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 тιтles, 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 тιтles are confusing setting-wise because of popular culture, and they’re often ᴀssociated 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

Grease is an iconic тιтle 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 ᴀssociated 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 ᴀssociated with other periods.

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 ᴀssociate 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

Sєx Education (2019-2023)

Set In The Late 2010s

Sєx 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 Sєxual health informational video from the ‘80s is played. Despite this, Sєx Education is actually set in the 2020s.

The Sєx 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 Sєx Education had been set that far in the past. Sєx 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 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.

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

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

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 ᴀssume The Incredibles is simply highlighting the time between Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl in their prime and after their retirement.

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 ᴀssociated 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

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 ᴀssociate 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

Ratatouille appears to be a mix of different time periods, but it’s a unique тιтle 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 pᴀssion 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.