Northern Disclosure: Episode 1 - “Pilot” with Rob Morrow and Janine Turner

Release Date: May 20, 2025

Introduction to Northern Disclosure

In the inaugural episode of Northern Disclosure, hosts Rob Morrow and Janine Turner embark on a nostalgic journey revisiting the pilot episode of the beloved '90s series Northern Exposure. The podcast aims to delve deep into the making of the show, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, character insights, and the enduring magic that made Northern Exposure a television classic.

The Genesis of the Podcast

Rob Morrow kicks off the conversation by expressing his excitement about launching the podcast, citing the constant fan interest in revisiting the show and exploring the possibility of a reboot.

[00:00] Rob Morrow: "This is the first podcast in what we hope will be many about the experience of making Northern Exposure from 1990-95."

Janine Turner reciprocates the enthusiasm, highlighting their mutual passion for the project and the collaborative spirit behind its creation.

[01:30] Janine Turner: "I think you and I came to this Northern Exposure at exactly the same age. We were both New York Actors Theater, and we both really, really cared about our work."

Auditioning and Landing the Roles

Rob and Janine reflect on their audition experiences, emphasizing the uniqueness of the Northern Exposure script and the immediate connection they felt with their characters.

[03:17] Rob Morrow: "When I read the script for Northern Exposure, it read like no other TV script I'd ever read... I felt like I understood him [Joel]."

Janine shares her resolve during a challenging period in her acting career, explaining her decision to turn down conventional roles in favor of more substantive work, which ultimately led her to Northern Exposure.

[04:18] Janine Turner: "I was really trying to build layers and layers of onions of emotion. I didn't want to do the same old roles anymore."

First Impressions and On-Set Chemistry

The hosts discuss their first read-through and the palpable chemistry that developed during the initial stages of production. They recount memorable moments, such as the unexpected encounter with composer David Schwartz, underscoring the serendipitous nature of their collaborations.

[07:34] Rob Morrow: "We were literally texting, like, 30 seconds before I walk in the door... David's looking right at me."

Janine reminisces about the audition process, describing the intense and often impersonal nature of network auditions, juxtaposed with the unique camaraderie she and Rob shared.

[08:28] Janine Turner: "I walked in the room...they ran out when I first auditioned with you and said, 'Why did you wear a skirt?'"

Character Development and Complexity

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the depth and complexity of the show's characters. Rob praises Janine's portrayal of Maggie O'Connell, highlighting the character's multifaceted nature.

[09:38] Janine Turner: "Maggie O'Connell was...she flew her own plane, killed her own deer, sawn her own wood...she fixed your plumbing."

Rob delves into his character Joel Fleischman's internal struggles and how portraying a fish out of water in Cicely, Alaska mirrored his personal experiences.

[17:40] Rob Morrow: "Joel could eventually see his own fault in something. His whole journey was a kind of opening."

Behind-the-Scenes Challenges

The hosts candidly discuss the grueling filming schedule, particularly during the first season, detailing long hours and the physical and emotional toll it took on the cast.

[21:27] Janine Turner: "We shot six days a week and seven days an episode... it was a real blessing."

Rob shares personal anecdotes about the demanding schedule, including the rigorous preparation required to deliver authentic performances.

[22:55] Rob Morrow: "I was on almost every scene... I remember thinking, I'm gonna die because there was no time to relax."

Editing, Music, and Atmosphere

Janine and Rob highlight the critical role of editing and Martin Schwartz's musical contributions in shaping the show's unique ambiance. They discuss how the music complemented the storytelling, creating memorable and emotionally resonant moments.

[53:35] Janine Turner: "Darren's in the car... Louie, Louie came on... the music was awesome."

Rob emphasizes the seamless integration of Seattle's landscape in the show's setting, despite the actual filming occurring in Redmond, Washington.

[54:10] Janine Turner: "The landscape was a character... every day on the way to Roslyn, Washington."

Legacy and Reflections

In wrapping up the episode, Rob and Janine reflect on the enduring legacy of Northern Exposure. They celebrate the show's ability to blend humor, humanity, and philosophical depth, attributing much of its success to the collaborative spirit and the rich, multidimensional characters.

[40:50] Janine Turner: "The town of Northern Exposure... they were fallible, but they were likable. So lovable because they all had vulnerability and emotional complexity."

Rob concurs, noting the show's pioneering approach to character development and thematic exploration, which set it apart from contemporaries.

[41:12] Rob Morrow: "It was something refreshing about knowing that you could be flawed and still be redeemed."

Conclusion and Future Episodes

The episode concludes with anticipation for future installments of the podcast, where Rob and Janine plan to invite guests such as Joshua Brand, John Corbett, and Barry Corbin to share their insights and stories from the set. They express gratitude towards fans and highlight the ongoing availability of Northern Exposure on streaming platforms, ensuring the show's legacy continues to inspire new audiences.

[57:50] Rob Morrow: "It's streaming now on Amazon Prime. If you don't know that, you can watch it on Amazon Prime, as Janine said."

[59:01] Janine Turner: "Onward and north to the north to the future."

Key Takeaways:

• Passion and Persistence: Both hosts emphasize the importance of staying true to one's craft and the impact of perseverance in the face of adversity.

• Collaborative Spirit: The success of Northern Exposure is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew, fostering an environment where creativity and individuality thrived.

• Character Depth: The show's rich, multidimensional characters were pivotal in creating relatable and enduring narratives that resonated with audiences.

• Legacy and Influence: Northern Exposure remains a testament to innovative storytelling, blending humor with profound thematic elements, setting a benchmark for future television series.

Notable Quotes:

• Rob Morrow: "Joel could eventually see his own fault in something. His whole journey was a kind of opening." (04:18)

• Janine Turner: "Maggie O'Connell was...she flew her own plane, killed her own deer, sawn her own wood...she fixed your plumbing." (09:38)

• Janine Turner: "The town of Northern Exposure... they were fallible, but they were likable. So lovable because they all had vulnerability and emotional complexity." (40:50)

• Rob Morrow: "It was something refreshing about knowing that you could be flawed and still be redeemed." (40:50)

Stay tuned for future episodes of Northern Disclosure, where Rob Morrow and Janine Turner continue to explore the beloved series, sharing untold stories and celebrating the enduring charm of Cicely, Alaska.