Google Maps

Not all NYC-based television shows make the city streets their personal set a la "Law & Order" and "Girls." Perhaps the most notable example is "Friends," where, although some exterior building shots and panoramic views are of New York, the scenes involving the actual actors are often less than realistic (don't even get us started on their apartments). Other shows that took place in the city but filmed on a sound stage in LA include "Will & Grace," "How I Met Your Mother," and "Mad Men," among many other shows and movies. A couple of Redditors recently posted links to aerial Google Maps views of famous studios' New York City sets, and it's pretty interesting to compare the actual city to the Hollywood version.
See more fun aerial views here