Fox has officially ended its run of The Great North, confirming that the beloved animated comedy will not return for a sixth season. The decision comes just two weeks after the show wrapped up its fifth and final season on the network, marking the end of a memorable chapter in Fox’s Animation Domination lineup.
Fox Confirms the Cancellation
Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, expressed appreciation for the creative team behind the series: “We’re so grateful for everything Wendy, Lizzie, Loren and the amazing cast and crew put into The Great North. It’s difficult to say goodbye, but we’re thankful for the five hilarious seasons The Great North brought to the iconic Animation Domination lineup.”
The announcement comes after months of speculation. When Fox unveiled its 2025–2026 programming slate in May, the show was notably absent, signaling trouble for its future. Despite loyal fans’ hopes, the official confirmation closed the door on the Tobin family’s Alaskan adventures.
The End of Fox’s 2025 “Bubble Shows”
The Great North was among Fox’s final “bubble shows” from 2025 — a term for series teetering between renewal and cancellation. Alongside dramas such as Rescue HI-Surf, Accused, Alert: Missing Persons Unit, and The Cleaning Lady, the animated comedy faced uncertainty throughout the year.
While Rescue HI-Surf was canceled in early May, and Alert and The Cleaning Lady were axed in June, the fate of The Great North was decided later, following its season finale. Although Accused was put on hold with a possibility of returning as a future event series, the rest were officially canceled.
The writing was already on the wall when The Great North was excluded from Fox’s major April renewal deal that extended The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and the returning American Dad! for four more years. Combined with the renewals of Krapopolis and Grimsburg, the network’s animated lineup had become increasingly crowded, leaving little space for additional titles.
A Five-Year Run Filled with Heart and Humor
Created and written by Bob’s Burgers veterans Wendy Molyneux, Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, and Minty Lewis, The Great North premiered on January 3, 2021. Over five seasons, it followed the heartwarming and humorous escapades of the Tobin family in Alaska.
At the center of the story was single father Beef Tobin (voiced by Nick Offerman), who did his best to keep his children close after their mother left. His spirited daughter Judy (Jenny Slate) dreamed of breaking free from their fishing-boat life for the artistic glamor of the local mall. Supporting characters included her older brother Wolf (Will Forte) and his cheerful wife Honeybee (Dulcé Sloan), middle brother Ham (Paul Rust), and precocious youngest sibling Moon (Aparna Nancherla).
Judy also found emotional guidance from her supportive boss Alyson (Megan Mullally) and her whimsical imaginary friend Alanis Morissette, who voiced herself and appeared through the Northern Lights—a quirky hallmark of the show’s charm.
Behind the Scenes and Creative Legacy
Wendy and Lizzie Molyneux, who also served as executive producers and showrunners, collaborated with Bob’s Burgers creator Loren Bouchard, who served as an executive producer. The Great North was produced by 20th Television Animation, with animation by Bento Box Entertainment—the same studio behind Bob’s Burgers.
Throughout its run, the series was praised for its distinctive humor, heartfelt storytelling, and warm portrayal of family dynamics. It achieved notable recognition, earning a Critics Choice nomination in 2022 and an Annie Award nomination in 2025.
The Creators and Fans Say Goodbye
Following the cancellation, co-creator Wendy Molyneux took to Instagram to express gratitude to those who worked on and supported the show. “Before I sundown this account, I wanna say a huge thanks to everyone who worked on The Great North! Some of the best people in the world! You made a beautiful show, and it still exists!” she wrote. She also encouraged other entertainment professionals to reach out to displaced staff members, describing them as “great professionals” and encouraging fans to “keep recommending it. You never know! Animation never dies!”
A Fond Farewell to the Tobin Family
The final episode aired on September 14, 2025, bringing The Great North’s five-year journey to an end. Though its run was shorter than Fox’s animated stalwarts, the series made a lasting impression with its heartfelt humor, quirky characters, and loving depiction of life in Alaska.
