Northern Exposure

After receiving a scholarship from the state, a recent Columbia University medical school graduate is required to set up his practice in an eccentric Alaskan town.

Northern Exposure (1990-1995) is an American network dramedy created by Joshua Brand and John Falsey for CBS. Rob Morrow plays Joel Fleischman, a New York medical graduate who arrives in the remote Alaskan town of Cicely to repay a state scholarship by working as its only doctor. Janine Turner plays Maggie O'Connell, a bush pilot who ferries him around the region, while Barry Corbin's Maurice Minnifield, a former astronaut turned wealthy local, and John Cullum's Holling Vincoeur, the town's philosophical proprietor, anchor the local cast. Each episode follows Joel's struggle to adapt to frontier customs, unreliable plumbing and a community that refuses to treat him as a city professional, and the stories drift between medical mishaps, romantic tangles and odd civic quarrels. Across six seasons and 110 episodes, the show moves at a conversational pace with a loose, character driven structure rather than a single plot engine. Its tone is warm, whimsical and sometimes wistful, with quiet moments of reflection threaded through the broad comedy. Set in a frontier town shaped by Alaskan wilderness and a mix of Native American and settler cultures, it sits alongside Twin Peaks and Gilmore Girls for fans who love eccentric small towns and offbeat ensemble comedy. Viewers who enjoy gentle absurdism and heartfelt characters will find it an inviting, feel good watch.

Critics and audiences broadly admire the quirky ensemble, offbeat small-town humor and warm, character-driven storytelling of this acclaimed comedy-drama.

• Twin Peaksquirky small town ensemble, offbeat comedy with heartfelt drama
• Doc Martinfish out of water urban professional in eccentric rural community, dramedy tone
• Gilmore Girlsquirky small town ensemble, whimsical character comedy with warmth
• Northern Exposure (1982)idiosyncratic small town setting, gentle absurdist humor and philosophical undertone

Created by

Joshua Brand, John Falsey

Release Date

1990-07-12

Episode runtime

45 min

Rating

8.4 / 10 (211)

What is Northern Exposure about?

A reluctant big city doctor fulfilling a scholarship obligation in the eccentric Alaskan town of Cicely finds unexpected community among its colorful residents.

What is Northern Exposure like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Northern Exposure as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as layered.

Is Northern Exposure violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Northern Exposure.

What did critics think of Northern Exposure?

Critics and audiences broadly admire the quirky ensemble, offbeat small-town humor and warm, character-driven storytelling of this acclaimed comedy-drama.

Which shows are like Northern Exposure?

Shows with a similar feel include Twin Peaks, Doc Martin, Gilmore Girls, and Northern Exposure (1982).

How long is Northern Exposure?

Northern Exposure: 6 seasons, 110 episodes.

Is Northern Exposure still running?

No, Northern Exposure has ended.

Where can I watch Northern Exposure?

In United States, Northern Exposure is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home.