Tom and Jerry Sample Durians and 7 Other Instances of Singapore in TV Shows

Singaporeans celebrate whenever a TV show or movie features our vibrant island, whether it’s the K-drama Little Women or the Bollywood film Krrish (2006). Hollywood has also shot scenes here, with titles like Westworld, Equals, and Hitman: Agent 47 showcasing our locale, alongside anime series like A Place Further Than The Universe.

Even Wong Kar Wai’s In the Mood for Love has scenes where the character Chow Mo-wan, played by Tony Leung, finds work in Singapore. Here are eight notable occasions when Singapore — or elements quintessentially Singaporean — made an appearance in TV shows and films:

Tom and Jerry In a special episode titled What’s That Smell?, aired on August 7, Tom and Jerry embrace local flavors as they explore Singapore’s infamous fruit, the durian. The episode features Tom’s attempts to enjoy the durian while Jerry comically reacts in horror, ultimately coming around to appreciate it.

Independence Day: Resurgence In this alien invasion sequel, Singapore is depicted as a city that faces destruction by alien forces not once, but twice. Iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands are shown being ravaged, with characters witnessing the chaos from the skies.

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders Episodes eight and nine feature the main characters stopping in Singapore during their journey. Set in 1987, they encounter a police officer over littering fines and take in the view of the Merlion from their hotel, along with a cable car ride from Mount Faber.

Cowboy Bebop The beloved anime introduces Faye Valentine, a character born in Singapore. In a post-apocalyptic future, Faye returns to a devastated version of her homeland, where the only remnant is the Merlion.

Euphoria The acclaimed teen drama’s third season, slated for release in 2024, will reportedly include scenes filmed in Singapore, with locations such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay set to feature alongside other global landmarks.

Takeshi’s Castle The reboot of this iconic Japanese game show features a hidden gem: the Merlion. A Reddit user noted its appearance in a game where contestants navigate unstable stones, showcasing this Singaporean landmark.

Great Pretender This anime follows con artist Makoto Edamura as he embarks on a new adventure in Singapore. The series highlights popular locales like Fort Canning Park, Raffles Hotel, and Marina Bay Sands while exploring a thrilling air race heist.

Detective Conan: The Fist of the Blue Sapphire In this animated feature, Singapore plays a crucial role in the mystery surrounding the world’s largest blue sapphire. The story unfolds with a murder at Marina Bay Sands, involving the infamous gentleman thief Kaito Kid, leading to a captivating investigation.

These appearances illustrate Singapore’s growing presence in global media, inviting viewers to experience its unique culture and landmarks.