10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Northern Exposure (1990)

Description: Like Northern Exposure, Twin Peaks is set in a quirky small town with a tight-knit community and eccentric characters. Both shows blend drama, comedy, and surreal elements, creating a unique atmosphere. The storytelling in both series is character-driven, with a mix of humor and deeper themes.

Fact: Twin Peaks was created by David Lynch and Mark Frost. The show's iconic theme song was composed by Angelo Badalamenti. The mystery of 'Who killed Laura Palmer?' became a cultural phenomenon.

Description: Gilmore Girls shares Northern Exposure's focus on small-town life and its ensemble of quirky, lovable characters. Both shows feature witty, fast-paced dialogue and a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. The strong sense of community in Stars Hollow mirrors that of Cicely, Alaska.

Fact: Gilmore Girls was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino. The show is known for its pop culture references and rapid-fire dialogue. The fictional town of Stars Hollow was inspired by Washington Depot, Connecticut.

Description: Everwood, like Northern Exposure, explores the life of a big-city doctor adjusting to small-town life. Both shows balance medical drama with personal growth and community relationships. The picturesque settings and emotional storytelling are also similar.

Fact: Everwood was created by Greg Berlanti. The show starred Treat Williams as Dr. Andrew Brown. It was one of the first series to film in Utah to take advantage of tax incentives.

Description: Doc Martin shares Northern Exposure's premise of a big-city doctor adjusting to small-town life. Both shows feature a grumpy protagonist who slowly warms to the quirky community. The mix of medical cases and personal drama is similar.

Fact: Doc Martin stars Martin Clunes as the titular character. The show is set in the fictional village of Portwenn, filmed in Cornwall. It was inspired by a 2000 TV film called 'Saving Grace'.

Description: Eureka, like Northern Exposure, is set in a unique small town with eccentric residents. Both shows blend humor with more serious themes and feature an outsider protagonist. The sci-fi twist in Eureka adds a different flavor, but the community dynamics are similar.

Fact: Eureka was created by Andrew Cosby and Jaime Paglia. The town's name was originally 'Eureka, Oregon' in the pilot. The show features many real scientific concepts, albeit exaggerated.

Description: Parks and Recreation shares Northern Exposure's focus on community and quirky characters. Both shows use humor to explore the dynamics of small-town life and the importance of local government. The optimistic tone and ensemble cast are similar.

Fact: Parks and Recreation was created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur. The character of Ron Swanson was inspired by a real person. The show's mockumentary style was influenced by The Office.

Description: Schitt's Creek shares Northern Exposure's premise of outsiders adapting to small-town life. Both shows feature eccentric characters, sharp humor, and heartwarming moments. The growth of the main characters as they become part of the community is a central theme in both.

Fact: Schitt's Creek was created by Eugene Levy and his son Daniel Levy. The show won nine Emmy Awards in its final season. The town name was inspired by a real estate listing the Levys saw.

Description: The Good Place, like Northern Exposure, blends comedy with philosophical themes. Both shows feature quirky characters and explore ideas about morality and human connection. The clever writing and unique premise are reminiscent of Northern Exposure's innovative storytelling.

Fact: The Good Place was created by Michael Schur. The show's philosophy consultant was a Harvard professor. The twist at the end of the first season was kept secret from the cast.

Description: Corner Gas, like Northern Exposure, is set in a small, quirky town with a close-knit community. Both shows feature humor derived from the characters' interactions and the idiosyncrasies of small-town life. The laid-back, character-driven storytelling is similar.

Fact: Corner Gas was created by and stars Brent Butt. The show was filmed in Saskatchewan, Canada. It was the first Canadian comedy to be nominated for an International Emmy.

Description: Hart of Dixie follows a New York doctor moving to a small Southern town, much like Joel Fleischman in Northern Exposure. Both shows feature fish-out-of-water stories, quirky townsfolk, and a mix of romance and humor. The warm, community-focused tone is very similar.

Fact: Hart of Dixie stars Rachel Bilson as Dr. Zoe Hart. The show was inspired by the book 'The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires'. It was filmed on the same set as Gilmore Girls.