An Intelligent Series that Flips the Script on Traditional TV Tropes
Schitt’s Creek is a six-season, 80 episode comedy series created by actor Eugene Levy and his son, Dan. It begins with an interesting premise. Take a spoiled, quirky family who has no shortage of wealth or resources and take it all away. The result can be a typical vapid reality TV set of personalities. Instead, viewers are treated to watching the family grow closer than ever, while the children learn who they really are.
The Rose family is held together (loosely) by the father, Johnny Rose (Eugene Levy). His wife, Moira (Catherine O’Hara) is a former C-list celebrity actress who dresses and speaks with endless extravagance. Their two children are the jet setting, ditzy Alexis (Annie Murphy) and David (Dan Levy), who first comes across as more of a caricature than a human with any real depth.
In the series opener, the Roses discover that they’re business manager has stolen from them and never paid taxes. Their entire fortune and almost all their possessions are taken. The only thing they have left, other than a few suitcases of luggage, is a small town that Johnny bought David as a joke. They move to the titular town and stay in a dingy hotel that they will call home for the entirety of the series.
This is where audiences meet the various personalities of the townspeople. The mayor is Roland Schitt (Chris Elliott) who rides Johnny’s patience hard. The hotel is run by the super sarcastic Stevie Budd (Emily Hampshire). Roland’s wife is schoolteacher Jocelyn (Jennifer Robertson). The town’s lone café is manned by the always positive Twyla Sands (Sarah Levy.)
Throughout the series, Alexis shares a romance with both the charming veterinarian, Ted (Dustin Milligan) who is always armed with puns and dad jokes. She also romances drifter Mutt (Tim Rozon). After years of very shallow relationships, David eventually meets the steady Patrick (Noah Reid.) The two fall in love very quickly and their relationship is a huge contribution to the heart of the show.
The writing of this show is very smart, but it never takes itself too seriously. Moira’s outfits and wigs contribute a lot to the physical comedy. The dialogue ranges from petty to heartwarming. Alexis’ non-verbal sounds and her physical habits like booping people on the nose always bring a smile. Eugene, known for decades of playing oddballs, leans into his role as the default straight man. He never steals the spotlight from the other performers, but also never fails to set them up for a great joke.
Schitt’s Creek was loved by audiences and critics alike. The show and cast won 9 Primetime Emmys among the 115 wins and 160 total nominations. It has an incredible rewatch score and has inspired many individuals in the LGBTQ community to find confidence and celebrate one another. (There was even a Night of 1,000 Moiras, leaning into the character’s place as a drag queen idol.) For those who have already seen the show, it’s always a welcome revisit. For those who haven’t yet, treat yourself and visit Schitt’s Creek.