Funny, authentic, beautiful: Why you want to watch CBC's new comedy series North of North
CBC Gem | Posted: January 2, 2025 3:25 PM | Last Updated: 22 hours ago
Single mom Siaja blows up her life and starts over in a small Arctic town where everybody knows her business
North of North, a heartfelt new comedy series from CBC featuring a talented cast of Indigenous actors and set in a charming, fictional Arctic town is now streaming free on CBC Gem.
The series captures the beauty of the Arctic while offering a glimpse into life in remote northern communities.
What is North of North about?
North of North stars Siaja (Anna Lambe) as a young Inuk mom who suddenly — and very publicly — ends her marriage to the town golden boy, Ting (Kelly William). She struggles to build a new life for herself and her daughter Bun (Keira Belle Cooper) in the tight-knit community of Ice Cove where everyone knows each other's business.
With housing and jobs in short supply, Siaja crashes on her single mom Neevee's (Maika Harper) couch while she lobbies for a job at the local community centre, run by the sometimes difficult but well-meaning Helen (Mary Lynn Rajskub).
Life gets even more complicated when Alistair (Jay Ryan), a handsome stranger with a shocking past, arrives with his sweet and attractive assistant, Kuuk (Braeden Clarke).
"Siaja's on a journey to change her life. She jumps in with both feet into everything she does, and it often gets her into trouble. But she has a big heart and big aspirations for herself, her family, and her community," says series co-creator Stacey Aglok MacDonald.
Reinventing yourself in a small, remote town isn't easy, but Siaja's friends and family have her back, helping her navigate the tough times with humour. After all, sometimes laughter is the only thing that makes sense when your life is already falling apart.
Where can I see the trailer for North of North?
Watch it at the top of the story!
Who stars in North of North?
Siaja is played by Inuit actor Anna Lambe (The Grizzles, True Detective, Trickster). "The idea of shooting the series in my hometown was a dream and I couldn't see a world where I wasn't a part of this project in some way," says Lambe.
She's joined by hometown actors Maika Harper (Mohawk Girls, Law & Order Toronto) as her single mom Neevee and Keira Belle Cooper as her eight-year-old daughter Bun. Says MacDonald, "I never in my wildest dreams imagined that the three women in our core family, Neevee, the matriarch, Siaja, our lead, and Siaja's daughter Bun would be Inuit from Iqaluit. It's beyond special.
Mary Lynn Rajskub (24, Punch Drunk Love) is hilariously endearing as Helen, a community centre manager who moved to the Arctic decades ago for love. She's now deeply connected to the Inuit community, but stands in Siaja's way and can't see past her limitations as a white woman (with a bit of a white saviour complex).
New Zealand's Jay Ryan (Territory, No Escape, Top of the Lake) portrays Alistair, a handsome stranger who appears in town after a decades-long absence. His handsome young assistant Kuuk is played by Braeden Clarke (Little Bird, Impulse), a Canadian actor and member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation in Alberta.
Nutaaq Doreen Simmonds, Bailey Poching and Zorga Qaunaq round out the ensemble cast as loveable – and sometimes interfering – friends who work with Siaja at the community centre.
Where was North of North shot?
The entire series was shot on location in Iqaluit, Nunavut's capital and a vibrant Arctic hub of 8,000. Many of the cast, creatives and crew have lived there and it was a special experience for them to work right in their community alongside longtime friends and family.
"The land is so important to us," says Harper, "and to be able to do it on our land is so important for Inuit. It wouldn't feel right to do it any other place."
It was the first time that Iqaluit hosted such a large film production and everyone, from the residents who housed crew from out of town, to the local cab company who provided transportation, pitched in to make it happen.
"As hard as it made it logistically, it made it easier creatively because it was all real," says Ryan who travelled halfway around the world for the shoot. "We didn't have to fake anything and reacted to the environment in real time. It made for an incredible experience."
Where were the outfits seen in North of North created?
The Inuk fashion seen in North of North is stunning! The boots, parkas, jewellery — even the casual wear — have a distinct, northern look crafted by local designers.
Not only did the producers want authenticity, but they also wanted to celebrate local craftsmanship. Local Inuk designer Nooks Lindell worked with Emmy-winning (Schitt's Creek) costume designer Debra Hanson to curate the look.
"It was really important to us that our parkas and anything traditional were made here in Nunavut, by Inuit artists," says MacDonald. "[The costume department] had to go to the ends of the Arctic to fashion the magnificent costumes that people will see on screen, which are unlike anything that's ever been seen before."
Who created North of North?
North of North is produced by Red Marrow Media and Northwood Entertainment and co-commissioned by CBC and Netflix in association with APTN.
When and where can I watch North of North in Canada?
Watch North of North in Canada now on CBC Gem.
CBC Gem is available for free as an App for iOS, tvOS, Fire TV, Android TV, Android phones and tablets, LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Roku, and Xbox One/S/X.