miami detective demoted to restaurant inspector in the Florida Keys.
The plot kicks off when a tourist discovers a severed arm, propelling Yancy into a tangled web of corruption and intrigue that spans Florida and the Bahamas. The show has been praised for its sharp humor and engaging storytelling.
The show shows the Conch Republic (the Keys) off very well, and it’s obvious that the show didn’t decide to save money by filming in another state. It’s all on-location, and it’s all Florida.
You can stream “Bad Monkey” exclusively on Apple TV+. It will be back for a second season.
It’s Florida, Man
“It’s Florida, Man” is an anthology series that premiered on HBO in October 2024. The show reenacts bizarre yet true stories from Florida, narrated by real residents and portrayed by well-known comedians. Each episode delves into peculiar events, such as unusual criminal escapades and eccentric local traditions, offering a humorous and often surreal glimpse into the state’s unique culture. Other times, it’s downright weird and can make you wonder “what the heck is wrong with people?!!”
“Florida Man” is available for streaming on HBO Max. A second season has been ordered but not yet released.
Florida Man (Limited Series on Netflix)
Mike Valentine (Edgar Ramirez) is a struggling ex-cop forced to return to his home state of Florida to find a Philly mobster’s runaway girlfriend. What should be a quick gig becomes a spiraling journey into buried family secrets and an increasingly futile attempt to do the right thing.
Set in New Smyrna Beach, oddly, this show was mostly filmed in Southeast North Carolina, mostly in the Wilmington area and its surroundings. While those are very spots in their own right, it’s definitely not Florida, and sharp-eyed viewers familiar with places like Carolina Beach will recognize some places from there. Still, “Florida Man” is entertaining, and coupled with a suspension of disbelief, you will be entertained.
Dexter
“Dexter” is a critically acclaimed crime drama that originally aired on Showtime from 2006 to 2013. The series follows Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a forensic blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer, targeting criminals who have evaded justice. Known for its intense storytelling and complex character development, “Dexter” explores moral ambiguity and the duality of human nature. A total of 96 episodes over six seasons were filmed.
The series is available for streaming on Showtime and can also be accessed through platforms like Amazon Prime Video with a Showtime add-on.
CSI: Miami
“CSI: Miami” is a police procedural drama that aired on CBS from 2002 to 2012. The show centers on Lieutenant Horatio Caine (David Caruso) and his team of forensic investigators as they solve crimes in Miami. Known for its stylized visuals and dramatic storytelling, the series delves into the city’s seedy underbelly, addressing a wide range of criminal activities. Like “Miami Vice”, CSI: Miami is a nostalgic look back at a time gone by in Florida, and sometimes the show seems to be a self-parody, making it even more fun to watch.
“CSI: Miami” is available for streaming on platforms like Paramount+ or YouTubeTV.
Bloodline
“Bloodline” is a psychological thriller that premiered on Netflix in 2015 and ran for three seasons. Set in the Florida Keys, the series follows the Rayburn family, whose dark secrets and past tragedies resurface with the return of the black sheep brother, Danny (Ben Mendelsohn).
The show explores themes of family loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions. “Bloodline” is available exclusively on Netflix.
The Glades
“The Glades” is a crime drama series that aired on A&E from 2010 to 2013. The show stars Matt Passmore as Jim Longworth, a Chicago detective who relocates to a small town in the Florida Everglades, expecting a more relaxed lifestyle working for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) — the real-life statewide law enforcement agency. Rather than a laid back 9 to 5, Jim finds himself investigating an array of bizarre and complex murder cases all across the Sunshine State.
The series has great views from filming locations all over the state, and combines procedural elements with character-driven storytelling and is available for streaming on platforms like Hulu.
The Golden Girls
“The Golden Girls” is a beloved TV show set in Florida that aired on NBC from 1985 to 1992. The series features four older women—Dorothy (Bea Arthur), Rose (Betty White), Blanche (Rue McClanahan), and Sophia (Estelle Getty)—sharing a home in Miami. Known for its sharp wit and heartfelt moments, the show explores themes of friendship, aging, and life transitions.
A perennial audience favorite, “The Golden Girls” remains a cultural touchstone and is available for streaming on platforms like Hulu and Disney+.
Miami Vice
“Miami Vice” is an iconic crime drama that aired on NBC from 1984 to 1989. The series stars Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as undercover detectives Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs, who tackle drug trafficking and other crimes in Miami. Renowned for its stylish visuals, fashion, and music, “Miami Vice” had a significant impact on 1980s pop culture. Viewers today might enjoy a nostalgic look back into a different time in Florida.
The series is available for streaming on platforms like Peacock.
Burn Notice
“Burn Notice” is an action-packed series that aired on the USA Network from 2007 to 2013. The show follows Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), a spy who is suddenly “burned” (blacklisted) and stranded in Miami. With the help of his friends, including ex-girlfriend Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar) and former Navy SEAL Sam (Bruce Campbell), Michael uses his skills to help those in need while seeking to uncover who burned him. “Burn Notice” is available for streaming on platforms like Hulu.
I Dream of Jeannie
As any baby-boomer can tell you, one of the all-time most popular TV shows set in Florida was I Dream of Jeannie. Originally airing at the peak of the Space Race to the land the first humans on the surface of the Moon, “I Dream of Jeannie” is a classic sitcom that aired on NBC from 1965 to 1970. The series stars Barbara Eden as a 2,000-year-old genie named Jeannie and Larry Hagman as astronaut Tony Nelson, who becomes her master after discovering her bottle on a deserted island.
Set in Cocoa Beach, Florida, the show combines fantasy elements with comedic situations arising from Jeannie’s magical interventions in Tony’s life. “I Dream of Jeannie” is available for streaming on platforms like Crackle and Amazon Prime Video.
