1 post tagged “facts”

Do you get a little excited when you hear somebody mention your hometown on television? Living in Philadelphia, this doesn’t happen as often as it does in other places. But it might happen more than you know. Philadelphia and the surrounding area have played a pivotal role in many sitcoms and dramas on television. It may have even been the setting for one of your favorite shows and you didn’t even know it. Here are some of the popular (and not so popular) programs in which the “City of Brotherly Love” has played a part.

American Bandstand

This iconic TV program was hosted for several decades by the immortal Dick Clark. It showcased the latest hits in pop music and local teens dancing to those hits. Each week, a popular act from the era would come on the show and lip-sync their latest hit. American Bandstand started out as a local Philadelphia show. It made its debut on WFIL-TV in 1952 and some of the biggest names in music graced the stages, ranging from Patsy Cline to Aerosmith and hundreds more in between.

American Dreams

Remember this short-lived drama that lasted from 2002-2005? The show was a fictional drama that had American Bandstand as a centerpiece to the daily lives and families of the characters. American Dreams focused on the Pryor family during the 1960s in middle-class Philadelphia. It took on tough topics like the Vietnam War, teen pregnancy and others. Popular actors and musicians played the part of iconic music stars performing on American Bandstand each week.

The Class

This 19-episode sitcom focused around a group of former classmates in their late 20s and living in Philadelphia. The characters attended third grade together, but had no connections to each other until a classmate gathers them all for a party. From there, they reunite and form lifelong friendships, each with their unique dynamics and situations. The Class only lasted for one season (2005-2006) before being cancelled.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Although the setting for the show doesn’t take place in Philadelphia, the main character (Will Smith) hails from the western part of Philadelphia. He was sent to live with his upper-class relatives in a mansion in Bel-Air where lifestyles collide. The characters mention “Philly” numerous times and it’s even mentioned in the opening theme song. This popular sitcom lasted from 1990 to 1996 on NBC and you can find it in syndication on several different channels.

Parking Wars

This show is set to premier in January 2008. It’s a reality-based show that follows workers from the Philadelphia Parking Authority around as they perform their normal duties. While it may not sound exciting, watching the reaction of the ticket recipients is often amusing if not downright hilarious. Check your local listings for this A&E Television program. Maybe if this show is a success, they’ll base a reality show on a local Philadelphia Mercedes-Benz dealer. Wouldn’t that be interesting?

Hearing your hometown mentioned on a nationwide television show instills a sense of pride to some viewers. Having an entire show dedicated to your city is even better. Philadelphia residents have many things to be proud of and these TV shows just add to that list.