The quirky and beloved 90s TV series, Northern Exposure, captivated audiences with its fish-out-of-water premise and eccentric characters in the fictional Alaskan town of Cicely. As news of a potential revival sparks excitement, long-time fans and new viewers alike are asking: where was Northern Exposure filmed? The answer might surprise you, as Cicely, Alaska, was brought to life not in the last frontier state, but in the charming town of Roslyn, Washington.
Nestled about an hour and a half east of Seattle, Roslyn served as the primary filming location for the exterior shots of Cicely throughout Northern Exposure‘s original run from 1990 to 1995. This picturesque town, with its historic buildings and small-town charm, provided the perfect backdrop for the show’s unique blend of comedy, drama, and philosophical musings.
The series, starring Rob Morrow as Dr. Joel Fleischman, a New York physician reluctantly practicing in rural Alaska, quickly became a sleeper hit. Critics and viewers were drawn to its depiction of Cicely and its colorful residents, including Maggie O’Connell (Janine Turner), Maurice Minnifield (Barry Corbin), Holling Vincoeur (John Cullum), Shelly Tambo (Cynthia Geary), Ed Chigliak (Darren E. Burrows), and Marilyn Whirlwind (Elaine Miles). While the show was set in Alaska, the production team found the ideal setting in Washington state.
In September 1991, as Northern Exposure‘s popularity soared, reporters visited Roslyn to gauge how the town was adapting to its newfound fame. The arrival of film crews and tourists brought both excitement and challenges to the close-knit community.
The Brick Tavern in Roslyn, Washington, which served as the exterior for Cicely's tavern in Northern Exposure.
Roslyn’s residents had mixed reactions to the attention. While some appreciated the economic boost from tourism and the spotlight on their town, others expressed concerns about the increasing crowds, rising real estate costs, and the disruption caused by filming. One local resident, quoted in a 1991 report, acknowledged the show’s quality, stating, “It’s not your typical Hollywood sitcom. It has a lot of charm, it’s real witty, it’s pretty intelligent,” but humorously added, “I just wish it was filmed somewhere else.”
The influx of tourists eager to experience the real-life Cicely was undeniable. Fans flocked to Roslyn, drawn to landmarks like The Brick Tavern, which served as the exterior for Holling’s iconic bar in the show. Visitors enjoyed sampling local Roslyn beer at The Brick and exploring the town’s streets, recognizing familiar locations from their favorite episodes.
However, the increased attention wasn’t always easy for residents. Filming could disrupt daily life, with street closures and noise. One anecdote from the “Spring Fever” episode filming illustrates the sometimes-tumultuous relationship between the production and the town. During the filming of a nude race scene, star Rob Morrow and other cast members, in a spontaneous moment, ran a take without body stockings, much to the surprise and disapproval of the local mayor and police chief. This incident led to a formal apology from the series producer to the Roslyn City Council.
Despite these occasional clashes, Roslyn and Northern Exposure became inextricably linked in the minds of fans. The show’s portrayal of small-town life, quirky characters, and the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest resonated with audiences, even if it was geographically displaced from Alaska.
As the possibility of a Northern Exposure revival gains momentum, with Rob Morrow reportedly returning, revisiting Roslyn, Washington, the real-world Cicely, takes on a new layer of interest. For those wondering where Northern Exposure was filmed, a trip to Roslyn offers a chance to step into the world of Cicely, experience the charm of the town that brought it to life, and perhaps even raise a glass at The Brick in anticipation of the show’s potential return. While the fictional Cicely may be in Alaska, its heart and soul reside in the welcoming streets of Roslyn, Washington.
