7 Movies & TV Shows That Aren’t Set In The Era You Think They Are

Despite what many believe, these movies and TV shows are set in a different era than the one you think they are. The best period pieces movies of all time stand out because it’s clear when they are set in, but for some cinematic and TV titles, it isn’t as obvious. It’s not uncommon for certain directors or writers to play around with settings, and sometimes, they leave the time period of their projects vague on purpose.

Many of these titles are confusing setting-wise because of popular culture, and they’re often associated with the era they were released in, rather than when the story’s events actually take place. While these movies and TV shows are still amazingly entertaining and worth watching, you might be mistaken about which year or decade they’re set in.

7

Grease (1978)

Set In 1958

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Grease

PG-13

Musical

Romance

ScreenRant logo

9/10

7.3/10

Release Date

July 7, 1978

Runtime

110 minutes

Director

Randal Kleiser

Writers

Jim Jacobs, Warren Casey, Bronte Woodard, Allan Carr

Sequel(s)

Grease 2

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of John Travolta In The TCM Classic Film Festival Opening Night

    John Travolta

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Olivia Newton-John

In this film adaptation of the iconic stage musical, good girl Sandy Olsson and greaser Danny Zuko fall in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they’re now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance despite belonging to different social cliques?

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Grease is an iconic title in the world of cinema and is considered one of the best feel-good ‘80s movies of all time. What’s interesting, though, is that Grease is technically a ‘70s film. However, because of the movie’s release in 1978, it became associated more with the next decade. On top of that, Grease is actually set in the 1950s.

There are details throughout Grease that stay true to the era, such as the diner scenes, Sandy’s earlier outfits, and the casting of 1950s singing star Frankie Avalon as Teen Angel. However, there are other elements of Grease that are associated with other periods.

A collage image of three shots of Danny and Sandy from the end of Grease - created by Tom Russell

Related

Grease Movie Ending: Sandy’s Transformation & Flying Car Explained

Grease ends with Danny and Sandy leaving on a magical flying car after Sandy’s sudden transformation into the perfect greaser girl – why?

Posts

For example, Sandy’s perm and legendary slick-leather catsuit at the end of the movie is more of a ‘70s style, and there are pieces of technology in the background of scenes that are from decades ahead. Despite these historical errors, Grease is an enjoyable yet cheesy film. As a huge hit in popular culture, though, many associate it with the 1980s, and because the setting isn’t an integral part of Grease’s narrative, it’s easy to forget it’s a 1950s movie.

6

Sex Education (2019-2023)

Set In The Late 2010s

Sex Education TV Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Sex Education

TV-MA

Comedy

Drama

ScreenRant logo

8/10

8/10

Release Date

2019 – 2023-00-00

Showrunner

Laurie Nunn

Directors

Ben Taylor, Kate Herron, Runyararo Mapfumo, Sophie Goodhart, Alice Seabright

Writers

Laurie Nunn, Sophie Goodhart

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Gillian Anderson In The 'Scoop' World Premiere

    Gillian Anderson

  • Headshot Of Ncuti Gatwa In The US premiere of the new season of the Disney+ series Doctor Who

    Ncuti Gatwa

Sex Education is a comedic-drama series that follows various students, parents, and staff of Moordale Secondary School and their awkward sexual dilemmas. The series primarily focuses on student Otis Milburn with a dour outlook on sex due to his mother’s occupation as a sex therapist who has several affairs with zero attachments. Seeing an opportunity to capitalize on his second-hand knowledge and ambivalence to sex, Otis and his friend Eric set up an in-school clinic to advise other students with sexual issues. This clinic becomes compromised when Otis begins to have feelings for one of his clients.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Sex Education grabs the attention of many for several reasons, but one thing that stands out to viewers is how ambiguous the time period setting is. The visuals in the earlier seasons of the show make it seem like the 1980s. Nobody seems to have a personal telephone, and the bold patterns and colors of the characters’ outfits scream the ‘80s, too. In fact, there’s even a moment when a sexual health informational video from the ‘80s is played. Despite this, Sex Education is actually set in the 2020s.

Although people like Abbi and Roman, two trans characters who join the show in season 4, existed in the ‘80s, viewers wouldn’t likely see them so prominently displayed if Sex Education had been set that far in the past.

The Sex Education timeline is a little vague, but it only spans a few years. However, the later implementations of newer technologies and the introduction of more diverse characters bring audiences into the present. Although people like Abbi and Roman, two trans characters who join the show in season 4, existed in the ‘80s, viewers wouldn’t likely see them so prominently displayed if Sex Education had been set that far in the past. Sex Education also takes a lot of inspiration from the movies of John Waters, though, which explains why the show looks this way.

