All PHOTOS BY JASPER SAVAGE/NETFLIX
If Northern Exposure had a Gen Z daughter with a 10-follower TikTok and a strong sense of cultural pride, who’s also the jokey cousin of Alaska Daily, that girl would be North of North. This Netflix Original is a breezy, relevant watch that finds its heartbeat in family, culture, the messy and magnetic Siaja (Anna Lambe), and her “maybe-they-might” romance with Kuuk (Braeden Clarke).
Siaja, a young Inuk mom, is done being the dusty, back-corner trophy wife for Ting (Kelly William), the town’s hot boi. Rendered invisible next to the ever-disrespectful Ting, she’s ready to step out of the shadows and figure out who she is—messy choices and all. Enter Alistair (Jay Ryan), a man who used to have a thing for Siaja’s mother, Neevee (Maika Harper). Are they mad, or are they pining? You’ll need all 8 episodes to figure that out. Alistair brings Kuuk, a Southerner who serves face, to scout a new research center location. And just like every new boy in town, Alistair and Kuuk’s arrival sets off a chain reaction in Siaja’s life, throwing her journey of self-discovery into overdrive.
see the full cast breakdown here with personal faves Zorga Qaunaq as Millie and Nutaaq Doreen Simmonds as Elisapee
At its core, North of North is a love letter to Inuit culture and community, framed by a storyline that frolickes between heartfelt drama and giggles. Lambe (yes, from the incredible True Detective: Night Country) is diamond-bright as Siaja. I could watch her in anything, and I hope she gets to do a lot more. Siaja is the protagonist who makes you want to scream, “Girl, WHAT?!” while cheering for her to figure it all out.
The show thrives in rom-com awakening between Siaja and Kuuk, who’s not just a crush but a catalyst for her growth. Their dynamic mixes banter, unresolved tension, and a sweetness that makes you want to “aww” them. It’s so grounded in the small, everyday moments that make new love exhilarating but confusing.
What sets North of North apart is its unapologetic embrace of Inuit culture. The love of Bannock—a snow country sibling to fry bread—is a running joke, but the traditions run deep with the humor and resilience of a culture often misrepresented in media. And while it’s rich with cultural specificity, North of North also taps into universal themes—family dynamics, the search for identity, and the complicated beauty of community. Siaja’s family and friends form a hilarious, occasionally dysfunctional, but always supportive backdrop that makes the series feel like you’re watching people you know.
sidebar: Mary Lynn Rajskub as Helen (the Northern Exposure character) says so much about other cultures coming into these spaces and the difference between dominance and immersion.
This balance—between authenticity and relatability—makes North of North one to watch. It’s fresh and satisfying, like putting your feet up after a long day for some Bannock and cocktails with your fam. You’re laughing and feeling full in every way that matters.
All 8-episodes of North of North streaming now on Netflix
Perfect for: Fans of sharp heartfelt comedies, messy but lovable heroines, and stories that celebrate culture, community, and life’s beautiful complications
