how many seasons were there of Northern Exposure and how many have been issued and why is it so popular?

Answer 1

There are 6 seasons and the first 5 are out on DVD now - the 6th will be released on March 6th.

Answer 2

Northern Exposure was on for six seasons, starting in 1990. Seasons 1-5 are available on DVD (check Barnes and Noble.com or Amazon) and many episodes are also available on VHS. Season Six will be released on DVD on March 6.

For general information on NE, you might want to go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Exposure
http://www.tv.com/northern-exposure/show/1339/summary.html

As for why it's so popular, even now. I can only tell you why I like it as much as I do...
#1: It's quirky, unpredictable, and always interesting. So much TV is formulaic from the set-up to the plot and resolution. NE went directly against that and did it well.

#2 The town and characters were very likable... you enjoyed spending time there in Cicely, Alaska every week.

#3 It illuminated the human condition, particularly quirks we often share.

#4 It was funny.

Answer 3

110 episodes from 1990 to 1995. It was quirky and different and the writing was fairly good. People of all ages could enjoy it. The cast was popular too.