There’s nothing quite so refreshing as finding a TV show that feels as safe and familiar to you as a warm hug from a loved one. For me and for so many other people, Schitt’s Creek has become a relaxing dose of love and laughter that never fails to lift your spirits.
Father-and-son duo Eugene Levy and Daniel Levy co-created and co-star in this Canadian sitcom. Schitt’s Creek follows the life of the Rose family, an extravagantly wealthy family who has just lost everything due to a slight case of embezzlement—everything, that is, except a town called, laughingly, Schitt’s Creek, which the family purchased as a joke years back. With Schitt’s Creek being the only asset the Roses are allowed to keep, they must move into the town’s motel, a complete reality check from their lavish lifestyles. The show is, in a word, hilarious, and as it progresses, you grow to have a fondness for every single one of the characters, feeling as though you have moved to Schitt’s Creek and been welcomed into the small-town community along with the Roses.
If a wonderful plot and delightful characters aren’t reason enough to watch the show, here are three more reasons you should start bingeing ASAP:
- The Fashion
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As someone whose idea of a bold fashion choice is to wear jeans one day instead of my usual sweatpants or leggings, it was wildly entertaining to follow the flashy styles of the characters, especially that of the unapologetic Moira Rose. In addition to eye-catching dresses, stunning jewelry and the occasional crow costume, Moira’s ever-changing collection of wigs certainly add to her unique style – whether she’s rocking a pink bob, corkscrew curls, or a pope-inspired headdress. Moira Rose wears what she wants, when she wants, and it’s simply accepted that that’s how she lives. It’s admirable to follow a character who is so comfortable with herself and her style that no questions are asked about it. Similarly, David’s outfits frequently feature skirts that he whole-heartedly rocks. We need to normalize wearing whatever makes you comfortable, whether it’s a flannel shirt and jeans, a ballgown or a long skirt, and Schitt’s Creek does just that.
- The Acceptance
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One of the most beautiful parts of Schitt’s Creek is the love for and acceptance of David’s sexuality. David is pansexual, and he explains in the most wonderfully-crafted metaphor that he likes red wine, white wine, “the occasional rosé,” as well as “a merlot that used to be chardonnay,” eventually saying, “I like the wine and not the label.” And that’s that.
The discussion of sexuality is groundbreaking in the sense that it’s not questioned. David isn’t made fun of or thought of as different because of who he loves by any character in the show. Too often in the media, even when there is LGBTQ+ representation, these characters are seen as different, having to undergo tribulations from those less-accepting around them in order to somehow try and prove something to others. Though, that’s certainly an important discussion to have as that is the reality of what so many people face in their real lives. However, it is beautifully refreshing to see a place where everyone can simply love who they love. The town and people of Schitt’s Creek are the gold standard for what the world could, should and, I believe, will be. Shows like this prove to the people who didn’t already know it, that it’s possible. And that brought me to tears upon finishing the show.
- The Growth
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Often with sitcoms, it can be hard to feel connected to the characters because of the short episode length and the decision to prioritize delivering witty, cutting humor over developing the characters and their storylines. This is so not the case with Schitt’s Creek. In addition to the cleverness and hilarity, each of the characters undergo remarkable transformations over the show’s six-season span while retaining the core of who they are. During the first couple episodes, you might laugh a little under your breath but the characters are stuck in their rich, slightly snobby mindsets and it can be hard to appreciate them in those early moments. But I promise you, give it time. You will grow to cherish each and every character like I did, embarking on their personal journeys right along with them. I love how you’re not only invested in the lives of Johnny, Moira, David and Alexis, but also Stevie Budd, the receptionist at the motel who becomes a close friend and confidant; Roland and Jocelyn Schitt, the playful mayor and his wife; Twyla Sands, the café waitress and eternal ray of sunshine (additionally, played by Sarah Levy, daughter of Eugene Levy and sister of Daniel Levy); Ted Mullins, veterinarian and overall sweetheart; Ronnie Lee, a councilwoman and friend with a tough exterior but the softest heart; and so many more. That’s rare, I think, to find a show where you just want to hug everyone.
In short, Schitt’s Creek has everything and more that you could possibly want from a TV show, as well as from life itself. It’s clever, loving, unique and beautiful, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly. After you finish (which might be in a very short amount of time, just warning you), be sure to watch Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: A Schitt’s Creek Farewell on Netflix, a 45-minute documentary that gives a behind-the-scenes look at the final days of production. (Another warning: I cried, hard, while watching the special, seeing how it has touched everyone so deeply, audience and actors and creators alike. It made the show so real. And I’m not one who typically cries at shows.) Schitt’s Creek will pull on your heartstrings and your tear ducts, and it’s so incredibly worth it.