5 Must-Watch Shows If You Loved Netflix’s North Of North – Number 1 Will Surprise You!

A Canadian sitcom titled “North of North” produced by Netflix has a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and offers a unique perspective rarely seen in TV shows, as it is set in an under-represented region. The narrative revolves around Siaja, who chooses to leave her husband and reinvent herself in the fictional town of Ice Cove. Siaja adores her hometown and helps manage it, but the arrival of new inhabitants signals impending changes. The ensemble cast of “North of North” includes several promising Canadian actors, many of whom are Indigenous Inuk individuals.

In the show “North of North“, most characters are quite endearing, despite their imperfections, and this is particularly true for Neevee, Siaja’s mother. The series generally has a cheerful vibe, but the final episode of “North of North” adds a layer of deeper emotional intensity. Spanning only eight episodes, there have been positive signs about a potential season 2 for “North of North“. Until that’s confirmed, other enjoyable sitcoms with a similar tone can be watched as an alternative.

5. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Both Main Characters Are Optimists, Who Are Pursuing A New Life

Initially, it appears that “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “North of North” are polar opposites. The former takes place in the bustling cityscape of New York, where Kimmy finds herself an outsider, unfamiliar with everyone and needing to forge new connections from scratch. In contrast, “North of North” is set in a small, tight-knit community, where Siaja has pre-existing relationships with most of the main characters due to growing up in that town. Additionally, Siaja is more accustomed to Inuit culture, while Kimmy must adapt to New York’s modern ways as a novice resident.

In essence, although they are set in different locations, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and North of North share strikingly similar themes. Both series revolve around women who have managed to break free from oppressive situations and embark on fresh starts under their own control. While Kimmy was physically confined within an underground bunker as a member of a cult, Siaja found herself emotionally trapped in an unhappy marriage.

Both protagonists are married to men who exert manipulative and abusive power over them, yet they are admired by others. Kimmy’s husband is the leader of her cult, while Siaja’s spouse is the town’s beloved hero and celebrated sports star.

The two shows, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and North of North, share a common theme: they are uplifting, humorous comedies that focus on women striving to improve the world. However, they also carry a somber undertone at times. Characters in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt are generally appealing, but Kimmy and her fellow “Mole Women” often find life beyond the cult challenging. In contrast, older characters like Siaja’s mother in North of North grapple with the aftermath of the government’s former residential school system. Both series skillfully blend humor and emotional resonance, making Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt an excellent choice for those who enjoyed the comedy in North of North.

4. Reservation Dogs

A Dramedy About Friendship And Belonging, Set On A Reservation

The TV series “Reservation Dogs” focuses on a gang of teenagers from an Indigenous community residing in rural Oklahoma. Their shared dream is to relocate to California. Similar to the series “North of North“, “Reservation Dogs” boasts an impressive soundtrack, frequently incorporating renditions of well-known tunes. Notably, the entire writing team for this show was Indigenous, and it received acclaim for its authentic depiction of life on a reservation. Although “North of North” also promotes Indigenous talent through its actors, writers, costume designers, and soundtrack, there are more similarities between these two shows than just their representation of the Indigenous community.

The main characters in “Reservation Dogs” grapple with the question of whether to remain in their community or depart for a fresh start elsewhere. While Siaja cherishes her hometown, characters in “North of North” struggle between staying in Ice Cove and going back home. If you appreciate the deeper, somber themes that drive “North of North,” “Reservation Dogs” offers humor but emphasizes its dramatic impact and emotional resonance more profoundly.

3. Parks And Recreation

Both Series Feature A Small Town That Is Almost Another Character

In the series Parks and Recreation, we’ve been introduced to memorable characters such as Leslie Knope, an optimistic and determined woman who strives to improve her town, Pawnee. Similarly, in North of North, Siaja emerges as a character reminiscent of Leslie. After leaving her husband and spending years caring for her daughter, Bun, Siaja finds herself looking for employment. Initially rejected by Helen, the town manager, Siaja decides to take matters into her own hands and begins working as an unofficial garbage collector. This self-starting attitude earns her Helen’s appreciation and lands her a job as Helen’s assistant.

