Northern Exposure (1990–1995)

A newly graduated doctor is required to set up his practice in an eccentric Alaskan town.

Creators:

Joshua Brand, John Falsey

Stars:

Barry Corbin, Janine Turner, John Cullum

Won 2 Golden Globes. Another 25 wins & 57 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Barry Corbin	...	Maurice J. Minnifield (110 episodes, 1990-1995)
Janine Turner	...	Maggie O'Connell (110 episodes, 1990-1995)
John Cullum	...	Holling Vincoeur (110 episodes, 1990-1995)
Darren E. Burrows	...	Ed Chigliak (110 episodes, 1990-1995)
John Corbett	...	Chris Stevens (110 episodes, 1990-1995)
Cynthia Geary	...	Shelly Marie Tambo (110 episodes, 1990-1995)
Elaine Miles	...	Marilyn Whirlwind (110 episodes, 1990-1995)
Peg Phillips	...	Ruth-Anne Miller (107 episodes, 1990-1995)
Rob Morrow	...	Dr. Joel Fleischman (102 episodes, 1990-1995)
William J. White	...	Dave the Cook (48 episodes, 1991-1994)

Storyline

Joel Fleishman is fresh out of medical college, and fresh out of luck. Failing to read the fine print in his scholarship conditions, he finds he has no choice but to move to the remote and somewhat eccentric town of Cicely, in the wilds of Alaska. Once there, he is welcomed by the peculiar locals who are not keen to see him go, most especially Maurice Minnifield, the ex-NASA astronaut. Despite Joel's adamant denials, one gets the impression that he enjoys life in Cicely more than he admits.

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Plot Keywords:

alaska | medical | eccentric | doctor | bush pilot | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Russian Yiddish Tlingit Hebrew

Release Date:

12 July 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ausgerechnet Alaska

Filming Locations:

Easton, Washington, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cine-Nevada Productions, Universal TV, Falahey/Austin Street Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (110 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mother and daughter characters Mrs. Whirlwind and Marilyn Whirlwind are played by real-life mother and daughter Armenia Miles and Elaine Miles.

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Quotes

Chris Stevens: Joel, the concept of random death in an indifferent world is one thing, but to be the instrument of that death? A dogkiller?... I don't suppose you'd tell the owners?

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Connections

Referenced in Murder, She Wrote: Northern Explosion (1994)

User Reviews

No other show has brought as much love to the TV screen.

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.