Few shows have captured the sun-bleached, smoke-filled side of Los Angeles quite like Californication. Across seven seasons on Showtime between 2007 and 2014, David Duchovny's Hank Moody drifted from one bad decision to the next, armed with a battered Porsche, a typewriter's worth of charm and an unshakeable love for his family.
More than a decade after the final episode, the series still has a loyal following among fans of sharp, bittersweet comedy-drama. Here is the full story of the show, from its cast and seasons to its awards and legacy. Browse more small-screen favourites in our TV Series collection.
Californication Fact File
| Original run | 13 August 2007 to 29 June 2014 |
| Creator | Tom Kapinos |
| Network | Showtime |
| Genre | Comedy-drama |
| Main cast | David Duchovny, Natascha McElhone, Madeleine Martin, Evan Handler, Pamela Adlon |
| Seasons and episodes | 7 seasons, 84 episodes |
| Episode length | Around 27-33 minutes |
| Setting | Los Angeles, with later scenes in New York |
| Theme music | Tyler Bates and Tree Adams |
Seasons and Episodes
| Season | Years | Episodes | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2007 | 12 | Showtime |
| 2 | 2008 | 12 | Showtime |
| 3 | 2009 | 12 | Showtime |
| 4 | 2011 | 12 | Showtime |
| 5 | 2012 | 12 | Showtime |
| 6 | 2013 | 12 | Showtime |
| 7 | 2014 | 12 | Showtime |
Every season ran to exactly 12 half-hour episodes, giving 84 in total. There was no new season in 2010, so season 4 arrived in January 2011 and the show stayed in a winter and spring slot from then on.
The Story Begins
Californication follows Hank Moody, a New York novelist whose bestseller God Hates Us All has been turned into a glossy Hollywood film he cannot stand. Stuck with writer's block in Los Angeles, he spends his days drinking, flirting and trying to win back Karen (Natascha McElhone), the mother of his clever, music-loving daughter Becca (Madeleine Martin). Beneath the chaos sits a surprisingly tender family story.
Hank rarely suffers alone. His agent and best friend Charlie Runkle (Evan Handler) and Charlie's sharp-tongued wife Marcy (Pamela Adlon) supply much of the show's best comic relief, with their own marriage lurching from crisis to reconciliation.
Relive it with our Californication Hank Moody TV Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.
Defining Seasons
Each season handed Hank a new job and a new set of complications. In season 2 he wrote the biography of record producer Lew Ashby, played by Callum Keith Rennie. Season 3 saw him teaching creative writing at a college, while season 4 brought a film adaptation of his work and Rob Lowe as the eccentric actor Eddie Nero. Season 5 moved the story towards New York and screenwriting for RZA's Samurai Apocalypse, and season 6 paired Hank with rock star Atticus Fetch, played by Tim Minchin, on a stage musical.
The final season found Hank writing for television and discovering he had a grown son, Levon, played by Oliver Cooper, with Heather Graham joining the cast. Showtime announced in December 2013 that season 7 would be the last, and the finale aired on 29 June 2014.
Relive it with our Californication Hank Moody TV Icon Frame Men's T-Shirt.
Behind the Scenes
Tom Kapinos created the series and served as executive producer throughout. It was shot single-camera, mostly in California with some episodes filmed in New York. Michael Weaver was director of photography for seasons 1-6, giving the show its warm, hazy look, and Tim Bellen took over for season 7. The opening theme was composed by Tyler Bates and Tree Adams, and the soundtrack leaned heavily on classic rock.
Awards
Golden Globes
- 2008: Best Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy - David Duchovny (won)
- The show earned five Golden Globe nominations in total
Primetime Emmy Awards
- 2008: Outstanding Cinematography for a Half-Hour Series - Peter Levy, for the pilot
- 2009: Outstanding Cinematography for a Half-Hour Series - Michael Weaver, for "In Utero"
Legacy
Californication gave David Duchovny a celebrated second act after The X-Files and helped make Pamela Adlon a fan favourite before she went on to create her own acclaimed series. Its witty dialogue, Hank's loyalty to his family and that sun-drenched LA backdrop keep the show popular with new viewers discovering it on streaming.
FAQs
How many seasons of Californication are there?
There are seven seasons, made up of 84 episodes, which aired on Showtime from 2007 to 2014.
Who plays Hank Moody in Californication?
Hank Moody is played by David Duchovny, who won a Golden Globe for the role in 2008.
Where was Californication filmed?
The series was filmed in California, with some episodes shot in New York.
Who created Californication?
The show was created by Tom Kapinos, who also served as executive producer.
When did Californication end?
The final episode aired on 29 June 2014, after Showtime confirmed season 7 would be the last.
Shop the Californication Collection
Our Californication pieces are tribute fan designs celebrating Hank Moody, made to order for fans of the show.
Explore more favourite shows in our TV Series collection, or put your own name on a custom name hoodie.
Part of our Icon Profiles series. Read next: Entourage: Seasons, Cast, Emmys and Sex and the City: Seasons, Cast, Films.
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