Throughout “North of North,” Siaja assumes a more significant position in her town’s governance, similar to Leslie, engaging in activities like fundraising and presenting Ice Cove to prospective investors. Although both Ice Cove and Pawnee are fictional towns, “North of North” and “Parks and Recreation” share heartwarming narratives about small-town existence and community camaraderie. However, if there’s one significant critique of “North of North,” it lies in the underutilization of secondary characters, as their potential was not fully realized. Compared to “Parks and Recreation,” which boasts a more varied ensemble cast, this series could have delved deeper into those additional characters.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that Siaja’s pals appear lively, and their backing for her in some impactful scenes is commendable. However, it seems that none of them have well-defined character journeys, and we seldom delve into their lives beyond Siaja’s viewpoint. On the flip side, North of North has garnered rave reviews for its authenticity, costumes, and endearing portrayal of Siaja. What truly sets Parks and Recreation apart, making it a fan favorite, is its array of larger-than-life characters. If you enjoyed the camaraderie between Siaja and her friends and colleagues, I’d recommend checking out Parks and Recreation next. The series thrives on this sense of community, which lies at its very core.

2. Letterkenny

A Canadian Sitcom With Clever Wordplay

In the northern part of the series, there’s a unique blend of humor, with some particularly memorable scenes involving awkward and cringe-worthy moments. For instance, when Siaja dips her toe into casual dating and ends up in a dogsled enthusiast’s bedroom, it’s both mortifyingly funny. If you’re looking for a show set in a small town with a distinctly different humor, I’d recommend checking out Letterkenny next. Known for its witty dialogue and quick-fire one-liners, this show is highly quotable. It revolves around the inhabitants of the fictional town of Letterkenny in Ontario.

In Letterkenny, we delve into the daily lives of various social circles in the quaint town of Letterkenny. Similar to the series North of North, it’s a heartwarming show, despite its characters often appearing gruff. Yet, beneath their tough exteriors, they are kind-hearted and helpful individuals. Remarkably, even the most hardened men in this show aren’t shy about expressing their feelings. Unlike North of North, which follows a narrative with secrets unveiled amidst changes in Ice Cove, Letterkenny lacks an overarching plot. Instead, it offers standalone episodes that can be enjoyed independently, making it easy for viewers to join in at any point.

1. Schitt’s Creek

A Feel-Good, Wholesome Sitcom About Transformation

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but sing praises for “Schitt’s Creek,” a sitcom that boasts an impressive 93% positive rating from both audiences and critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Much like “North of North,” this series delves into the lives of the townsfolk in a quaint, small-town setting. For me, “Schitt’s Creek” tells a unique story about a family who, once upon a time, were filthy rich but find themselves penniless and are compelled to resettle in the seemingly insignificant Schitt’s Creek – a town they had initially purchased as a joke. The journey of this family adapting to their new life in the motel is nothing short of hilarious, but it’s the character development that truly sets “Schitt’s Creek” apart from its peers.

In a nutshell, just like Schitt’s Creek, the show called North of North hails from Canada. At first sight, these two series might appear to be polar opposites, but they share many common themes upon closer inspection. The protagonists in both stories embark on journeys of self-discovery: Siaja, from North of North, finds her voice and learns to assert herself and represent her town with confidence, while the entire Rose family in Schitt’s Creek learns to become better, more compassionate citizens. Both shows revolve around characters rebuilding their lives within a small-town setting, though North of North has only been on for one season so far.

One significant aspect that sets both “Schitt’s Creek” and “North of North” apart is their shared heartwarming tone. These series are community-centric, interspersed with poignant emotional scenes that foster character development. A particularly touching scene in “Schitt’s Creek” occurs when the once aloof Moira coaches a younger character, boosting her self-assurance. In a parallel narrative twist, “North of North” sees Siaja receiving backing from the town elders, which initiates a transformation similar to the one witnessed in Schitt’s Creek. For viewers seeking a comedic exploration of subtle change, “Schitt’s Creek” is the series to engage with next.

2025-04-18 22:28