7 animated shows that could fill the void left by The Great North’s cancellation

The Great North has been canceled after 5 seasons.

Created by Wendy Molyneux, Lizzie Molyneux, and Minty Lewis for Fox, the show's first episode was released on January 3, 2021. Its final episode was broadcast on September 14, 2025. On October 3, audiences received news that the show would not return. Notably, Fox had excluded the show from the list of renewals in May, making it clear that the show wouldn't be renewed for another season.

The Great North had sweet and humorous stories. It depicted affection among families. It also provided room for LGBTQ+ characters and showed aspects of Alaskan life. Its fans described it as cozy as shows like Family Guy and The Simpsons.

The show's cancellation has left fans disappointed. This article will look into the 7 animated shows that could fill the void left by The Great North’s cancellation.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.

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This article will look into the 7 animated shows that could fill the void left by The Great North’s cancellation:

7. Blue Eye Samurai (2023)

Blue Eye Samurai is a mature animated TV series set in the 17th century in Edo-era Japan. It tells the story of Mizu, a skilled swordsman who is half-white and half-Japanese. She is vulnerable to discrimination and marginalization because of her blue eyes. Some of these experiences may be why Mizu pretends to be a man. She wants revenge on four white men who caused her pain, and one of them might be her father.

Blue Eye Samurai is characterized by its animation, action-filled scenes, and a strongly emotional plot about its own place in the world. Fans of The Great North will appreciate Mizu's journey as an individual seeking acceptance and a place in an unforgiving world. This TV show is available on Netflix.

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6. Arcane (2021)

Arcane is an animated drama TV series set in the League of Legends universe, including two cities, Zaun and Piltover. The show's main characters, Sisters Vi and Jinx, find themselves on opposing sides of a fight driven by personal vengeance and scientific ambition. Steampunk visuals, emotional storytelling, and fantastic battle scenes make the show memorable for all viewers.

Fans searching for adventure and comfort in The Great North will like Arcane, as the show's main themes are family, identity, and optimism. This show is also available on Netflix. The show has a 9.3/10 score on IMDb. A fan posted on IMDb,

“Every scene is engaging and interesting in this episode. The reveal in the cold open is both surprising and makes quite a lot of sense.”

A prime example is from the episode "The Boy Savior," in which Jinx and Ekko had an explosive conflict. Their conflict is filled with emotion and backstory, depicting child games in conflict with adult reality. This is an example of the complex character interactions and drama that fans of The Great North seek out.

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5. Big Mouth (2017)

Big Mouth is an animated comedy that follows middle schoolers Nick, Andrew, Jessi, and their friends through the ups and downs of growing up during puberty. Topics such as growing up, physical changes, and the chaotic uncertainty of adolescence are shown to the viewers of the TV show. The characters are accompanied by hilariously outrageous hormone monsters and other whimsical creatures, creating a delightful mix of sidesplitting comedy and poignant moments that tug at your heartstrings.

Big Mouth's discussion of community, change, and accepting oneself is similar in comfort level to that in The Great North. Rotten Tomatoes rates the show 95% positive. Fans on Rotten Tomatoes stated,

“Starts off a little slow, gets much better.”

The season 6 finale features Andrew, Nick, Jay, Jessi, and Missy in a body-swapping scenario, evoking the comfort of The Great North. While the kids develop empathy for one another's woes, the result is awkward and heartwarming moments. This understanding and bonding is precisely what audiences for The Great North would want to see.

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4. The Simpsons (1989)

The Simpsons is a long-running animated sitcom about the lives of the Simpson family in the town of Springfield. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie each bring unique quirks to the family dynamic, creating stories that resonate with many viewers. The Simpsons is beloved for its consistency, wit, and the sense of comfort it offers fans, much like The Great North does for its audience. Check out the fan favourite moment from The Simpsons on Instagram:

One of the all-time great scenes that would fit nicely in that cozy and comedic void for The Great North is from Season 7, Episode 7, "King-Size Homer." Homer attempts to work from home, resulting in a series of heartbreaking and humorous incidents.

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3. Exploding Kittens (2024)

Exploding Kittens is an animated show that turns the popular card game into an absurd and thrilling comedy show. God and the Devil are banished to Earth in the form of speaking cats and have to cohabitate with an offbeat human household. Current themes, such as unhappy families, rebellious pets, and big conflicts of good versus evil, drive the quirky and offbeat plots. This show is available on Netflix for anyone who chooses to view it.

The episode "Emotions Are Hard" focuses on Greta's rocket-building competition and Abbie's parenting challenges. The episode depicts an emotional journey that fans of The Great North will recognize. With this episode, emotional moments turn to ridiculous comedy as the family endures chaos yet unites despite all odds. Exploding Kittens is a popular recommendation for viewing comedy and family drama.

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2. Rick and Morty (2013)

Rick and Morty is a popular animated science fiction genre show that revolves around crazy scientist Rick Sanchez and his high-strung grandson Morty. They bounce through portals to weird universes, battle freaky beings, and land in mind-twisting predicaments. The show is packed with fast-paced humor, internet-worthy scientific allusions, and popular topics like multiverse travel and family turmoil. The Rick and Morty show has a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. IMDb users stated,

“This show is honestly great. It is easily the best animated show I have seen in a while on any network.”

Season 2 episode "A Rickle in Time" has an impactful moment when Rick sacrifices everything and gives up all hope for survival to save Morty from harm. This poignant scene illustrates the intense relationship that Rick and Morty have beneath all the crazy adventures and ridiculous jokes. Rick and Morty's blend of comedy, action, and emotional relationships will undoubtedly appeal to audiences in The Great North. This show is also available on Netflix.

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1. Bob's Burger (2011)

Bob's Burgers is one of the best animated comedies, following Bob Belcher and his eccentric family as they run their burger shop in a coastal town. The show highlights common topics like local enterprises, family traditions, and neighborhood friendships. Each episode features Bob, Linda, Tina, Gene, and Louise dealing with everyday challenges with affection, humour, and a variety of unusual solutions. This show received an 8.2/10 rating from IMDb's users. You can watch Bob's Burgers from Seasons 1-16 on Hulu. Here is one fan's review of this show:

“I absolutely love this show. I have never fallen in love with a television show as quickly as I have with this one.”

In Season 6, Episode 19, Bob is attached to the restaurant's commode moments before a crucial magazine interview. This is an emotional and humorous predicament that brings the whole family together in an attempt to save Bob and the restaurant from damage. Bob's Burgers appeals to fans of The Great North with its engaging story, lovable characters, and uplifting themes of unity in tough times. The show is highly recommended for families and comedy aficionados seeking alternatives to The Great North.