WhileThe Great Northis still the bestBob’s Burgersreplacement on TV, the show’s latest storyline just made its central character’s romantic life much more interesting.The Simpsonsis the longest-running scripted primetime American TV show in history, but at least four of its competitors are ready to challenge the animated sitcom’s unprecedented longevity.
South Parkenters its 27th season in 2025,Family Guyhas been renewed for season 24,American Dadhas made it to season 22, andBob’s Burgerssecured a season 16 renewalearlier this year.Bob’s Burgersmight be the youngest show on the list, but its renewal is all the more impressive in light of its sister show.
As evidenced by recent episodes,The Great Northisthe perfectBob’s Burgersreplacement, but both shows have still managed to coexist for five seasons now.TVInsiderdid note in May 2025 thatThe Great North’s season 6 renewal was not yet a sure thing, but the show’s future should be confirmed now that the sitcom has set up a perfect central romance.
The Great North Season 5 Episode 17 Finally Set Up Beef Tobin and Alyson’s Romance
“Serendipi-Beef Adventure” Saw the Couple Kiss Under a Passing Comet
Created byBob’s Burgerswriters Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin,The Great Northfollows Nick Offerman’s divorced dad Beef Tenderloin Tobin, and his unconventional family in the small town of Lone Moose, Alaska. Beef’s family consists of his eldest son Wolf, Wolf’s wife Honeybee, Beef’s daughter Judy and his son Ham, and the family’s youngest son, Moon.
The Great Northholds an 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Although all the family members have their fun quirks, Beef is the character that holds them together. Offerman’s single dad is a rare character in the world of adult animated sitcoms, wherelong-suffering mothers like Marge Simpsonand Lois Griffin are often called upon to deal with the chaotic antics of their immature husbands.
In an inversion of this familiar routine, Beef is the one who must raise his children after his chaotic ex, Kathleen, abandoned the family. In season 5, episode 17, “Serendipi-Beef Adventure,”Beef hooks up a new love interest in Megan Mullally’s quirky artist Alyson, a minor supporting player he met in a handful of earlier episodes.
The Great North’s Beef and Alyson Actors Are Married In Real Life — Nick Offerman & Megan Mullaly
Sitcom Stars Offerman and Mullally Previously Collaborated On Earlier Shows
Although Beef spends the entire episode insisting that he doesn’t believe in love thanks to Kathleen’s traumatic impact on his family, the stoic antihero finds the courage to kiss Alyson as a pair of comets pass overhead. It is a sweet ending to “Serendipi-Beef Adventure,” but the twist is made all the more adorable by one real-life behind-the-scenes detail.
Beef and Alyson’s actors are married in real life, meaning their chemistry inThe Great Northseason 5 episode 17should come as no surprise. Beef is played by Nick Offerman, best known for his role as Ron Swanson inParks and Recreation. Offerman has also appeared in everything fromBob’s BurgerstoGravity FallstoDuncanville, proving he is no stranger to animated sitcoms.
Mullally has appeared in a diverse array of sitcoms, fromSeinfeldtoHow I Met Your Mother, toFrasier,Mad About You,30 Rock,Bob’s Burgers,Happy Endings,Trophy Wife,The Simpsons,American Dad, and evenParks and Recreation.
In 2003, Offerman married Megan Mullally, best known for her iconic role as Karen Walker inWill & Grace. Mullally has appeared in a diverse array of sitcoms, fromSeinfeldtoHow I Met Your Mother, toFrasier,Mad About You,30 Rock,Bob’s Burgers,Happy Endings,Trophy Wife,The Simpsons,American Dad, and evenParks and Recreation.
Beef’s New Romance Officially Ends His Story With Kathleen
The Bob’s Burgers Replacement Has Teased Beef’s Ex For Years Now
Offerman and Mullally’s real-life romance makes their chemistry undeniable inThe Great North. However, Alyson and Beef’s storyline also brings to an end a plot that has lasted too long in the series.
This promising romantic subplot plot can allow Beef to grow, heal, and forget her asThe Great Northcontinues.
Kathleen’s adverse impact on Beef and the family has gotten to the stage where it would be better to never reveal the supposedly monstrous character, rather than finally unveiling her. Thus, this promising romantic subplot plot can instead allow Beef to grow, heal, and forget her asThe Great Northcontinues to prove just as warm, funny, and inventive asBob’s Burgers.
