It’s the end of an era for fans of heartfelt animated humor—Fox has officially canceled The Great North after five seasons, leaving viewers to wonder what could have been for this quirky Alaskan family. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this decision a necessary move to make room for newer shows, or did Fox overlook the unique charm that made The Great North a standout in its lineup? Let’s dive in.
Fox has confirmed that the animated comedy, which premiered in 2021 as part of the network’s beloved Animation Domination block, will not return for a sixth season. This news comes just two weeks after the finale of Season 5, marking a swift conclusion for the series. Executive produced by the creative minds behind Bob’s Burgers—Wendy Molyneux, Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, and Loren Bouchard—The Great North had become a cozy Sunday staple for viewers. Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, expressed gratitude for the show’s contributions, stating, ‘We’re so thankful for the five hilarious seasons The Great North brought to our iconic lineup.’
This cancellation is part of a larger wave of cuts at Fox, which has axed several ‘bubble’ shows from its 2025 roster, including Rescue HI-Surf, Accused, Alert: Missing Persons Unit, and The Cleaning Lady. While Accused remains on hold with potential for a return, the others have been officially canceled. Interestingly, The Great North wasn’t the first to go—Rescue HI-Surf was cut in May, while Alert and The Cleaning Lady met their fate in June. For The Great North fans, the writing was on the wall when the show was notably absent from Fox’s April mega-deal with 20th TV Animation, which renewed The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad! for four more years.
And this is the part most people miss: With the return of American Dad! and renewals for newer series like Krapopolis and Grimsburg, Fox’s animated slate was bursting at the seams. Something had to give, and unfortunately, The Great North became the casualty. Created by the Molyneux sisters and Regular Show alum Minty Lewis, the series followed the Tobin family’s offbeat adventures in Alaska. At its heart was single dad Beef (voiced by Nick Offerman), who struggled to keep his eccentric family close, particularly his artistic daughter Judy (Jenny Slate), whose dreams took her from the fishing boat to the local mall.
The Tobin clan also included Wolf (Will Forte) and his wife Honeybee (Dulcé Sloan), middle brother Ham (Paul Rust), and 10-year-old philosopher Moon (Aparna Nancherla). While Judy’s mother was absent, she found guidance from her boss Alyson (Megan Mullally) and a celestial confidante voiced by none other than Alanis Morissette. Despite flying under the radar, The Great North built a loyal fan base and became Fox’s first successful new animated series since Bob’s Burgers. Its blend of Northern charm and family weirdness earned it a well-deserved spot in the Animation Domination hall of fame.
But here’s the question that’s sparking debate: Did Fox prioritize newer, flashier shows over a series that, while not a ratings juggernaut, had a dedicated following and a unique voice? Or was this simply a pragmatic decision in an increasingly competitive landscape? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think The Great North deserved more time to shine, or was its cancellation an inevitable part of the TV business? One thing’s for sure: the Tobin family’s adventures will be missed.
