We all love to see accurate on-screen representation in the shows we consume, especially when it comes to the seeing how the location we live in is portrayed. San Francisco is undeniably one the most immensly scenic and delightfully photogenic cities, which lends itself effortlessly to being the gorgeous setting for several legendary television shows.
Listed below are a few of the most essential binge-worthy shows to check out that accurately utilize and highlight the best of San Francisco's features. Whether you're a local or are watching these shows from out of the city, these will all truly make you feel like you're here not only with their backdrops, but with their inclusion of our community's diversity, food scene, cultural atmosphere, and more.
See also: The Most Essential San Francisco Bay Area Podcasts To Listen To
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HBO Max
Looking is a critically-acclaimed two-season masterpiece on HBO that's also included in the “100 Greatest TV shows of the 21st century”. This compelling series is iconic for its realistic portrayal of SF's LGBTQ+ community and their daily issues, lifestyles, and complex relationships. You will be captivated by the emotional performances of Jonathan Groff, O-T Fagbenle, Murray Bartlett, and other renowned gay actors as they interact in on-location scenes at The Castro, the SFMTA, Dolores Park, and more.
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Netflix
Based on the famous novels of the same name by prominent local author Armistead Maupin, this modern miniseries catches up with Laura Linney's reprisal of Mary Ann Singleton as she emotionally revisits the famous 28 Barbary Lane and other SF locales to reconnect with her eccentric trans landlord Anna Madrigal and daughter Shawna, played by the incomparable Elliot Page.
While this feel-good iteration, written by Lauren Morelli, positively includes more diversely contemporary characters and intersectional issues, we definitely also recommend watching the original 1993 TV adaptation for a true SF nostalgia feel.
See also: 5 Must-Read Books That Quintessentially Capture San Francisco's Charm
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HBO Max, Netflix
A San Francisco show list wouldn't be complete without the inclusion of everyone's Painted Ladies-residing large family. The original 90's sitcom follows Danny Tanner, played by the revered late Bob Saget, as he navigates fatherhood in the city raising three girls with his brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos), and best friend Joey (Dave Coulier).
From 2016-2020, the beloved heartwarming TV family got a revival on Netflix as the eldest daughter DJ Fuller (Candace Cameron Bure) now faces adulthood raising three boys with sister Stephanie and best friend Kimmy in the same filled Alamo Square abode. The contemporary sequel is a side-splitting watch that successfully captures the kookiness and charm of the original, complete with SF guest stars (like Hunter Pence), outrageous dance numbers, and comical costumed shenanigans.
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HBO Max
Our animated addition is the adorable and hilariously cute We Bare Bears by Daniel Chong, which follows three brother bears around the accurately illustrated SF Bay Area. This cartoon is perfect for kids and adults alike, as the show not only shows Bay Area hotspots (like a public transportation episode, and friend Chloe attending UC Berkeley), but also contains plenty of modern, kid-friendly jokes, and niche references to our local hipster cultures.
We recommend viewing the coffeeshop, tote bag obsession, and occupy cave movement episodes for amusing SF parodies.
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Netflix
The OA offers several intriguingly original concepts, making it a captivating sci-fi sensation lead by an equally stellar cast. Its second season focuses on Brit Marling and a famous Nob Hill mansion, along with others interacting with the 16th Avenue tiled steps and the homeless population, all with the sweeping skyline and Karl the Fog making cameos in the background.
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Hulu
Woke is an exemplary show that addresses current issues in both the Black community, and in the SF Bay Area and Oakland overall. After main character Keef Knight, a famous comic artist, is unrighteously assaulted by a racist police officer near the SF City Hall, he becomes an active voice for equality and antiracism around the Bay, accompanied by fun animated characters and his friends played by the incredibly talented Blake Anderson and Sasheer Zamata.
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Peacock
As another SF classic, Monk follows the eponymous lead, played by Tony Shaloub, as a former homicide detective working to find who killed his wife and other local crimes as he also lives with OCD. Marathon Monk working with the SFPD as he travels around the city and fights crime while also getting into hi-jinks around the city's cleanliness.
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Discovery Plus
Lastly, MythBusters wins a spot for being not only authentically SF, but also for its amazing feats in science! With their M5 Industries workshop right in Potrero Hill, hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman are always out and about in the Bay conducting their grand spectacle-defying experiments. This is an easy watch to learn while being entertained, and see if you can recognize the landmarks in the back.
Which lovable SF-centric show will be your new obsession first?
See also: Our Ultimate Tourist Route For Optimally Sightseeing All Of San Francisco
Photography by: Meera Fox/Getty Images
