[2] Those involved with the show, including creator Nick Orchard[3] and actor Lochlyn Munro, stated it to be "grittier"[3] and "meatier" than the outgoing Degrassi High, of which Northwood replaced in the 8:30pm Monday timeslot.
Bob Remington of the Edmonton Journal rated it two stars and criticized what he felt to be the excessively melodramatic and humourless behavior of its characters, although he acknowledged the actors' competence.
[4] Janice Kennedy, writing for the Calgary Herald, was more lenient in her criticism, saying that while the show cut corners and fell into soap opera cliches unlike Degrassi, it boasted "solid acting" and "credible portrayal" from its actors, and stated that it had potential if it evolved beyond its trappings.
[6] Mike Boone, writing for the Montreal Gazette, gave a more positive review, stating the show set itself apart from others because of its characters' "quintessential Canadian stoicism and unhipness", and praised the "strong cast of gifted young actors".
[7] Similarly, The StarPhoenix's Erica Smishek opined: "Strong performances by a well-rounded cast, effective location shooting and a grainy visual quality enhance the gritty appeal of Northwood.