Brew City on the Boob Tube: When Milwaukee Became Must-See TV
Ah, Milwaukee. Home to cheese curds that squeak like happy mice, a stadium shaped like a giant beer mug, and apparently, a surprisingly hotbed of television history! That's right, folks, this Midwestern metropolis has graced the silver screen (well, okay, the flickering rectangle) more times than you might think. So, grab a Spotted Cow (or your favorite beverage), put on your favorite cheesehead (or your favorite hat, no judgment), and get ready to dive into the world of shows that put Milwaukee on the map.
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| What Tv Shows Were Set In Milwaukee |
Classic Comedy Comfort Food
First up, we have the undisputed champions of Milwaukee TV: Laverne & Shirley. These sassy roommates and bottle-capping queens brought the charm of 1950s and 60s Milwaukee to our living rooms for eight glorious seasons. We learned about life on the assembly line at Shotz Brewery (probably not a real brewery, but hey, it's the spirit that counts!), their misadventures navigating the dating scene, and of course, their undeniable love for a good burger (looking at you, Lenny's). Laverne & Shirley may be gone, but their legacy as Milwaukee's most iconic TV duo lives on!
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Did You Know? Laverne & Shirley wasn't actually filmed in Milwaukee! Believe it or not, those classic shots of their apartment building were actually filmed in Burbank, California. Hollywood magic, baby!
Happy Days also deserves an honorable mention here. Though technically set in a fictional Wisconsin town, the show's undeniable "Midwest charm" and references to Milwaukee (including everyone's favorite greaser hangout, Arnold's) make it feel like a Milwaukeean cousin to Laverne & Shirley.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Beyond the Sitcomsphere
Milwaukee's television footprint extends beyond laugh tracks. Patriot, a dark and hilarious spy thriller, used Milwaukee as the backdrop for its protagonist's undercover mission. Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (warning: this one's not for the faint of heart) explored the horrific crimes of the Milwaukee serial killer.
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Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
Hold the Phone, Isn't That Chicago?
Hey, we all know Hollywood loves to play fast and loose with geography. Sometimes, Milwaukee gets the short end of the stick. For example, in the Criminal Minds episode "Doubt," while the story takes place in Milwaukee, filming actually happened in a Chicago suburb. So, if you see a familiar skyline and think, "Wait a minute, that's not the lakefront!", don't be surprised.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
How to Get Your Show Milwaukee-fied
Thinking of pitching a show set in Brewtown? Here's a quick guide:
How to Channel Your Inner Laverne & Shirley: Stock your characters' fridge with Leinenkugel's and Usinger's sausage.How to Capture the Essence of the City: Film a scene at a Brewers game (bonus points for a walk-off homerun!).How to Avoid Confusion: Double-check your establishing shots, folks! We don't want another Chicago switcheroo.
So there you have it! A whistle-stop tour of Milwaukee's television moments. From classic sitcoms to dark dramas, the city that brews has proven it can be the perfect setting for all sorts of stories. What show will be the next to put Milwaukee in the spotlight? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: Hollywood ain't seen the last of Brew City!
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