- Network: CBS
- Series Premiere Date: Jul 12, 1990
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Critic Reviews
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An oasis of becalmed eccentricity, this backwoods burg is a serene paradise of quirky humor and offbeat pathos. Here, using that old city-boy- meets-country-sages routine, is a show where intelligence, not ignorance, is bliss. [12 July 1990, p.3D]
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The show's quirkiness is neatly mixed with a familiar fish-out-of-water theme, and its sensibilities are nicely in touch with soft humanity. It's delightful. [12 July 1990, p.17]
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Here's an interesting, uneven, impudent comedy-drama that may well prove to be summer television's most likably eccentric series.
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The only major kink in Northern Exposure is its tendency to have Fleischman and the others expose their flaws only to finish each episode by doing the good and right thing, as if guided by some invisible magic wand. Otherwise, this is magical stuff that deserves a permanent spot on the CBS schedule. [12 July 1990, p.10]
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My fear is that the show may be too Alaska. TV is not ready yet for Nanook of the North, even if he has a New York accent. [10 July 1990, p.9]
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Some spots are noticeably rough and unfinished, with several lapses into clicheland, and occasional bumps where the need to set the series' premise knocks against the wish to do good, episodic storytelling...There's definitely an appeal, with a homey, real-people feel to its principals and side players, most of then interesting, even just in passing. [12 July 1990, p.D15]
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The show can get overly cute. It's hard to believe that anyone these days, even in remote Alaska, hasn't heard of a bagel, frozen or otherwise. And at one point, a passing reference is made to "St. Elsewhere." Not necessary. But, like Joel, a good many viewers may discover that the characters kind of grow on you. A first-rate cast makes it all the more easy. As Ed says to Joel about the gamey mooseburgers, you'll get used to it. [12 July 1990, p.C22]