Portland, OR has recently been on the map due to the popularity of IFC’s comedy show “Portlandia” (spotlighted here, an earlier blog post you’ve most likely already read, since certainly you’ve “favorite-d” this site by now….)
But “Portlandia” is far from the only TV program that has featured the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon. Check out the following programs, each of which has featured Portland, OR in some way or another:
Grimm, NBC
So there’s this really awesome show about fairy tales that airs on ABC Sunday nights. It’s a HUGE hit. Okay, well, this isn’t that show. But it is the other show about fairy tales that premiered this fall on NBC. “Grimm” tells the story of a police detective who is the latest in a long line of Grimms. Yes, as in Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Most importantly, the show is shot in Portland, OR, and uses the city’s rainy weather perfectly to set an eerie mood in this detective drama. Bonus points for not only filming but also setting the story in the city of Portland, unlike…
Leverage, TNT
“Leverage” is shot in Portland, but has actually taken place in Boston, MA up through the latest season. Near the set, lucky onlookers can even see police cruisers marked up with Boston Police Department decals. “Leverage” has been a success for TNT, as the show just recently wrapped its fourth season. Rumor has it that the upcoming season’s story will actually take place in the city of Portland. More aerial shots, please!
Life Unexpected, The CW
Look! Portland! Behind those pretty people!
A big R.I.P. for this show, which was hailed as the new “Everwood” and “Gilmore Girls” for The CW network upon its premiere, but never quite found enough of an audience to stay on the air beyond its short run. While “Life, Unexpected” wasn’t filmed in Portland, all those beautiful transition shots between scenes featuring Portland’s skyline would have made you think otherwise. Plus, the main characters worked at a radio station and a bar – that’s so Portland!
Little People, Big World, TLC
Technically filmed right outside the city of Portland, this TLC reality show featured the Roloff family, led by husband and wife Matt and Amy – both whom happened to be little people. The show documented the tribulations faced by such a family over its multi-season run, such as the difficulties in reaching for that really high cereal box in the grocery store, or what happens when you’re youngest son is nearly killed by your home-made pumpkin launcher. You know, the usual.
