The Great North – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Great North

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2021

68%

WISE Score

Bob's Burgers vibes meet Alaska wilderness—a quirky family sitcom that's fine but not must-watch.

The Great North

show

TV-14, 2021

68%

WISE Score

Bob's Burgers vibes meet Alaska wilderness—a quirky family sitcom that's fine but not must-watch.

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Screenwise Verdict

The Great North is perfectly...fine. It's a solid animated family sitcom with heart, quirky characters, and an interesting Alaska setting. If your family already loves Bob's Burgers, this is a safe bet for similar vibes.

That said, it's not breaking new ground. The 6.9 IMDb rating is pretty telling—it's watchable, occasionally funny, but not appointment television. It's the kind of show that works well as background viewing during dinner or when you need something inoffensive but entertaining for mixed-age family time.

The humor leans into the Fox animated comedy style, so expect some crude jokes and sarcasm. Common Sense Media's 14+ recommendation feels a touch high, but it's a good reminder to preview if you have sensitive tweens. Overall, it's a decent option in the family sitcom rotation, but don't expect it to become anyone's new obsession.

Age Fit

Best for tweens and teens (11-16) who enjoy animated sitcoms, though adults might enjoy it as background viewing. The 14+ rating feels slightly conservative—mature 11-year-olds who handle Bob's Burgers or similar shows will be fine, but younger kids might miss the humor or be exposed to jokes that go over their heads in ways you'd rather avoid.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Animated family sitcom from the Bob's Burgers creative team featuring a single dad raising kids in Alaska. The show emphasizes family bonds, quirky but supportive relationships, and generally positive character dynamics. Tone is warm and character-driven rather than mean-spirited, though humor can be sarcastic and occasionally crude in the Fox animated comedy tradition.

Imaginative

Set in Alaska with a unique premise (family living in the woods, artistic teenage daughter, adventurous scenarios). The show incorporates creative elements like musical numbers and imaginative storytelling, though it follows fairly standard sitcom structures. More imaginative than typical live-action family sitcoms but less boundary-pushing than its spiritual predecessor Bob's Burgers.

Safe

As a Fox animated comedy, expect some mild crude humor, occasional innuendo, and sarcastic family dynamics typical of the genre. Common Sense Media rates it 14+, suggesting some content parents might preview first. No graphic violence or explicit content, but the humor style can include bathroom jokes and mild adult themes. Generally predictable in its content—no shocking surprises, but not squeaky-clean either.

Enriching

Offers some positive messages about family, individuality, and pursuing creative passions. The Alaska setting provides light cultural/geographic context. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused rather than educational. Metacritic score of 77 suggests decent quality, but IMDb 6.9 indicates it's not breaking new ground. Provides mild social-emotional learning through family dynamics but won't spark deep conversations.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

From the Bob's Burgers creative team, so if your family loves that show, this hits similar notes
Celebrates a close-knit, supportive family with a single dad doing his best—positive family dynamics without being preachy
Alaska setting is refreshingly different from typical sitcom suburbia
Musical numbers and artistic themes through the main character's love of art and theater
Genuinely funny moments for both kids and adults without being obnoxious

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What to Watch For

Fox animated comedy humor—some bathroom jokes, mild innuendo, and sarcastic family banter that might not land with younger or more sensitive kids
Common Sense Media says 14+, which feels a bit high, but preview an episode first if you have tweens on the younger side
It's...fine. IMDb 6.9 tells the story—it's not bad, but it's also not going to blow anyone away
Can feel a bit derivative if you're already watching Bob's Burgers or other similar animated sitcoms

Conversation Starters

"Beef (the main character) is really into art and theater—what creative stuff are you into that your friends might not expect?"
"The family lives in Alaska without a mom around—how do you think that changes their daily life compared to ours?"
"Which character in the Tobin family reminds you most of someone in our family? (Be nice!)"

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