2016 may have been trash, but it sure was a great year for television.
Google’s new end-of-year data shows the top ten trending shows Americans searched for in 2016. Between Stranger Things, Luke Cage and Westworld, we’d say America has pretty good taste in TV.
If you got wrapped up in a TV show this year, chances are you’ll recognize the signature spots in each series. We used Google Earth & Maps to take you to the real-life locations where each show filmed.
1. Stranger Things
“Stranger Things” tops Google’s list of trending TV shows. Netflix’s summer hit garnered millions of viewers and a 95 percent approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes. “Stranger Things” follows the mother, older brother and friends of a young boy as they investigate his supernatural disappearance. They are aided in their search by the town’s police chief and a mysterious telekinetic girl.
Fans of the show will recognize Mike and Nancy Wheeler’s house, where Eleven hides out in the basement. The house that was used in exterior shots is located at 2530 Piney Wood Lane in East Point, Georgia. Much of the show was filmed around Atlanta, Georgia in locations like Stone Mountain and Bellwood Quarry.
2. Making a Murderer
Netflix’s explosive mini-documentary series “Making a Murderer” takes the second spot on Google’s top trending list. “Making a Murderer” tells the story of Steven Avery, a man who served 18 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Though Avery was exonerated and released from prison in 2003, he was soon convicted for another crime ― the murder of Teresa Halbach. While the show debuted in December of last year, it gained steam in 2016 as Avery’s nephew Brendan Dassey ― who was also found guilty in Halbach’s death ― had his conviction overturned. Avery was also one of the top trending people on Google in 2016.
Most viewers will recall Avery’s Auto Salvage, where Teresa Halbach’s car was discovered. The lot is still open for business. You can explore it below.
3. Fuller House
2016 was a big year for reboots. “Fuller House” was Netflix’s sequel to the 1987-1995 television series “Full House.” Most of the original cast reprised their roles, with the notable exception of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Though the show received mostly negative reviews, it averaged 14.4 million viewers aged 18-49 within its first 35 days on Netflix.
“Fuller House” was shot mainly on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California. They modeled their on-set house after the original Victorian home from “Full House,” which sits at 1709 Broderick Street in the Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. The home looks quite different from its “Full House” days ― for starters, it’s now painted purple. Check out Broderick Street below.
4. Westworld
HBO’s sci-fi western thriller dominated this year. While the show has fallen short of “Game of Thrones” viewership, it was HBO’s highest-rated drama series premiere since the first episode of “True Detective” in 2014. Created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, Westworld takes place in a Wild West-like theme park that is occupied by humanoid “hosts.” Visitors are able to enact their fantasies on the hosts without repercussions. But as anyone who watches the show will tell you, “these violent delights have violent ends.”
Westworld was filmed across several scenic sites, from Monument Valley, Arizona to Moah, Utah. The show also shot at the iconic Vasquez Rocks, which have been featured in “Star Trek,” “Roswell” and “Blazing Saddles,” to name a few. Take a look at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park below.
5. The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Curiosity about convicted felon O.J. Simpson came to a head in 2016, with both an ESPN film and FX’s true crime series covering the former running back. “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” told the story of the Simpson murder case. Actors Courtney B. Vance and Sarah Paulson won Emmys for their portrayals of Johnnie Cochran and Marcia Clark, respectively.
“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” filmed around Los Angeles, California. The show used 1006 N Rexford Drive in Beverly Hills for Simpson’s house. Check out the mansion below.
6. Game of Thrones
It’s “Game of Thrones.” Of course it’s one of the top trending shows of the year.
Season 6 filmed in exotic locales such as Croatia, Iceland and Northern Ireland. But the city of Girona, Spain featured prominently in the show, serving as the backdrop to both Braavos and King’s Landing. Girona Cathedral was used as the exterior for the Great Sept of Baelor, where Jaime Lannister and Mace Tyrell challenge the High Sparrow. Explore the location below.
7. Luke Cage
Netflix series “Luke Cage” comes in at number seven on Google’s top trending list. The series is based on Marvel Comics character Luke Cage, who has superhuman strength and nearly bulletproof skin. Cage was the first black superhero to be the title character of a comic book. Netflix renewed “Luke Cage” for a second season in December 2016.
“Luke Cage” was shot around New York City, featuring Harlem landmarks like The Apollo and Jackie Robinson Park. Fans of the show will recognize Mount Olivet Baptist Church, where one of the series’ pivotal scenes takes place.
8. American Horror Story
Ryan Murphy certainly had quite the year. His series “American Horror Story” takes the number eight spot, a few slots behind “American Crime Story,” which Murphy alsoproduced. Season 6 of “American Horror Story,” which debuted in September 2016, is centered around a documentary following a married couple terrorized by paranormal activity.
While Season 6 is set in North Carolina, the series was actually shot in California. To see the Santa Clarita set, check out TMZ’s leaked photos.
9. Lip Sync Battle
”Lip Sync Battle” has been a major hit for Spike. The show’s premiere was the highest-rated in Spike’s history. The show was developed from a recurring segment on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” It features celebrities embroiled in mock singing face-offs, often with hilarious (and viral) results.
The Hollywood Reporter did a behind the scenes tour of the “Lip Sync Battle” set in August of this year. You can check it out here.
10. Dancing with the Stars
Rounding out the top ten is longtime ABC favorite “Dancing with the Stars.” The show continued its run with seasons 22 and 23 this year. Season 22 crowned deaf activist and model Nyle DiMarco, alongside his partner Peta Murgatroyd. Olympic gymnastics star Laurie Hernandez won Season 23 with her partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
“Dancing with the Stars” films at Studio 46 in CBS Television City in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles. You can explore the studio’s exterior below, and take a look at the origins of Television City in this YouTube clip.
