*The Great North*

*The Great North*
Genre	Animated sitcom
Creator	Wendy Molyneux, Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, Minty Lewis
Voices	Nick Offerman, Jenny Slate, Dulcé Sloan, Paul Rust, Aparna Nancherla, Megan Mullally
Composer	Mark Rivers
Country	United States
Language	English
Num episodes	69
Network	Fox Broadcasting Company
First aired	January 3, 2021
Last aired	present

*The Great North* is an American animated sitcom that premiered on the Fox Broadcasting Company in 2021. Created by Wendy Molyneux, Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, and Minty Lewis, the series follows the eccentric Tobin family as they navigate life in the remote fictional town of Lone Moose, Alaska. The show is produced by 20th Television Animation and features an ensemble voice cast led by Nick Offerman and Jenny Slate.

Plot

The series centers on the Tobins, a close-knit family led by single father Beef Tobin, who strives to keep his children connected through elaborate adventures and traditions in the stark beauty of Alaska. Stories often involve their interactions with the quirky residents of Lone Moose, including business owner Alaska Native Kathleen, and frequently incorporate imaginative fantasy sequences. Episodes explore themes of family bonding, personal growth, and embracing individuality against the backdrop of the Arctic wilderness, with plots ranging from preparing for the Iditarod to hosting a town festival. The narrative balances heartfelt moments with absurdist humor, often drawing contrasts between their isolated lifestyle and the broader world beyond Alaska.

Characters

The main family consists of Beef Tobin (voiced by Nick Offerman), a rugged, emotionally open bush pilot; his daughter Judy (Jenny Slate), a creatively dramatic teenager; and his sons Wolf (Will Forte), Honeybee (Dulcé Sloan), Ham (Paul Rust), and Moon (Aparna Nancherla). Wolf is an optimistic, married fisherman, while his wife Honeybee provides grounded support; Ham is a sensitive, aspiring romance novelist; and Moon is the socially awkward youngest with a keen scientific mind. Key supporting characters include their flamboyant landlady and shopkeeper Kathleen (Megan Mullally), Judy's best friend Crispin (Julio Torres), and the gruff bartender Jerry (Alanis Morissette). Recurring townspeople like Mayor Peppers (John Hodgman) and Deb (Yvette Nicole Brown) populate the community of Lone Moose.

Production

The series was created by Wendy Molyneux, Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, and Minty Lewis, who also serve as executive producers alongside Bob's Burgers creator Loren Bouchard. It is produced by 20th Television Animation and Bento Box Entertainment, with animation services provided by Bento Box Entertainment and Fox Corporation subsidiaries. The writing staff includes alumni from shows like Bob's Burgers and The Simpsons, contributing to its character-driven humor. Composer Mark Rivers, known for his work on Bob's Burgers, provides the music, and the art direction is heavily inspired by Alaskan landscapes and culture.

Release

The series premiered on Fox Broadcasting Company on January 3, 2021, following an episode of The Simpsons. Subsequent seasons have aired as part of Fox's Animation Domination Sunday night lineup, alongside shows like Family Guy and Bob's Burgers. Episodes are available for streaming the next day on Hulu and the Fox Now platform. Internationally, the show has been distributed by Disney Platform Distribution to markets including Canada on Citytv and the United Kingdom on Disney+. Full seasons have been released on DVD and through digital purchase on Amazon Prime Video.

Reception

The show received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for its wholesome tone, unique setting, and vocal performances, particularly those of Nick Offerman and Jenny Slate. It holds a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for its inclusive storytelling. Some reviews in outlets like The A.V. Club and Variety noted its similarities to Bob's Burgers but commended its distinct Alaskan charm. The series was renewed for a fourth season in May 2022, indicating strong support from Fox Broadcasting Company.

Cultural impact

The series has been noted for its positive representation of Alaska and Alaska Native culture through characters like Kathleen, developed with cultural consultants. It has garnered a dedicated fanbase, inspiring fan art and discussion at events like San Diego Comic-Con. The show's emphasis on a loving, non-traditional family structure and its inclusion of LGBT characters, such as Ham, have been highlighted by organizations like GLAAD. While not yet a ratings juggernaut, its consistent presence on Fox Broadcasting Company has solidified it as a staple of modern animated sitcoms, often compared to the works of Loren Bouchard.

Category:2020s American animated television series Category:Fox Broadcasting Company original programming Category:Animated sitcoms