Forgotten Laugh Tracks: Obscure Iowa Sitcoms You Probably Don’t Remember

When you think of classic sitcoms, you likely think of shows like Seinfeld which is set in New York City. Or Friends also in NYC.

Maybe you think of Big Bang Theory, set in Pasadena, California. Maybe Golden Girls, which was set in Miami.

READ MORE: Popular Dessert Recalled in Iowa

You likely don't think, "Oh! That sitcom was set in Iowa!" But, a couple of sitcoms were set in Iowa, believe it or not.

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None was successful, so don't be shocked when you learn about these shows for the first time.

Failed Sitcoms Set in Iowa You Don't Know Existed

Iowa has been very well represented in movies. Field of Dreams is an all-time classic that has led to actual Major League Baseball games in Iowa.

The Bridges of Madison County, based on the popular novel, was a huge critical and audience success.

Oh, and Sleeping with the Enemy, also a novel first, was a big hit and set in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

But today I have not one, not two, but three failed sitcoms set in the Hawkeye State I am sure you don't know even existed. I didn't.

Drexell's Class

The first is Drexell's Class. Yes, that was a real show. It aired on FOX for one season, in 1991-1992.

Drexell's Class was a sitcom set in the fictional town of Cedar Bluffs, Iowa, though there is a Cedar Bluffs Natural Area in Iowa, and a tiny, unincorporated town called Cedar Bluffs.

Dabney Coleman (who passed away this year at age 92) played Otis Drexell, a former corporate raider forced to teach fifth grade to pay off his tax debt.

The show centered on Drexell's unorthodox teaching methods, his struggles as a single father to two daughters, and interactions with colleagues, including rival teacher Roscoe Davis and friend George, the P.E. teacher.

Often comedic, episodes highlighted Drexell’s attempts to balance his chaotic personal life with his unusual teaching career.

There were only 18 episodes of the show produced.

Nancy

Another very short-lived sitcom that was centered in Iowa was Nancy. Starring Renne Jarrett as Nancy.

In a fictional Iowa town called Center City, Nancy Smith, the President’s daughter, falls for local veterinarian Adam Hudson during her vacation. Great sitcom premise, no?

Their budding romance faces challenges from Secret Service surveillance, her chaperone Abby, Adam’s eccentric uncle Everett, and the prying eyes of the local media.

The show ran for one season in 1970-71, and only 17 episodes were produced. It aired on CBS.

Double Trouble

The final sitcom on the list is Double Trouble which was the most successful of the bunch, lasting two seasons, and giving the world 23 episodes. But, only half were set in Iowa.

The show aired on NBC from 1984 til 1985. It starred real identical twins Jean and Liz Sagal.

Double Trouble initially focused on twin sisters in Des Moines, Iowa. The show highlighted their contrasting personalities. One was serious, the other was carefree.

It revolved around their high school and their father’s dance studio. After a low-rated debut season, the series relocated its setting to New York City for its second season, replacing its father with an aunt character.

Maybe it was moving the show out of Iowa that killed it? Or, maybe it was just a terrible show... who knows?

Turn off the tube, and grab a bite! Here are the  Eastern Iowa restaurants we want on 'Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives'!