this is a list of references to cleveland in popular culture. founded in 1796 near the mouth of the cuyahoga river, cleveland is a city in the u.s. state of ohio and the county seat of cuyahoga county. it is the most populous county in the state, and is located in northeastern ohio on the southern shore of lake erie, approximately west of the pennsylvania border. being a major u.s. city, cleveland has been used as the cite of numerous books, films, music, and television shows; as well as being mentioned or referenced in many others. below is a partial list.