Get ready for a heartwarming and hilarious journey to the Arctic! North of North, the highly anticipated comedy series, premieres Tuesday, January 7, at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on CBC and CBC Gem.
The show will continue airing weekly at 9 p.m. starting January 14. Set in the fictional Arctic community of Ice Cove, this groundbreaking series offers a fresh and authentic perspective on life in the North through the eyes of Siaja, a young Inuk mother on a journey of self-discovery. With its mix of relatable humour and heartfelt moments, North of North promises to be a must-watch for audiences across Canada and beyond.
The Show
North of North tells the story of Siaja, played by Anna Lambe (True Detective: Night Country, Trickster), a young Inuk mother living in the tight-knit Arctic community of Ice Cove. After a spontaneous and very public end to her marriage, Siaja sets out to reinvent herself, navigating the unpredictable challenges of relationships, motherhood, and a new job—all while dealing with the hilarity and chaos that comes from living in a town where everyone knows everyone’s business.
Set in the fictional town of Ice Cove but filmed in Iqaluit, the series brings an authentic Arctic backdrop to its storytelling. The creators, Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, have infused the show with relatable humour and heart, ensuring that viewers will not only laugh but also connect with the universal themes of resilience, growth, and community.
Key Cast and Characters
Leading the ensemble is Anna Lambe as Siaja, whose nuanced performance captures the struggles and joys of a young Inuk mother forging her own path. Lambe, an actress from Iqaluit, has expressed her pride in showcasing Inuit stories and humour, emphasizing that the series reflects the multifaceted reality of Inuit life.
Joining her are Maika Harper (Mohawk Girls), Keira Belle Cooper, and Kelly William, alongside Braeden Clarke, Mary Lynn Rajskub (24), and Jay Ryan (It: Chapter Two). The show also features standout performances by Zorga Qaunaq, Bailey Poching, and Nutaaq Doreen Simmonds, many of whom are from Nunavut, adding depth and authenticity to the cast.
Each character in Ice Cove brings their own quirks and charm to the screen, making the small Arctic town feel vibrant and relatable. From Siaja’s family and friends to her new colleagues, the characters reflect the close-knit bonds and occasional drama of life in a remote community.
Behind the Scenes
The magic of North of North lies not just in its story but in the passionate team behind it. The series was co-created by Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, both celebrated for their work on The Grizzlies. With their deep ties to Inuit culture and storytelling, they bring authenticity and heart to the show, drawing from real-life experiences to craft a story that resonates globally.
Filmed in Iqaluit during the spring of 2024, the production faced the unique challenges of working in the Arctic. From unpredictable weather to logistical hurdles, creating a show of this scale in such a remote location was no small feat.
However, for Aglok MacDonald and Arnaquq-Baril, filming in the North was non-negotiable. “It cannot be replicated anywhere,” Aglok MacDonald emphasized, underscoring the importance of capturing the genuine essence of Arctic life.
The involvement of local talent both on and off-screen further strengthens the connection to the community. “There’s no way we could do this show without having people from our community in there,” Arnaquq-Baril shared. By blending professional actors with local voices, the creators ensured the fictional town of Ice Cove feels as real and relatable as possible.
This authenticity, coupled with the show’s collaboration with CBC, Netflix, and APTN, makes North of North a groundbreaking project that brings the Arctic and its stories to the world stage.
Cultural Significance
The creators, Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, aimed to present a nuanced portrayal of Arctic life, one that reflects both its challenges and joys. While the town of Ice Cove is fictional, its characters and stories draw heavily from the lived experiences of Inuit communities.
For Inuit viewers, the series offers an opportunity to see themselves represented on screen in a way that feels authentic and empowering. “I think a lot of Inuit will definitely see the show and feel like they can recognize a lot of the characters,” Arnaquq-Baril shared. From family dynamics to community relationships, North of North captures the essence of life in the North with humour and heart.
For global audiences, the show serves as a window into the contemporary lives of Inuit people, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions. “Sometimes people only understand Inuit as a historical people,” said Anna Lambe, who plays Siaja. The series emphasizes that Inuit are not relics of the past but vibrant, multifaceted individuals with dreams, humour, and rich stories to share.
Why You Should Watch North of North
The series strikes a delicate balance between comedy and meaningful storytelling, offering both laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on life in a remote Arctic community.
Here’s why North of North deserves a spot on your watchlist:
- Authentic Representation: The show provides an honest portrayal of Inuit life while addressing universal themes that resonate with everyone.
- Relatable Characters: Siaja and the residents of Ice Cove feel like people you know—imperfect, funny, and real.
- A Unique Setting: Filmed in Iqaluit, the series captures the stunning landscapes and close-knit dynamics of Arctic life, offering a glimpse into a world rarely seen on television.
- Cultural Insight: For global audiences, North of North offers an opportunity to learn about Inuit culture and stories from those who live it, presented with authenticity and pride.
How to Watch
North of North premieres on Tuesday, January 7, with back-to-back episodes airing at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on CBC and CBC Gem. Starting January 14, the series will continue weekly at 9 p.m., bringing a fresh dose of comedy and heart to your Tuesday nights.
Can’t tune in live? No worries—CBC Gem allows you to stream episodes on demand, so you can catch up at your convenience. For international viewers, North of North will make its global debut on Netflix in the spring of 2025, giving audiences worldwide the chance to enjoy this groundbreaking series.
Wrapping Up
Through its strong cast, insightful writing, and breathtaking Arctic setting, North of North promises to be a series that stays with audiences long after the credits roll. It’s a story about laughter and community, but most importantly, it’s a celebration of Inuit voices and their place in the modern world.