Why Schitt’s Creek Is One of the Best Shows On TV Right Now

By Brittany Anderson
Web Content Contributor

You’ve probably heard the old adage, “they don’t make anything original anymore!” Over the past several years, the entertainment industry has been bogged with remakes of classics, new interpretations or just flat out bad twists to stories and characters we’ve known and loved for years. Alternatively, streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu have been praised for their success in creating original shows with interesting takes, varied casts and stunning production values.

One show that has gone against this narrative and been a cable TV hit is “Schitt’s Creek”. Based around the wealthy and out-of-touch Rose family— Johnny, Moira, and their immature adult children David and Alexis— the family gets defrauded by their business manager, causing them to lose all of their assets except a town called Schitt’s Creek, which they purchased years before as a joke.

The series follows the Rose’s and how they navigate and adjust to this newfound life of small-town living, quirky locals and run-down motels. From oddball characters like cafe waitress Twyla, hotel receptionist Stevie, automotive repairman Bob and the mayor and mayoress themselves, Roland and Jocelyn Schitt, the Rose’s are constantly exposed to less-than-stellar surroundings that force them to re-evaluate their relationships and personal convictions.

So why do you need to watch this show? For starters, the writing is phenomenal. Between the snarky, dry-humored and downright ridiculous dialogue, the comedic relief comes at just the right time. This is also thanks to some impeccable performances from the show’s patriarch and matriarch, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara— both legends in the industry in their own right. The Rose’s face real world problems, but it makes for an interesting watch to view it from the lense of an uptight, entitled family.

Amidst all the dramatics, the Rose’s have their touching moments, too. From season one until now, the character development is evident and makes for a refreshing and fulfilling thing to witness. The writing and subsequent acting performances are all so powerful that the final episode of each season could act as the show’s entire finale, which is an incredible feat.

Without spoiling too much, “Schitt’s Creek” makes it a point to promote inclusivity and diversity— and while they don’t mess around in making sure these characters are represented responsibly, they also don’t make a big deal about it. It’s just part of the fabric of the show; no flashy introductions or bold labels are needed. It’s an important message to have in a show with a platform this big.

In its four-year run, “Schitt’s Creek” has accumulated 35 awards, and rightfully so. It’s conceptually a fresh idea, it’s quotable, and each episode will have you wanting more of the absurd but loveable Rose’s. So, congratulations: with four seasons available on Netflix, you’ve just found your next binge-watch spree. Unfortunately, prepare to get your heart broken, too. The sixth and final season of “Schitt’s Creek” premieres in 2020 on Pop TV.

Featured image by Brittany Anderson.