Television has evolved far beyond the confines of soundstages and green screens. Today, some of the most captivating “characters” in a show aren’t the actors at all, but the breathtaking landscapes that serve as their backdrop. From sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines to the moody, mist-covered highlands of the North, these five series are essentially high-budget travelogues that will have you checking flight prices before the credits roll.
1. The White Lotus (Hawaii, Sicily, Thailand)
Each season of this biting social satire is set at a different luxury resort, and the locations are intentionally aspirational. Whether it’s the sparkling turquoise waters of Maui, the dramatic clifftop views of Taormina in Sicily, or the lush tropical grandeur of Thailand, the show captures the “postcard-perfect” aesthetic with such precision that the scenery almost feels like a dream.
2. Succession (Italy, Norway, Iceland)
While much of the drama happens in glass skyscrapers, the Roy family’s penchant for “destination retreats” has taken viewers to some of the most stunning spots on Earth. The sweeping hills of Tuscany in the Season 3 finale and the gravity-defying architecture of the Juvet Landscape Hotel in Norway have become iconic, proving that billionaire drama looks best against a world-class horizon.
3. Outlander (Scotland)
This historical epic is a love letter to the Scottish Highlands. The rolling green moors, ancient standing stones, and rugged mountains of Glencoe are filmed with such reverence that Scotland’s natural beauty becomes central to the show’s romantic atmosphere. It has single-handedly sparked a massive spike in tourism to the region’s historic sites.
4. Game of Thrones / House of the Dragon (Croatia, Spain, Iceland)
From the terracotta rooftops of King’s Landing (Dubrovnik, Croatia) to the ethereal, icy expanses beyond the Wall (Vatnajökull, Iceland), this franchise mastered the art of location scouting. The use of real-world medieval fortresses and otherworldly volcanic landscapes gives the fantasy world a tangible, breathtaking reality.
5. Emily in Paris (France)
While it may be a “guilty pleasure” for many, there is no denying that the show’s depiction of Paris is sheer visual candy. Beyond the Eiffel Tower, the series explores charming cobblestone “rues,” hidden gardens, and even the lavender fields of Provence, making it impossible not to fall in love with the French “art de vivre.”
In an era of endless streaming, these shows prove that a compelling setting is just as important as a sharp script. They don’t just tell a story; they transport you to a different corner of the globe, reminding us that the world is far more vast and beautiful than the four walls of our living rooms. If you’re looking for your next binge-watch—and your next vacation—these series are the perfect place to start.