5

Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina (2018-2020)

Set In The 2010s

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Horror

Fantasy

Drama

ScreenRant logo

7/10

8.6/10

Release Date

2018 – 2020-00-00

Showrunner

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Directors

Rob Seidenglanz, Alex Pillai, Kevin Rodney Sullivan

Writers

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Christianne Hedtke, Jenina Kibuka

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Kiernan Shipka

    Kiernan Shipka

  • Headshot Of Ross Lynch

    Ross Lynch

Based on the Archie comic series, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a Netflix supernatural horror series that follows Sabrina Spellman, a young half-witch, half-human that is coming into her powers in her teenage years. To protect her friends, family, and the world itself, Sabrina will have to harness her powers and ignore the calls from her darker side to embrace her evil potential fully and instead use her powers for good. Despite the series cancellation in 2020, the show’s story was continued in The Occult World of Sabrina, a comic book serial. 

You can buy the seasons for just $9.99 for Prime Day. 

Seasons

2

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is another TV show that is set during an ambiguous time period. It’s easy to get confused about when Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is set, especially as it has such a dark and eerie atmosphere in general, although this makes sense for this Netflix adaptation of the Archie comic book series of the same name, and the ‘90s sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina feels modern in the interactions between characters, especially in the language they use, and the occasional appearance of a cell phone.

A blended image features Sabrina and Nick smiling alongside Sabrina as a hellish cheerleader in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Related

Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina Season 5: Why It Was Canceled

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina has not been renewed for season 5 – at least, not on Netflix. However, Sabrina’s story will continue in the comics.

Posts

At the same time, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina also features many elements of the 1960s. A lot of the other technology, vehicles, and fashions in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina feel very ‘60s. Zelda and Hilda’s TV sets are clearly from the ‘60s, but weirdly, the characters refer to movies from the ‘50s as being out of date. However, the show is actually set from 2014 to 2015. This is proved in the very first episode, which shows the date Tuesday, October 28, and excluding this year, the last time October 28 landed on a Tuesday was in 2014.

4

Riverdale (2017-2023)

Set In The 2010s & 2020s

Riverdale Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Riverdale

Not Rated

Drama

19

6.7/10

Release Date

2017 – 2023-00-00

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Camila Mendes

    Camila Mendes

  • Headshot Of Marisol Nichols In The Global Premiere Of Hulu`s

    Marisol Nichols

A darker take on Archie, Betty, Veronica, and their friends from the Archie Comics series, Riverdale is a CW supernatural mystery series that sees the group trying to illuminate the truth surrounding various strange occurrences and murders in the titular town. When a teenage girl is found dead in the once-quiet town, the event starts a series of ever-growing mysteries that ultimately lead to darker secrets in the town’s history. Led by Archie, the Riverdale gang will attempt to navigate their new normal while dealing with all of the drama that comes with being high school teenagers.

Seasons

7

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Although Riverdale’s ending actually sends the characters to the 1950s, the show is primarily set across the 2010s and 2020s. Before season 7, Riverdale strangely mixes elements of several different eras. For example, the characters typically use modern-day slang and their dialects are accurate for the current era, but then there are a lot of old classic cars from the ‘60s and beyond, too. Riverdale’s fashion sense is rather random as well. Jughead dresses like it’s the ‘90s, whereas Betty often looks like she’s stepped out of the ‘40s or ‘50s.

Any moments that include someone wearing a uniform is worth noting, too. The high school’s football team uniform is rather dated, and the employees of Riverdale General Hospital are dressed like it’s the 1950s. However, Riverdale’s storylines do acknowledge the blend of time periods, like when the Twilight Drive-In is knocked down because times are changing. Perhaps the decision to style Riverdale this way is an attempt at foreshadowing the finale, but it’s unlikely, although it’s an interesting thought to ponder.

3

The Incredibles (2004)

Set In 1962

01398691_poster_w780.jpg

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

The Incredibles

PG

Action

Adventure

Animation

Family

ScreenRant logo

8/10

33

8.1/10

Release Date

October 27, 2004

Runtime

115 minutes

Director

Brad Bird

Writers

Brad Bird

Producers

John Lasseter

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Craig T. Nelson

    Craig T. Nelson

    Bob Parr / Mr. Incredible (voice)

  • Headshot Of Holly Hunter

    Holly Hunter

    Helen Parr / Elastigirl (voice)

The Incredibles follows the retired superhero Bob Parr, now an insurance adjuster living in suburbia with his family. When a mysterious assignment surfaces, he is called back into action alongside his family, leading them to confront hidden dangers.

