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10+ Binge-Worthy TV Shows Set and Filmed in North Carolina

Published by Christina Riley. Last Updated on June 23, 2024.

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Whether you’re stuck inside or worn out from days out exploring, we know there might be times better spent with your TV. And in case you didn’t know, there are quite a few TV shows filmed in or set in North Carolina.

We’re going to share some iconic shows along with personal favorites in this guide.

While we do that, grab your remotes and reminiscence as we share shows that are absolutely worth binging away your days.

Read More: Movies Filmed In North Carolina (and Set Here, Too!)

Binge-Worthy North Carolina TV Shows

The Andy Griffith Show

We starting things off by throwing it back to Mayberry along with a fun fact alert!

While The Andy Griffith Show was filmed in Culver City, California, Mayberry is said to be based on Griffithโ€™s hometown of Mount Airy in Surry County. Stop by and you’ll find many attractions based on the television series.

In the show, you’ll fall in love with the entire community as the title character keeps the peace as the small townโ€™s trusted sheriff. Popular characters Barney Fife, Opie (played by a young Ron Howard), and Aunt Bee joined Griffith during the show’s run from 1960-68.

One Tree Hill

There really isnโ€™t anything better than escaping reality than going back to high school, is there? Filmed in Wilmington and set in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, this series quickly rose to 4.3 million weekly viewers.

With the first couple of seasons focusing on half-brothers Lucas and Nathan in high school, One Tree Hill follows them and their social circle through adulthood. 

Visiting film sites like this is one of our favorite things to do in Wilmington!

Eastbound & Down

Former professional baseball pitcher Kenny Powers deals with a new hand as returns home to Shelby in Eastbound & Down. Will Ferrell’s Gary Sanchez Productions produced the show that enjoyed a four-season run on HBO.

The show follows Powers tries to make a comeback while standing in his own way to success. There are more than a few hilarious and unpredictable moments along the way in this show.

Read More: Minor League Baseball in NC (15+ Interesting Teams to Watch)

State of Grace

In State of Grace, best friends Hannah (Alia Shawkat) and Grace (Mae Whitman) navigate the 1960s in the fictitious town of Ashmore (not Asheboro), North Carolina.

Hannah’s family moves from Chicago to Ashmore, where her parents own a furniture factory. She joins forces with friend Grace to form a smart and funny pre-teen duo who navigates life in ways similar to The Wonder Years.

Interestingly, both Shawkat and Whitman starred in Arrested Development as Maeby Fรผnke and Ann Veal (her?).

The Carmichael Show

The Carmichael Show ran from 2015-17 on NBC and followed Jerrod Carmichael and his fictional family through provocative situations with hilarious jokes. Set in Charlotte, the sitcom received positive reviews and is worth at least a giggle or two on your couch! 

A Chefโ€™s Life

North Carolina-born chef and celebrity Vivian Howard explores what farm-fresh food looks like and how to utilize it in A Chef’s Life. Each episode highlights one ingredient and farmer in and around Kinston.

If you love food and where it comes from, watch the Deep Run native share North Carolina’s heart and soul. She does that through dish demos by herself or with folks who join the show.

Chef Howard’s Deep Run Roots features in our guide to essential North Carolina cookbooks. You can pick up a copy at any local book store near you!

Bless the Harts

Does the town of Greenpoint sound oddly familiar to anymore? If not, that’s okay because it serves as the fictional setting of Bless the Harts. In this animated sitcom, a working-class family struggles to make ends meet.

It features the familiar voices of Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and other names from various popular shows. The showโ€™s second season is set to debut in September 2020. 

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American Horror Story: Roanoke

This FX series American Horror Story has taken the nation by storm, with a whole host of interesting themes and stories. During the sixth season, it takes a darker tone and follows a couple who fled to North Carolina.

There, they work to refurbish an abandoned colonial farmhouse in an area reminiscent of Roanoke Island’s Lost Colony. Recurring characters such as Kathy Bates and Cuba Gooding Jr along for the ride, promising suspense around every corner.

MadHouse

Madhouse was a one-season reality TV series that followed modified-class race car drivers out of Winston-Salem. Races commenced at the famous Bowman Gray Stadium‘s quarter-mile speedway. 

Five main drivers were followed throughout the series. While it was canceled before the season finale aired, there have been many talks about putting out another show based on races at Bowman Gray.

Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks

Wicked Tuna takes it to the coast as fisherman battle to see who can catch the most Atlantic bluefin tuna off the Outer Banks. Not only is there competition on this reality TV series, but you’ll also learn about how the catch provides for these hardworking folks and their families.

My Big Fat Fabulous Life

Before moving to North Carolina, I was a big fan of Greensboro resident Whitney Way Thore. Like me, she spent time teaching in South Korea, and I absolutely loved the body-positive message she spread in My Big Fat Fabulous Life.

Thore was clearly one of the first people to focus on this. The show chronicles her life as she navigates her weight, love life, and beyond.

Read More: Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More!)

Bonus: Dawsonโ€™s Creek

Be still my Millennial heart. I mean, who else grew up falling in love with Dawson, Pacey, Joey, and Jen? And while Dawsonโ€™s Creek took place in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts, it was most definitely filmed in Wilmington.

Other North Carolina spots featured include Wrightsville Beach and UNC-Wilmington, Duke University in Durham, and spots around Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.

Honestly, the real question should be, “How dare they try and pass Massachusetts off for North Carolina?!”

Read More: Excellent Day Trips from Wilmington Within 2 Hours

Our Thoughts and Yours, Too!

We think these North Carolina-filmed and -set TV shows will take care of your next binge, especially if you love traveling through this state. Don’t forget that we’re always updating our posts, so keep coming back, and you’ll likely find something added.

A big reason why we update our posts is because of you. If you have a show in mind that we MUST add, please let us know about it here or via email. We’d love to binge, I mean, look into prospective additions and do thorough investigative research.