Cicely, Alaska – After years of anticipation from TV fans, the beloved early-’90s CBS series “Northern Exposure” has finally arrived in the streaming era. Amazon Prime Video discreetly added all six seasons of the show to its platform at the beginning of 2024.
For those who may not be familiar with the series, “Northern Exposure” centers around Joel Fleischman, portrayed by Rob Morrow, a New York native and recent medical school graduate. Joel is compelled to relocate to the small town of Cicely, Alaska (population 815), to work as the town doctor as part of his agreement to repay his medical education expenses funded by Alaska. In Cicely, he encounters a cast of eccentric residents, including Maurice Minnifield (Barry Corbin), a cultured former astronaut who owns a significant portion of the town, Maggie O’Connell (Janine Turner), a local pilot with an ambiguous romantic relationship with Joel, Chris Stevens (John Corbett), a talkative radio DJ, Marilyn (Eliane Miles), the receptionist at the doctor’s office, Ed Chigliak (Darren E. Burrows), an aspiring filmmaker, Ruth-Anne (Peg Phillips), the proprietor of the general store, and Holling Vincoeur (John Cullum), the owner of the local bar/tavern, The Brick, and his much younger wife, Shelly (Cynthia Geary).
Debuting as a CBS mid-season replacement in early 1990, “Northern Exposure” seemed to follow in the footsteps of the successful show “Twin Peaks” during an era when networks were seeking their own slice of eccentricity. However, “Northern Exposure” maintained a friendlier and less overtly peculiar tone than “Twin Peaks,” quickly becoming a standout hit that diverged from the typical network television fare of that time. The show’s blend of humor, sincerity, and unpredictability laid the groundwork for future series such as “Gilmore Girls.”
One notable aspect of “Northern Exposure” was its inclusion of non-mainstream cultural references, particularly in the realms of music, film, literature, art, and food. The show featured guest appearances by Adam Ant, a renowned rock star, and even sparked a discussion about the German industrial band Einstürzende Neubauten. Its soundtrack encompassed a wide range of artists, including The Ramones, Hank Williams, Brian Eno, Julee Cruise, Django Reinhardt, Dwight Yoakam, Sinead O’Connor, Vangelis, Talking Heads, and The B-52’s.
While the first two seasons of “Northern Exposure” continue to stand the test of time, the subsequent seasons still offer worthwhile viewing. However, the final season saw the departure of creators Joshua Brand and John Falsey, who were replaced by David Chase, the future creator of “The Sopranos.” Additionally, Rob Morrow exited the show, and comedian Paul Provenza stepped in as the new doctor. Unfortunately, the magic of the series dwindled at this point. Nonetheless, “Northern Exposure” remains one of the best-written and most progressive shows in television history and is certainly worth revisiting or discovering for the first time.
One drawback of the series was its incredible soundtrack, which predated the era of home video and streaming permissions. The mid-2000s DVD edition had to replace many of the original songs with generic alternatives. However, the version now available on Prime Video includes approximately 80% of the original songs, making it a vast improvement. Furthermore, the video quality on the streaming platform surpasses that of the DVDs. After years of unavailability, the pristine condition of “Northern Exposure” on Amazon Prime Video is a cause for celebration.
In conclusion, the arrival of “Northern Exposure” on Amazon Prime Video marks a momentous occasion for TV enthusiasts. The show’s charming characters, compelling storylines, and innovative approach to cultural references continue to captivate audiences today. Whether revisiting the series or experiencing it for the first time, audiences will undoubtedly appreciate the unique magic that made “Northern Exposure” such a groundbreaking and beloved television show.