Let’s get one thing straight: “North of North” isn’t trying to be flashy. It’s not here for your big-budget drama tropes or your high-speed plot twists. This show rolls in on a Ski-Doo, offers you a cup of tea, and gently roasts you for not wearing the proper boots. And honestly? It’s perfect.

Set in the fictional Arctic community of Ice Cove, the show gives us radio gossip, community tensions, teenage awkwardness, and the kind of aunties who’ll roast you lovingly while handing you leftover caribou stew. The comedy sneaks up on you; dry, sharp, and sometimes so absurdly specific you’ll wonder how they knew about your cousin’s snowmobile getting stuck that one time.

At the heart of it all is Anna Lambe as Siaja, a young Inuk woman who’s back in her hometown trying to figure out life, love, and how not to lose her mind when your ex, your mother, and your new boss are all up in your business. Lambe delivers a performance full of charm, wit, and those subtle eye-rolls that speak louder than words. You root for her even when she’s screwing things up (which she does, delightfully often).

Backing her up is Maika Harper as Neevee, Siaja’s mother and the community’s unofficial Minister of Telling It Like It Is. Harper brings a perfect mix of heart and “don’t test me” energy that makes you want her on your side in any northern showdown, be it over land, love, or the last piece of bannock.

The rest of the cast (many of them fresh faces) bring the town to life in all its glorious, stubborn, sarcastic glory. From ambitious teens and well-meaning radio hosts to gruff mechanics and nosy neighbours, each character feels like someone you want to know. The writing is sharp, but never mean, the jokes land with the weight of a well-thrown snowball, and the community feels real enough that you’ll be checking flights to Nunavut “just to visit.”

And sure, it’s a little rough around the edges. The budget isn’t flashy, the sets are cozy, and the weather never takes a day off, but that’s kind of the point. This is a show that wears its sealskin parka with pride, and isn’t trying to impress you with glitz! It wants to make you laugh, maybe cry a little, and remind you that northern life is full of stories worth telling.

Bottom line? North of North is like a cup of tea after a blizzard; simple, satisfying, and a little bit magic. Watch it for the vibes, stay for the feels, and maybe learn how to make muktuk while you’re at it.

And the good news is that Netflix just announced that they are picking up the second season, while making the first amazing season available this month.