Ok y’all…..is everyone MELTING? If you aren’t, lucky you, but don’t tell me. But if you, like me, are hunkered down inside your home, shades darkened, scant clothing, ceiling fan cranked up…..I feel your pain man. I’m in Texas, and Lordy….someone please tell God that whatever He’s baking….it’s DONE! Turn the oven off!
So, what to do, what to do? Well, you know how much I love New York. And if I can’t physically be there, then I’m going to watch some good ol’ TV and PRETEND I’m there. So today, I’m providing you, dear readers, a list of films or TV shows, set in New York, that I (and my husband who PROFOUNDLY had an opinion about this list) recommend you watch, or revisit!
Grab your popcorn, and let’s dive in!
Turn of the Century NYC Films
The Alienist: If you have not see this TNT series….it’s FABULOUS! It’s disturbing, but it’s fabulous! Nominated for 6 Emmy Awards. Only Season 1 available. Visiting the Morgan Library will give you a tiny glimpse into this world, and I wrote about the great restaurant in this museum in this post. Also, a visit to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum will give you a real taste of turn-of-the-century housing conditions, where much of this series takes place.
Also: Once Upon a Time in America, Gangs of New York
1950’s/1960’s NYC Films
Brooklyn: This is a fantastic film, staring Saoirse Ronan as an Irish immigrant to America. Coming soon: A Blog post about an amazing artist and art dealer friend who lives in Brooklyn!
MadMen: I LOVED this TV series….the costumes, the set design, the characters…all of it! Worth watching every single season!
Inside Lewellen Davis: This is a dark comedy set in Greenwich Village. Great characters….really good! I’ll soon have a guide in my Store about this area of NYC. Super cool, fun and funky!
Midnight Cowboy: THIS is a great film. HARD. TO. WATCH. But the story, and the acting….supurb!
Also: The Sweet Smell of Success,The Out of Towners, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Goodfellas
Ready to pack your bags? Have a hotel in mind? I have a FREE NYC Hotel Guide! Just click on the image below to get yours FREE Guide!
1970’s Films
Panic in Needle Park: Another really hard film to watch about drug addiction set in the Upper West Side, but the characters are fantastic. Starring Al Pacino.
Saturday Night Fever: I dare you…dance while you watch. You know you want to!
Also: The French Connection, Serpico, Taxi Driver, Manhattan, The Warriors
1980’s Films
When Harry Met Sally: YES! YES! YES! OH GOD! YES! Next time you are in NYC, grab a table at the famous Katz’s Deli and see how many people reenact this scene. At a minimum, you can! Harry and Sally spent an afternoon at the MET, and in this post I shared with you my touring tips.
Also: Do The Right Thing
1990’s Films
Elf: Quite possibly the most perfect movie set in NYC in the history of ever. Because….Christmas…and SANTA! And I have written three posts on Christmas in New York, so check out this one and also this one…and this one!
I bet you have some of your own favorites! Let me know in the comments! It will be hot here in Texas for a LOT longer, so I have plenty of time to watch your recommendations!
Enjoy some good NYC Films and TV, in the comfort of your air-conditioned home…and when you are ready to venture out again, and want to see the Big Apple in person, and not on the small screen, give me a shout! I’d love to help you plan an amazing trip!
If your plans include an actual trip to NYC, my NYC Restaurant Guide has over 30 restaurant suggestions, organized by part of town, and includes phone numbers, and information about those that participate on Open Table. Worth every penny y’all!!!!
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I absolutely love this post!!
I appreciate your input!!!
Love these Mary, thanks! What about Barefoot in the Park and Sleepless in Seattle?
Ohhhhhh…..GREAT suggestions! Thank you Ashley A! xoxo
Great ideas!!!!
Thanks friend! We need a new trip together!!!!
I know you haven’t watched it, or you would have led your post with The Amazing Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime. It is my favorite NYC series ever — set in the early sixties. Absolutely wonderful.
We both have watched it twice and absolutely love that show!!
OMG…Will is right! We have watched it TWICE! LOVED it! Cannot believe I left if off this list! Can hardly WAIT for Season 2!!!! We must watch it together!!!!!
Nice Work!
Thanks so much! Doesn’t seem like work when I’m having so much fun!!!
Love this post Mary! I have some “watching” to do! Now, to find the time. XO
Best thing to do in this Texas heat for sure!!! xoxo
Annie Hall & 25th Hour !!
The man with an opinion! Thank you! 😉
Awesome list!
thank you so much!