The setting of a TV show has often proven to be almost as beloved as the characters themselves, though only the very best truly captivate viewers. Some of the small screen’s most memorable and charming towns have the power to draw in audiences and transport them into their spectacular worlds, making them feel as if they’re right at home. From compelling dramedies to sidesplitting TV sitcoms, the backdrop of a program can be crucial for capturing the overall vibe and spirit of a project.

Fans everywhere were completely enamored by the quirky town of Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls, just like they couldn’t get enough of the wholesome yet hilariously absurd residents of Pawnee, Indiana in Parks and Recreation. Audiences fall in love with the characters and location of a TV series, becoming connected to these fictional creations. Let’s look at some of the most inviting and comforting towns television has to offer.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

9 Bikini Bottom (Spongebob Squarepants)

     Nickelodeon

Fans of the lovable yellow sponge and his merry band of endearing misfits would jump at the chance to visit the underwater city of Bikini Bottom, where quirky characters like Squidward, Mr. Krabs and Sandy reside. Whether you’re in the mood to munch on a tasty Krabby Patty at the Krusty Krab, relax at the stunning Goo Lagoon Beach or scheme and scam with the devious Plankton at the Chum Bucket, the unique town has a plethora of fun activities at its disposal. Spongebob Squarepants is an enduring and acclaimed series that has been charming audiences since 1999, and it’s no surprise that nostalgia-loving viewers would thoroughly enjoy a trip to the wholesome Bikini Bottom.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

8 Mayberry (The Andy Griffith Show)

     CBS Television Distribution

Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most celebrated television programs in history, The Andy Griffith Show famously follows widowed sheriff Andy Taylor as he raises his young son Opie (Ron Howard) in the eccentric town of Mayberry, North Carolina. The sleepy and picturesque community is full of colorful characters like the bumbling but kind Barney Fife (Don Knotts), the flirtatious and romance-loving Aunt Bee, and hilarious local drunk Otis Campbell.

With its laid-back country setting, nearly non-existent crime and beautiful scenery, Mayberry is the perfect destination for anyone searching for a slow-paced existence; the town’s name has since been used to describe an idyllic small town life.

7 Capeside (Dawson’s Creek)

     Columbia Pictures Television 

Set in the snug New England town of Capeside, Massachusetts, the ’90s hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek centers on a close group of diverse teenagers as they experience the growing pains of adolescence and struggles involving family, friends and falling in love.

Filmed in the port city of Wilmington, North Carolina, the breathtaking Capeside captures the charm and magic of a coastal town and features stunning beaches and creeks, elegant homes and plenty of lively activities. From grabbing some fish and chips at the Icehouse to renting the latest Steven Spielberg flick at the video store, or simply sightseeing on the boardwalk, Capeside is an enchanting place to visit.

6 Springfield (The Simpsons)

     20th Century Fox

While some fictional towns evoke feelings of tranquility and wonder, places like the delightfully chaotic Springfield instill the opposite energy, but fans of The Simpsons wouldn’t have it any other way. The long-running, heartwarming pop culture juggernaut has been a staple show in millions of households since it premiered back in 1989, introducing audiences to iconic Simpsons characters like dopey dad Homer, Krusty The Clown, and Ned Flanders.

Though it’s often considered a terrible place to live by its cynical residents, that’s part of the allure of Springfield for the show’s devoted fans. Visitors can grab a cold drink at Moe’s Tavern or pop over and say hello to Apu at the Kwik-E-Mart, while interacting with the iconic characters.

5 Cicely (Northern Exposure)

     NBCUniversal Television Distribution

Set in the quirky and cozy Alaskan town of Cicely, the lauded dramedy series Northern Exposure chronicles the lives of the community’s offbeat residents as neortic young doctor Joel Fleischman is relocated to the small town to practice medicine. The New York yuppie is a fish out of water in the whimsical Cicely, as he eventually becomes close to its endearing inhabitants and appreciates the wondrous beauty of the awe-inspiring nature around him.

The quaint town is widely believed to be based on Talkeetna, Alaska yet was filmed in Roslyn, Washington; the popular program is beloved among fans for its captivating characters, gorgeous scenery and feelings of camaraderie.

4 The Good Place

     NBCUniversal Television Distribution 

Despite passionate fans of The Good Place learning early on that the titular town is in fact “the bad place,” viewers of the hit fantasy comedy show would nonetheless love a chance to live in the seemingly idyllic community. The Heaven-esque utopia consists of picture-worthy shops, restaurants and homes, with perfectly manicured lawns and cheerful blue skies.

Residents of the so-called Good Place afterlife receive specifically tailored houses that are crafted to their unique style and taste, leaving many fans pondering what their own personal oasis would manifest as. While we know nothing is as it seems in the Peabody-winning series, no one can deny the town would be a killer place to live.

3 Schitt’s Creek

     ITV StudiosLionsgate

After they lose their fortune and are evicted from their sprawling mansion, the once wealthy Rose family are forced to move to the titular Ontario town in the cult hit Schitt’s Creek, which chronicles the clan’s hilarious attempts to acclimate to “normal” life.

The rustic, rural community is home to some pretty eccentric residents, like the nosy mayor Roland Schitt and the ditzy-yet-sweet waitress Twyla, and fans instantly fell in love with the Rosebud Motel and its delightfully sardonic clerk Stevie Budd. From the quirky Tropical Café to the upscale local goods shop Rose Apothecary, the show and its uproarious characters truly make viewers of Schitt’s Creek feel right at home.

2 Pawnee (Parks and Recreation)

     NBCUniversal

Fewer towns are as wonderfully weird and wholesome as Pawnee, Indiana, whose residents are ridiculous and absurd in the best way possible. Devoted fans of Parks and Recreation love the zany townspeople who continuously challenge and inspire Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) as she attempts to make Pawnee the best it can be despite their constant complaining. Life is never dull in the feel good Parks and Recreation, with beloved characters like the lovable goof Andy Dwyer, sassy Donna Meagle and deadpan Ron Swanson all making the sitcom as comforting as a warm hug that constantly keeps you coming back for more.

1 Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls)

     Warner Bros. 

Undeniably the most enviable and picturesque town in television is without-a-doubt Stars Hollow, the place where cherished mother/daughter duo Lorelai and Rory Gilmore call home in the dramedy series Gilmore Girls. Fans couldn’t help but yearn for a cup of coffee from Luke’s Diner or want to peruse Kim’s Antiques, and they certainly daydreamed about participating in one of the town’s many unique festivals and traditions. Stars Hollow’s slow pace and endearing residents truly add to its offbeat appeal, and viewers love how the show stunningly experiences all the different seasons that make it even more magical.