Blab Entertainment
North of North Returns for Season 2, Expanding Inuit Storytelling on CBC, APTN and Netflix
In the icy streets of the fictional town of Ice Cove, a fresh season of humor and heart has arrived. North of North launched Season 2 this week on CBC Gem and APTN, with a Netflix premiere scheduled for the fall of 2026.
The series follows Inuk mother Siaja, portrayed by Anna Lambe, as she rebuilds her life after the loss of her partner. In a small community where every face is familiar, Siaja confronts family grief, intergenerational trauma, and the everyday challenges that come with living in the Arctic.
Produced by Inuit‑led Red Marrow Media and Canada’s Northwood Entertainment, the first season debuted in 2025 on CBC Television, APTN and Netflix. It drew nine million views in its opening month, earned nine Canadian Screen Awards, and landed on Netflix’s top‑10 list in 33 countries. The show is also notable for being Netflix’s first original Canadian series and for being filmed entirely in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut.
In an interview with Xtra, Lambe reflected on her character’s journey: “Siaja was determined to change her life when the show started, and by the time we get to Season 2, she’s in an entirely different phase.” She added that playing Siaja’s messy pursuit of her goals was “cathartic” and that the journey “made me really emotional.”
Zorga Qaunaq, who plays Siaja’s friend Millie, emphasized the season’s focus on community belonging. “I also related a lot with Siaja’s love interest Kuuk’s arc this season, with him reconnecting with the community,” Qaunaq said. She described the storyline as “beautiful” and “real,” noting that it mirrors the experience of many people who have returned to their roots after years away.
The series tackles queer representation in a small Arctic town. Qaunaq explained that her character’s queer identity is portrayed with nuance. “I realized through playing Millie that I’m pan‑sexual,” she said. “Representing a queer character in a community that can be both welcoming and hostile gives space for others who feel they can’t be themselves.”
Beyond romance, North of North addresses historical trauma. In the first season, an elder named Elisapee shares the experience of residential school with Siaja’s mother, Neevee. Qaunaq noted that the conversation reflects Inuk cultural practices of “trauma dump” followed by storytelling that helps heal. The show blends comedy with moments of grief, allowing audiences to laugh and cry in the same episode.
Lambe highlighted the personal impact of filming in Iqaluit. “It has profoundly changed my life,” she said. She praised the collaboration between CBC, APTN and Netflix, noting that it “celebrates Nunavut and Inuit” and demonstrates that Arctic stories can thrive outside of colonial narratives.
Season 2 continues to build on the first season’s success. It premiered earlier this week on CBC Gem and APTN and will be available to stream on Netflix in the fall. The series remains a landmark for Inuit representation, queer visibility, and the inclusion of authentic Arctic settings in mainstream media.
As North of North moves into its second season, viewers can expect more character growth, deeper community ties and a continued blend of humor and heart. The upcoming Netflix release will broaden its international audience, while CBC and APTN keep the series accessible to Canadian viewers. The series’ trajectory suggests that authentic Indigenous storytelling will continue to shape Canadian television and global streaming content in the coming years.
The series follows Inuk mother Siaja, portrayed by Anna Lambe, as she rebuilds her life after the loss of her partner. In a small community where every face is familiar, Siaja confronts family grief, intergenerational trauma, and the everyday challenges that come with living in the Arctic.
Produced by Inuit‑led Red Marrow Media and Canada’s Northwood Entertainment, the first season debuted in 2025 on CBC Television, APTN and Netflix. It drew nine million views in its opening month, earned nine Canadian Screen Awards, and landed on Netflix’s top‑10 list in 33 countries. The show is also notable for being Netflix’s first original Canadian series and for being filmed entirely in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut.
In an interview with Xtra, Lambe reflected on her character’s journey: “Siaja was determined to change her life when the show started, and by the time we get to Season 2, she’s in an entirely different phase.” She added that playing Siaja’s messy pursuit of her goals was “cathartic” and that the journey “made me really emotional.”
Zorga Qaunaq, who plays Siaja’s friend Millie, emphasized the season’s focus on community belonging. “I also related a lot with Siaja’s love interest Kuuk’s arc this season, with him reconnecting with the community,” Qaunaq said. She described the storyline as “beautiful” and “real,” noting that it mirrors the experience of many people who have returned to their roots after years away.
The series tackles queer representation in a small Arctic town. Qaunaq explained that her character’s queer identity is portrayed with nuance. “I realized through playing Millie that I’m pan‑sexual,” she said. “Representing a queer character in a community that can be both welcoming and hostile gives space for others who feel they can’t be themselves.”
Beyond romance, North of North addresses historical trauma. In the first season, an elder named Elisapee shares the experience of residential school with Siaja’s mother, Neevee. Qaunaq noted that the conversation reflects Inuk cultural practices of “trauma dump” followed by storytelling that helps heal. The show blends comedy with moments of grief, allowing audiences to laugh and cry in the same episode.
Lambe highlighted the personal impact of filming in Iqaluit. “It has profoundly changed my life,” she said. She praised the collaboration between CBC, APTN and Netflix, noting that it “celebrates Nunavut and Inuit” and demonstrates that Arctic stories can thrive outside of colonial narratives.
Season 2 continues to build on the first season’s success. It premiered earlier this week on CBC Gem and APTN and will be available to stream on Netflix in the fall. The series remains a landmark for Inuit representation, queer visibility, and the inclusion of authentic Arctic settings in mainstream media.
As North of North moves into its second season, viewers can expect more character growth, deeper community ties and a continued blend of humor and heart. The upcoming Netflix release will broaden its international audience, while CBC and APTN keep the series accessible to Canadian viewers. The series’ trajectory suggests that authentic Indigenous storytelling will continue to shape Canadian television and global streaming content in the coming years.
