The Great North

Presented by FOX during 2021, The Great North is an animated comedy series that propels viewers into the quirky and captivating world of the Tobin family. The show explores their everyday life and numerous adventures in Alaska, and with a perfect blend of humor, family bonds, and heartfelt moments, the show offers a unique viewing experience that's hard to come by.

The plot of The Great North is centered around Beef Tobin, a single dad and the patriarch of the Tobin family, voiced by the acclaimed actor, Nick Offerman. Beef tries to keep his bunch of oddball kids in check in their ever-so-interesting Alaskan surroundings. Alongside the challenges of single parenthood, Beef also wrestles with the eccentric and often hilarious trials life presents while dwelling in Alaska's wilderness.

His kids include Judy and Wolf Tobin, the Brooks-Duvay-Tobin brothers, and youngest son Moon. Judy, voiced by comedy powerhouse Jenny Slate, is the artistic middle-child who dreams of leaving her small town in favor of a more thrilling life while attempting to unfold her adolescence. Lending her voice to the slate of sparkling dialogue, and her hilarious one-liners adds tremendous depth to her character's charm.

Wolf is Beef's oldest son who is voiced by stand-up comedian and actor Will Forte. He's on the verge of starting a family with his fiancée Honeybee. Paul Rust voices the third son Ham who, like his siblings, is carving out his own quirky path. The youngest son Moon, voiced by Aparna Nancherla, is a wild child at heart but with his unique brand of wisdom. Last but not least is Beef's eccentric brother-in-law, Jerry Ortega, voiced by the talented Dulcé Sloan.

The Great North is offered a more colorful and phenomenal twist with the addition of a regular guest star, Alanis Morissette as Judy's imaginary friend who often provides her wisdom nestled among her dreams. The diverse voice cast brilliantly navigates each character's development and adds depth to the storytelling with their individual comedic flavors.

The remarkable narrative element of The Great North is its setting. Set in Alaska's vast landscapes, from snow-covered mountains, northern lights, and a vast sea to its wildlife; it all plays a part in molding the plot. This nuanced play with the environment's challenges and benefits gives the show a unique perspective, making it more than just a family-centric sitcom.

The Great North beautifully highlights the eccentricities that mark the daily life of the Tobin family while also offering a peek into the seldom-explored Alaskan culture and lifestyle. The Alaskan backdrop also provides plenty of scenarios for the hilarious escapades that ensue in each episode, intertwined with the diverse wildlife and the continued reference to local folklore.

On the other hand, the show also touches meaningful and sensitive subjects such as teenage dreams, sibling rivalry, and challenges of being a single parent. The narrative does an excellent job of maintaining a balance between humor and emotional times which offers a well-rounded viewing experience.

While the show circles around the lovely mishaps and exploits of the Tobins in Alaska's icy expanse, it is the strength of the characters, their eccentricities, and their emotional journeys that are the heart of the show. Each character, in their own right, brings something unique to the table, and as episodes unfold, so do the multiple layers of their personalities, making them more relatable and lovable.

The creators of The Great North, Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, along with Minty Lewis have ensured that the show remains engaging by maintaining a perfect balance between humor, drama, and heart-warming family moments. The splendid animation, the way they've incorporated the Alaskan wilderness and culture, embedded with comedy and situational humor; they've created an inviting universe that lets you escape into its familiar yet enchanting offerings.

Overall, The Great North is a standout addition to FOX's animated shows in 2021. It brings viewers into the Alaskan wild with enchanting episodes, full of the hilarity and warmth that is characteristic of the most beloved family shows. The show thrives on its unique humor, splendid voice performances, and quirky yet relatable characters, offering a striking portrayal of a loving family making the best out of life in the icy North. This original animated comedy is a refreshing take on the average sitcom, showing that in the midst of chaos, family continues to be the heart of the narrative.