Grab your winter gear as the second season of North of North returns to Ice Cove. The acclaimed comedy series, a collaboration between APTN, CBC, and Netflix, follows Siaja (Anna Lambe), a young Inuk woman navigating life post-public breakup. Season 1 was a global success, reaching Netflix’s Top 10 in 33 countries and earning praise for its blend of humor and poignant themes.
“We appreciate comedy with depth. We enjoy laughter, but we also value emotional depth,” shared Stacey Aglok MacDonald, co-creator and executive producer, in an interview with CBC News.
The show received significant acclaim, winning nine Canadian Screen Awards, including best comedy series and best lead performer in a comedy for Lambe. Co-creator and executive producer Alethea Arnaquq-Baril expressed surprise at the immense success, stating, “We knew something extraordinary was happening, but the extent of its success was unexpected.”
Season 2 continues Siaja’s journey as she navigates motherhood, work, dating, and complex relationships with her mother, Neevee (Maika Harper), and estranged father, Alistair (Jay Ryan). The season delves into themes of self-discovery and family dynamics, rooted in the Inuktitut concept of “pilimmaksarniq” – mastering skills through observation, practice, and effort.
The creators emphasize the importance of authenticity, with filming taking place in Iqaluit to capture the essence of Ice Cove. The production faced challenges due to the harsh Arctic climate, with temperatures plummeting below -30°C and unexpected blizzards during filming.
Highlighting the significance of Inuit representation, MacDonald stressed the involvement of Inuit cast and crew to maintain authenticity. The show’s fashion draws inspiration from diverse Inuit styles across Arctic regions, aiming to showcase a variety of designs while staying true to cultural roots.
Season 2 promises unexpected twists, new characters, and deeper explorations of existing characters’ lives. Fans can anticipate more humor, heart, and larger-than-life moments in the upcoming season. The premiere is set for Sept. 1 on APTN+ in Canada, followed by a broader release on CBC TV, CBC Gem, and APTN TV on Sept. 8, with a global launch on Netflix later this fall.