Lights, Camera, Fog: A Hilariously Incomplete Guide to San Francisco TV Shows
Ah, San Francisco. Home of sourdough bread, cable cars, and enough hills to make your Fitbit cry. But it's also a city that's been a backdrop for countless TV shows. We're talking everything from heartwarming family sitcoms to gritty crime dramas (with, hopefully, less grit than those sourdough crumbs on your shirt).
So, grab a cioppino bowl (because, let's face it, tourists gotta tourist) and settle in as we explore some of the shows that have called the City by the Bay their home.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
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| What Tv Shows Are Set In San Francisco |
Full House in the Fuller House: The Nostalgia Goldmine
Let's start with the classic, the one that made us all want to live in a painted Victorian with our widowed dad, a goofy uncle, and a trio of nieces and a nephew. Full House (1987-1995) gave us the Tanner family, corny jokes, and the iconic "cut it out, Uncle Jesse!" Just be warned, subsequent viewings may induce cravings for both Comet dog treats and Michelle Tanner's sassy one-liners.
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
Murder, She Wrote? More Like Mystery, She Solved!
If you prefer your San Francisco with a side of homicide, then Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996) is your jam. Follow everyone's favorite mystery novelist, Jessica Fletcher, as she stumbles upon more dead bodies than a cable car turnaround. Just remember, in San Francisco, a seemingly ordinary trip to the farmer's market could end with you needing to dust off your detective skills (though hopefully for less deadly reasons).
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
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Paging Dr. McCoy: Beam Us Up to San Fransisco
For the sci-fi geeks, there's always Star Trek: Picard (2020-present). Jean-Luc Picard's retirement in wine country gets a rude interruption when duty calls (again). While most of the action takes place in space (because, you know, starship captain and all), seeing a (slightly older) Picard navigate the familiar streets of San Francisco adds a fun layer for longtime fans.
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
This is just a taste of the smorgasbord of TV shows filmed in San Francisco. There's the quirky charm of Full House, the suspenseful whodunits of Murder, She Wrote, and the futuristic possibilities of Star Trek: Picard. No matter your genre preference, there's a San Francisco-based show waiting to be your next binge-watch.
How to Channel Your Inner San Francisco TV Star?
- How to talk like a local? Master the art of saying "Frisco" with a completely straight face. (Spoiler alert: most San Franciscans will cringe, but hey, you'll be channeling your inner Michelle Tanner, right?)
- How to dress for the weather? Layers are your friend. The fog can roll in at any moment, so be prepared for sunshine, wind, and everything in between.
- How to get around? Cable cars are a must-do tourist experience, but for everyday life, consider exploring the city's extensive public transportation system (MUNI) or renting a bike (just watch out for those hills!).
- How to find the best sourdough? This is a highly debated topic, but Tartine Bakery and Boudin Bakery are both popular options.
- How to avoid getting tangled with a fictional murder investigation? Maybe avoid spending too much time at the local bookstore. You never know when you might stumble upon a Jessica Fletcher uncovering a killer plot.
So there you have it! A (slightly) tongue-in-cheek guide to San Francisco on TV. Now get out there, explore the city, and maybe even create your own San Francisco-based television masterpiece (just try to keep the murder plots to a minimum).
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