Northern Exposure

Northern Exposure

Intertitle of Northern Exposure

Northern Exposure is an American television series that aired on CBS from July 12, 1990, to July 26, 1995. The series was created by Joshua Brand and John Falsey. It is a comedy-drama that follows the story of Dr. Joel Fleischman, a recently graduated physician from New York City, who is sent to practice medicine in the remote town of Cicely, Alaska.

Premise

The series begins with Dr. Joel Fleischman, played by Rob Morrow, arriving in Cicely, Alaska, to fulfill his obligation to the state of Alaska, which funded his medical education. Expecting a modern urban environment, Joel is surprised to find a small, quirky town filled with eccentric residents. The show explores Joel's interactions with the townspeople and his gradual adaptation to the Alaskan lifestyle.

Characters

Joel Fleischman

Dr. Joel Fleischman is the protagonist of the series. Initially portrayed as a fish out of water, Joel's character evolves as he becomes more integrated into the community of Cicely. His relationships with the townspeople, particularly with Maggie O'Connell, form a central part of the narrative.

Maggie O'Connell

Cynthia Geary, Rob Morrow, and Janine Turner at the 45th Emmy Awards

Maggie O'Connell, played by Janine Turner, is a bush pilot and Joel's primary love interest. She is independent, strong-willed, and often challenges Joel's perceptions and attitudes.

Chris Stevens

Chris Stevens, portrayed by John Corbett, is the town's disc jockey and a philosophical voice in the series. His radio show often provides commentary on the events in Cicely and reflects the show's themes.

Maurice Minnifield

Maurice Minnifield, played by Barry Corbin, is a former astronaut and the town's wealthy entrepreneur. He has grand plans for Cicely and often clashes with other characters over his vision for the town.

Ruth-Anne Miller

Ruth-Anne Miller, portrayed by Peg Phillips, is the owner of the local general store. She is wise, kind, and serves as a maternal figure to many of the townspeople.

Peg Phillips and Barry Corbin

Themes

"Northern Exposure" is known for its exploration of themes such as community, culture clash, and the search for identity. The series often delves into philosophical and existential questions, using the unique setting of Alaska to highlight the contrasts between urban and rural life.

Production

The series was filmed in Roslyn, Washington, which stood in for the fictional town of Cicely. The show's creators, Brand and Falsey, drew inspiration from their own experiences and aimed to create a series that blended humor with deeper, more reflective storytelling.

Reception

"Northern Exposure" received critical acclaim during its run, praised for its writing, character development, and unique setting. It won several awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 1992.

Legacy

The series has maintained a cult following and is often cited as an influence on later television shows that blend comedy and drama. Its portrayal of a diverse and eccentric community continues to resonate with audiences.

Related pages

• List of Northern Exposure episodes
• List of awards and nominations received by Northern Exposure