As fans eagerly await the return of Virgin River with its upcoming seventh season, there’s a nostalgic gem from the 1990s that deserves your attention — especially if you’re craving more small-town charm, heartfelt drama, and nature-infused storytelling.

Say hello (or rather, welcome back) to Northern Exposure, the award-winning dramedy that helped pave the way for cozy, character-driven series like Virgin River. With Virgin River boasting an impressive 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and counting millions of loyal viewers on Netflix, it’s the perfect time to revisit the show that quietly started it all — now finally streaming on Prime Video.

 What Is Northern Exposure?

Premiering in 1990, Northern Exposure centers on Dr. Joel Fleischman (played by Rob Morrow), a freshly graduated physician who’s sent to the fictional Alaskan town of Cicely to pay off his student loans. What begins as a reluctant detour turns into a life-altering journey as Joel slowly becomes entwined with the town’s quirky, tight-knit community.

Sound familiar? That’s because Northern Exposure shares its DNA with Virgin River:

• A big-city professional moves to a remote town.

• Local oddballs become unexpected allies (and sometimes, romantic interests).

• Nature isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a character.

• Healing, heartbreak, and hope unfold at a slower, deeper pace.

 A Natural Predecessor to Virgin River

Much like Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), Joel Fleischman arrives in a secluded town hoping for professional clarity — but instead, finds himself transformed by the people around him.

Both shows balance romance and drama with touches of humor, and both explore what it means to start over — not just geographically, but emotionally. Virgin River may lean more heavily into emotional healing and modern relationship arcs, but Northern Exposure was doing “comfort TV” decades before the term even existed.

Their shared appreciation for scenic landscapes, small-town dynamics, and deep character growth makes these two series spiritual siblings — separated by time, but connected by heart.

 An Award-Winning Legacy

Northern Exposure aired for six seasons (1990–1995), producing 110 episodes and earning widespread acclaim. Among its many accolades:

• 7 Primetime Emmy Awards — including Outstanding Drama Series in 1992.

• 2 Golden Globes — for Best Drama Series and Best Actor (Rob Morrow).

• A cult following that has only grown stronger with time.

Until recently, however, Northern Exposure remained difficult to stream — its availability limited to DVD or Blu-ray. But that changed in 2024, when Prime Video finally brought the full series to streaming for the very first time.

 Where to Watch Northern Exposure

Northern Exposure is now available to stream on Prime Video, giving longtime fans a chance to revisit Cicely and offering Virgin River fans the perfect holdover while waiting for Mel and Jack’s next chapter.

 Final Thoughts: The Past Meets the Present

Whether you’re just discovering Virgin River or you’ve been a fan since day one, there’s something magical about shows that celebrate slower living, deep connection, and finding family where you least expect it.

Before Virgin River warmed our hearts with riverside proposals and barroom confessions, Northern Exposure walked — and danced — through the snowy woods so others could follow.

So while we wait for Season 7 to arrive, take a trip to Cicely, Alaska — where love, laughter, and self-discovery first took root.