Northern Exposure

I love this series. With the current state of affairs, it seems like a nostalgic glimpse into Americana that, for the most part, no longer seems to exist. The first season has its ups and downs but as it continues the characters develop as a wonderful ensemble.

The story revolves around a doctor just graduating from medical school, Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow). Lacking the funds to pay for medical school outright, Dr. Fleischman agrees to practice in the state of Alaska in exchange for financial support. Expecting to practice in a larger city, Dr. Fleischman ends up in the small town or village of Cicely. He longs to return to New York but begins to learn how to adapt to small town life. Along the way he becomes a part of fabric of his community.

Having aired over thirty years ago there may be some moments that would be questioned now but not many. The fictional Cicely and its inhabitants are now a throwback to a time where everyone knew almost everything about anyone in the town but without the anger, outrage, talk of vengeance or desire to seek retribution that floods the collective American experience today. The writing in the series is superb and the breadth of humanity in the episodes is a treasure. Maybe I am wrong that it is not a white-washed version of the 1950s but instead a more hopeful exploration of the potential of life well lived in the United States of America.

No matter where you hear about this show it is obvious even here that people can only say good things about it. I decided to comment on it based on my belief that the series contained some of the greatest television writing that I can remember. The scripts were excellently compelling and intriguing. Just when you thought that you could label a character and prophesize what they were to do next their personalities were stretched. Over the course of the shows six seasons they characters acted out brilliantly by the likes of John Corbett, Janine Turner, and Rob Morrow created what I and many others would select as the best hour-long program to ever hit the tube.

Northern Exposure has been one of very few shows that have brought both laughter and tears to my eyes within each and every episode. There has never been a series as consistent in warmth and love as this one. I'm not sure if the writers were the same on similar (later) series like "Key West" and "Going to Extremes" but these did not last as long and seem to be unavailable in syndication. Perhaps I lean toward enjoying eccentricity more than some, but throughout any given episode's "quirky" moments there will always be an undercurrent for the common man, and a generous one at that. Having been a college DJ myself, I particularly appreciate the thoughtful summaries at the conclusion of most episodes with Chris' venting his mellow thoughts to the cold wilds of the Cicely (sp?) night.

If you don't have a fireplace, curl up with a Northern Exposure hour, and the effect will be much the same.

Was a big fan of Northern Exposure when it started back in 1990. Always wondered if it would hold up and why it wasn't streaming. Fortunately Northern Exposure is now available (I saw it free on Amazon Prime) and indeed holds up close to 34 years later. I'm pretty sure I'm enjoying Northern Exposure as much now, an old man, as I did then. The stories are still good and the characters are like old friends. Ed is my favorite, then Ruth Ann, then Chris-who has the best job in the world. Yeah, Joel is still annoying...but it's key to the character. The age difference between Shelly and Holling is odd, but was 34 years ago as well. Forgot how good the music was also.

I've read the reviews. You either get it or you don't. Perhaps the finest American show ever. Most tv shows are easy to follow because there's little subtext. It isn't always what you see, it's what you don't see in this gem. Quirky characters with quirky story lines. Rugged individualism, community, a sense of belonging. The love of these disparate characters thrown together makes magic. Native Americans and transplants alike. People with a love of the outdoors, young folks and older folks making a life in a small town and thriving. I suspect some of the poor reviews are from individuals who don't like the political underpinnings. The show can be downright subversive. An American astronaut who can be bigoted but you like him anyway. A Jewish doctor who is a republican. A women bush pilot from Grosse Point Michigan who is a democrat. Today in a tv show or movie these characters would be mocked. It dares to use stereotypes and treat differences with respect. These people love one another because of their differences. Each episode gives you just enough to keep you coming back for more.. I hadn't seen the show in thirty years and because of work schedules and missed most episodes. The cast of this show may be the finest ever. Please take a look.