While the winter solstice is in the rearview mirror, we’ve still got a bundle of chilly nights and early sunsets to conquer before the radiant days make their comeback. Wondering how to jazz up these evenings? Well, here's a vibrant lineup (these are just a few, there are so many more) of Florida-centric entertainment, whether it's about the Sunshine State or shot right here. Let's power through until we spring those clocks forward, swapping binge nights for long, glorious beach days!
The Real Florida!
Protect Our Paradise
The Protect Our Paradise series on the Discover Florida Channel takes you through the Sunshine State’s natural wonders and on-the-ground conservation efforts.
Comedic TV Shows
Fresh Off the Boat
This show is loosely based on restaurateur Eddie Huang’s life growing up in 1990s Orlando as his family works to pursue the American Dream and keep up with the Joneses.
I Dream of Jeannie
As you probably already know, the show set in Cape Kennedy is about a genie who falls for the astronaut who finds her bottle. This is the definition of a classic!
Jane the Virgin
Set in vibrant Miami, this show is a telenovela that will have you obsessed from the first episode. It’s filled with twists and turns.
The Golden Girls
An all-time favorite. Florida is known for being a haven for folks in retirement, so is it any wonder a (hilarious and heartwarming) TV show was made starring four older women living out their golden years in Miami?
Adventure
How to Do Florida
Personal fav! While you’re visiting the Discover Florida channel/app, make sure to binge one of my all-time favorite shows: How to Do Florida. Now in it’s 12th season, this show is a guide to hands-on enjoyment of Florida. .
Crime-Fighting TV Shows
Burn Notice
After he’s been given his “burn notice,” a former spy moves back to his hometown of Miami to eke out a living putting his spy skills to use for his clients. Bruce Campbell is part of the supporting cast, so you know it’s going to be entertaining no matter what!
CSI: Miami
This police procedural has been spoofed so many times, you’ve probably felt like you’ve seen at least half of the 232 episodes already, but if you’re looking for a TV show that will keep you hooked for a long time, you’ve found it!
Miami Vice
They made a movie in 2006, but honestly, is there any topping a show made in the ‘80s? If you haven’t heard of it, it’s about two detectives going undercover in Miami’s drug world, and it has everything you’re assuming it has—and more.
Dramatic TV Shows
Florida Man
This is a new Netflix show set on the Treasure Coast about an ex-cop forced to return to Florida. I haven’t had the chance to watch this yet, but I’m hearing that it’s fun and filled with references to happenings pulled from the headlines.
On Becoming a God in Central Florida
This show is also set in the 1990s and around Orlando, but it deals with a topic that I think has touched most American lives: multi-level marketing schemes, and what consultants are willing to do to make money in them.
Must-Watch Movies
Apollo 13
This gripping movie is based on the true story of the Apollo 13 lunar mission, what went wrong, and how the astronauts and NASA worked together through the unthinkable.
Dolphin Tale
This is another movie inspired by a true story. Winter the bottlenose dolphin lost her tail in a crab trap—and changed the life of the boy who found her. And it’s really Winter playing herself in the movie! Side note: Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see where Dolphin Tale was filmed and if you want to make a whole themed weekend out it, stay at Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club.
Ruby in Paradise
Are you a fan of Jane Austen? Then you absolutely must watch this original take on Northanger Abbey. It centers on Ruby—our Catherine, played by Ashley Judd—and how she gains life experience after moving to a Florida resort town following the death of her mother.
Sunshine State
This ensemble piece puts Florida’s landscape front and center, as well as how real estate development disrupts communities and causes tremendous loss of our natural habitats.
The Florida Project
Watching six-year-old Moonee run around will make you laugh and then break your heart. Moonee and her mother live in poverty in one of the touristy motels outside Walt Disney World property, and they’re representative of a side of Florida that is not often depicted.
Ulee’s Gold
The gold in this film is honey produced by beekeeper Ulee in rural Florida, who must protect his family when criminals suspect his son hid money on the family property. Note: if you want to get a taste of real Tupelo Honey, visit here where the family has been harvesting Tupelo honey from the hives in the Apalachicola River swamps for five generations.
Have you seen any of these movies or shows? What did you think of them? What did I leave off the list? Let me know in the comments!
Love & Sunshine!
Frances
P.S. Want a retro TV aquarium? Order here!