Main Genre

Animation

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

The Incredibles is a brilliant family movie, but because the story of the superhero Parr family is so engaging, it’s easy to forget that it isn’t set in 2004, the same year of the film’s release. However, there are plenty of signs that the movie is actually set in the 1960s. For example, the black and white news reports of Bob and Helen before their kids are born is very ‘60s, but it’s not uncommon for audiences to assume The Incredibles is simply highlighting the time between Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl in their prime and after their retirement.

The family does have a VHS player, however, a piece of technology that originates from the ‘70s.

Violet and Dash seem like 00’s children, but if you pay close attention, you’ll realize that they don’t have cell phones or even a home computer. The family does have a VHS player, however, a piece of technology that originates from the ‘70s. The clothing choices of the whole family aren’t necessarily associated with a particular time period, but they look more modern than something from the ‘60s, too. Even though Bob’s newspaper sets The Incredibles in 1962, the fact the superheroes can access secret and powerful technology makes many forget which time period they’re watching.

2

Freaks And Geeks (1999-2000)

Set In 1980

Freaks and Geeks TV Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Freaks and Geeks

Drama

ScreenRant logo

8/10

7/10

Release Date

1999 – 1999

Network

NBC

Showrunner

Paul Feig

Directors

Paul Feig, Judd Apatow

Writers

Paul Feig

Cast

See All

  • hEADSHOT oF James Franco

    James Franco

  • Headshot Of Busy Philipps

    Busy Philipps

Judd Apatow’s Freaks and Geeks is a comedy-drama series centered around several now-popular stars in their first-ever appearances as outcast teenagers dealing with the “hilarious unfairness of teen life.” The friend groups are split into “freaks” and “geeks,” each with their own quirks that resonate with teens today as they try to find their place in the socially complex world of high school.

Seasons

1

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

There isn’t a major difference between when audiences believe Freaks and Geeks is set and what year the events actually happen in, but it’s still a common misconception for many. The underrated ‘90s TV show is now a cult classic, and although there are nods to the early 1980s in Freaks and Geeks, audiences’ memories of it typically associate the show with the late 1990s. However, some contradictions often confuse many. For example, several extras have bowl-cut hairstyles, a staple of the ‘90s.

Some of the lesser-visited locations in the show are far too modern for the ‘80s as well, such as the diner in the episode “Girlfriends and Boyfriends.” There are pop-culture references that are ahead of their time, too, like Nick eating Fruit Roll-Ups and Sam dressing up as Luke Skywalker. It’s a shame Freaks and Geeks was canceled after season 1, and I like to think that later installments of the show would have dedicated more time to fixing these little details.

1

Ratatouille (2007)

Set In The Early 2000s

01316707_poster_w780.jpg

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Ratatouille

G

Animation

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

ScreenRant logo

9/10

55

8.1/10

Release Date

June 21, 2007

Runtime

111 minutes

Director

Brad Bird

Writers

Brad Bird, Jim Capobianco, Jan Pinkava

Producers

Andrew Stanton, Brad Lewis

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Patton Oswalt

    Patton Oswalt

    Remy (voice)

  • Headshot Of Ian Holm

    Ian Holm

    Skinner (voice)

Ratatouille follows Remy, a culinary-inclined rat living in Paris, who dreams of becoming a chef. Despite societal obstacles, he finds an opportunity to prove his talents when he ends up beneath a prestigious restaurant, allowing his sophisticated palate to assist in creating extraordinary dishes.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Ratatouille appears to be a mix of different time periods, but it’s a unique title in this context, as it’s one that is actually set around the same time as the film’s release. The fantastic 2007 Pixar movie initially appears to be set at some point in the ‘50s or ‘60s. The cars on the Parisian streets, the fashion of the various background characters, and the black-and-white TV sets support this, as does the lack of more modern technology like cell phones or iPods. However, there are other details that prove Ratatouille isn’t set at this time.

For example, paternity testing is hinted at through Chef Gusteau failing to acknowledge his child, but this type of DNA analysis didn’t come around until the ‘90s. Gusteau’s will is also dated to 2004 and had been written two years prior, which implies Ratatouille is set in 2006, although it isn’t completely clear. Ratatouille is fueled by a passion for food, a feel-good lead character, and an overall endearing plot, but the movie’s ambiguous setting doesn’t make it any less enjoyable to watch.