I couldn’t be more excited to write about one of my favourite shows as my first blog post. Presenting Netflix’s Schitts Creek, a comedy sitcom that’s as much a laughing riot as it is emotionally heart-warming. By the end of the first season, and you’ll find yourself deeply invested in the characters.
A couple of weeks ago, every time I would ask a friend for show recommendations, all I ever heard was this one called Schitt’s Creek. And not too long ago, I decided to assess this hype for myself and give it a watch. Needless to say – I have never been gladder that I did.
Overview
A Canadian comedy sitcom spread across six seasons; Schitt’s Creek finds itself on Netflix with light, short and sweet 20-25-minute episodes. The story revolves around the Rose family of four members. The parents – Moira (Catherine O’Hara) and Johnny Rose (Eugene Levy), with their 20-something kids – Alexis (Anne Murphy), and David Rose (Daniel Levy), who are quite simply – stinking rich. But as fate would have it, they suddenly go bankrupt after Johnny Rose’s business goes kaput, and they all have left to their name is a desolate, little town called Schitt’s Creek. The show documents the journey of the aristocratic Rose family as they navigate their new not-so-rich life in this new town, a hilarious personification of a ‘fish out of water’. Fun fact: The series’ creators are the father-son duo themselves – Eugene and Daniel Levy!
Storyline/Plot
What appeals to a viewer right at the beginning of the show is the authenticity of the storyline and such excellent character-driven storytelling that highlights the brewing talent of the actors. How every supporting character has been so intricately wounded within the storyline, and how that ends up making each of them such an inalienable part of the show. The show has rightfully won accolades to its name and was even nominated for the 2019 Emmy’s as ‘Outstanding Comedy Series’.
Perhaps one of the most heart-warming aspects of the show for me personally was the incredibly moving romantic narrative built around one of our leads, David Rose and, Patrick Brewer (Noah Reid) – his even-tempered, charming guy-next-door who begins as a professional assisting David with procuring his business license, but quickly graduates to being his business partner.
Most often when movies or shows create a plotline involving a character from the LGBTQ community, it Is either done with the strengthening of stereotypes, or from a lens of pain and sadness. For a series like this one to portray a love story that represents the LGBTQ community so naturally, is a breath of fresh air. I certainly didn’t anticipate being completely smitten AND moved to tears at the same time. The creators adopted a rather refreshing approach to narrating the story between these two, one that doesn’t make it forceful and is not preachy. I believe that is what has resonated so deeply with members of the community. An almost idealistic world where a love story between two men would be just as naturally depicted as that of a heterosexual couple. It doesn’t try too hard. It just is. Be prepared to get misty-eyed in the scene where Patrick serenades Daniel with his guitar in front of a crowd.
Characters
As mentioned earlier, what makes Schitts Creek the show that it is, must be attributed to the wonderful supporting characters involved. Although the town has its wacky mayor, Roland Schitt (Chris Elliot), you can’t help but like his weird sense of humor and his incessant digs at Johnny Rose throughout the six seasons. In a family where the expression of love and affection towards each other has always been uncomfortable, if not rare, it’s wonderful to see how each of them evolves as they maneuver their relationships with people at the town and learn and immense amount along the way. You also have the sarcastic and surly motel owner, Stevie Budd (Emily Hampshire) and the unexpected blossoming of her friendship with David, Twyla (Sarah Levy) who is the jaunty waitress at the neighborhood café, and Ted (Dustin Milligan) who’s our favorite neighborhood veterinarian and eventually makes his way into Alexis’s heart.
These are only some of the town’s inhabitants. AAAH- the list goes on and on. There’s just so much to love!
Final Words
All in all, this is a witty, humorous sitcom that will find its moments to warm the cockles of your heart, and maybe shed a tear or two. Most of all, it’s real. And the final season serves as just the right ending.
Next time you’re confused about what to watch, you won’t be. Give this one a go, I promise you’ll thank me! (One thing’s for sure, you certainly won’t be saying ‘David’ the same way again)
