Where Everybody Knows Your Name: 15 of the Most Memorable Sitcom Sets and Props

The Office- Maid of the Mist IV

I got into The Office a season after everyone else.  Fortunately, I was watching the UK version long before this hit the airwaves.  Spoiler Alert: UK version, much better.  I lost interest in the Office around the 4th season and literally have seen one episode since, Niagara.  So how does that justify me choosing this “prop”.  Easy answer, this episode is where we see Jim and Pam finally get married. One of the best and tearjerking episodes of TV I’ve ever seen.

Fun fact:  Niagara was viewed by an estimated 9.42 million households.

Runner-up: Scranton Office, Schrute farms

Scrubs- Sacred Heart Hosptial

I’ll admit, i’m not a Scrubs die hard or even a fan.  I’ve seen a few episodes here and there and would probably get scolded if I didn’t include this in my list.  From the episodes I did see,  2 characters stole the show for me.  Dr. Perry Cox (John C. McGinley) and The Janitor (Neil Flynn).

Fun fact:  If the show were to be cancelled within the first 2 seasons, the original plan was to make the janitor a figment of JD’s imagination.

Runner-up:  None

The Jefferson’s- Their Deluxe Apartment (in the sky)

Without a doubt their apartment is the choice.  The list of characters that came through their revolving door.  Ralph the doorman, Bentley their british neighbor (who had George step on his back), their housekeeper Florence and of course prime times first interracial couple, Tom and Helen Willis.  It was always fun to watch George put his foot in his mouth and no matter what Weezie was there to love him.

Fun Fact: Official name of the Jefferson’s building is Park Lane Towers and is located at 185 East 85th Street.

Runner-up: None

Married with Children- The Bundy House

Most of the show centered around the house so this was a fairly easy choice. No one hated their life more then Al Bundy.  He has 2 kids and wife that don’t respect him.  He has a job that no one wants.  All he wants to do is come home, sit on the couch, put his hand down his pants and watch tv.  Usually your house is your sanctuary.  Al had to put up with so much crap it’s a wonder he stuck around.

Fun fact: The fictitious address of their house is 9764 Jeopardy Lane, Chicago Illinois.

Runner-up: The shoe store

Cheers- Cheers

Easy.  No brainer.  I think it’s safe to say that 99% of the show centered around the bar.  Ok, not that high?  98%.  Better? The title of the show was named after the bar.  How could I not choose that as the top set?  From Norms barstool to Cliff telling the most awful, pointless and non-true stories.  It all happened within the bar.  Hey, I want to go to a place where everybody knows my name.

Fun fact: Last line Sam Malone ever said on Cheers “Sorry, we’re closed”

Runner-up: None

Barney Miller- 12th Precinct

To this day, I still think Barney Miller is one of the most underrated shows on TV.  If you’ve never seen an episode, I suggest you give it a try.  A typical day at the 12th precinct consisted of some drunks or vagrants getting arrested and then some soft of hilarity ensued.

Fun fact: The series came from an unsold TV pilot called ‘The life and times of Captain Barney Miller’.

Runner-up:  None

Taxi- Fleet Garage

Oh the shenanigans that went on in the garage.  The gangs all here- Reverend Jim the aging hippie minister, Tony the boxer, Bobby the actor, Naaardo!, Alex Rieger the realist, Latka Gravas the mechanic and of course Louie DePalma.  It’s rude, crude and down right funny.

Fun fact:  Taxi won 18 Emmy Awards.

Runner-up:  Reverend Jim’s Apartment

Three’s Company- Their Apartment

After a wedding reception and passed out in a bathtub, Jack Tripper meets Janet and Chrissy.  As luck would have it, they’re in need of a roommate.  Of course Jack says NO problem considering he could only afford living at a YMCA.  Sounds easy enough, the twist, Mr. Roper.  You see, Mr. Roper was not a fan of co-ed living arrangements.  Not an issue, as Janet tells him Jack is gay.

Fun fact: The show is based on the British Sitcom, Man About the House.

Runner-up: The Regal Beagle

Other Notable Sitcoms and their sets

Happy Days- Arnold’s

Silver Spoons- Stratton House

Roseanne- Living room/kitchen

Different Strokes- The Drummond apartment (Definitely not the bike shop)

Growing Pains- Kitchen

Night Court- The Courthouse

Gilligan’s Island- The island

All in the Family- Living room

Good Times- Apartment

What’s Happening!!-  Robs Place

Mary Tyler Moore-  TV Station WJM

Newhart- The Inn

Wings- Tom Nevers Field

Sanford and Son- Sanford and Son Salvage

Love Boat-  Cruise Ship

Sports Night-  Continental Sports Channel (CSC)

Martin- Radio Station WZUP

Family Ties- Kitchen

So what did we miss? What was your favorite? least favorite?  Hit the comments below.

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