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Celebrate America's birthday month with these TV shows set in areas from coast to coast
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If you want to show your patriotism while maintaining couch potato status, check out this map of the United States via the best TV shows set in each region. - photo by Shutterstock
Amanda Taylor
KSL.com
Updated: Jul 10, 2018, 1:45 PM
Published: Jul 8, 2018, 2:44 PM

TV LAND — Many of us fired up the grill and lit fireworks (where they're still legal) to celebrate America’s birthday this month, but the hottest time of the year might require a little inside time.

If you want to show your patriotism while maintaining couch potato status, we've mapped out the United States via the best TV shows set in each region.

The Northeast

Probably the best show about New York City today is “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” It stars Ellie Kemper as a woman who was kidnapped and kept in an underground bunker for years before she broke out and moved to the Big Apple.

She doesn’t live in a questionably large and luxurious apartment, but rather a dingy basement with her odd friend Titus Andromedon. But Kimmy still has that classic "anything can happen here" NYC spirit.

The fourth season of the show is available now on Netflix.

If you want to watch a show set in our nation’s capital in and around TV politics, “Scandal” is a perfect place to go. Kerry Washington stars as Olivia Pope, a political crisis management expert who works with Washington's biggest (fictional) names.

The espionage and romance might be a little more glamorous than the actual Washington, D.C., but hey — it’s supposed to be, right? The series is available now on Netflix.

The West

The surreal murder mystery “Twin Peaks” has a lot of elements that give it its signature spooky vibe, but none more so than its gorgeous Pacific Northwest backdrop. The forests and waterfalls that set the stage for solving Laura Palmer’s murder will make you want to book a trip.

The first two seasons of the show are available now on Netflix.

Since it’s literally in the name, “The O.C.” is a pretty perfect representation of southern California life. The popular primetime soap opera features sailing, surfing, eating at The Crab Shack and seeing all the best bands perform before anyone else knows they’re cool — sounds like California.

The series is available on Hulu and Amazon.

The South

Set in Music City itself, “Nashville” gives a behind-the-scenes look at what can go on in the lives of country music stars. With a non-stop soundtrack of catchy country hits, it’s a show for anyone who has ever wished they had a dog and a truck to sing about.

The show is in its final season on CMT.

The high school football drama “Friday Night Lights” has a repeated motto — “Texas Forever” — which fairly sums up the passion Texans feel for their home state. In a town where high school football and good barbecue rule, they have everything they need.

Watch episodes on Amazon Prime, YouTube and iTunes.

The midwest

All about employees working in a big box store, the comedy “Superstore” keeps the laughs coming while accurately depicting everyday life for those making ends meet in St. Louis, Missouri. They’re just regular people, with regular jobs.

Watch early seasons of the show on NBC, YouTube, Google Play and Amazon. The show's fourth season begins October 4th on NBC.

The kids at William McKinley High in the dramedy-musical "Glee" can’t wait to leave Ohio — which is probably relatable to some of the population living in the middle of the country. But they have a decent bowling alley and a great school auditorium, so they’re occupied, for now.

The show's six seasons are available on Netflix.

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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot
Martha Ostergar
KSL.com
Updated: Dec 30, 2018, 5:00 PM
Published: Dec 29, 2018, 1:57 PM

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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