this post was submitted on 08 Nov 2026
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No Stupid Questions
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That question covers a huge amount of media, land, and people. There are likely hundreds of accents in the US.
Generally for media depicting fairly modern times, the accents are accurate. For example, Superbad, Clerks, and the TV show Reservation Dogs all depict different people and accents in the USA accurately IMO.
Movies from the 1920s to the 1960s seem to have more artificial accents, such as the Mid-Atlantic accent.
Newscasters speak differently than normal, probably so they can be understood more clearly.
Same with game show announcers and reality show narrators.
Its a big question and it depends on the media.
The 1920s to 1950s movie and radio voice wasn't just a random choice. It was done because the recording tech at the time was very limited and words had to be pronounced in a fairly specific and clear manner in order to be heard. Some accents had to be ommitted or suppressed, such as many Southern US accents, not out of disliking them, but simply because they didn't record well.
I was watching a new short series that takes place in maine. Half the characters have a boston accent and it's honestly driving me mad. Maine is distinct from boston..
The show is wierd and Idk if I like it, and I def dont remember what it's called.
Not to mention the myriad actors using a US accent(s). FWIW, I can't recall a movie/series that, when based in a region the actors know personally didn't do the local accent wonderfully. But, that's the rub: it's such an enormous, overpopulated populated landmass that it's bound to have innumerable dialects.
Although, perhaps what OP's asking is which, if any, is/are considered the common/baseline dialect of US English? π€·πΌββοΈ
I truly find the mid Atlantic accent too be fascinating
Check out the Tangier Island accent, a coastal island that's part of Virginia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIZgw09CG9E
Interesting, that instantly reminded me of the West Country accent (think Hagrid)