Standalone episodes are those that can be watched independently while still understanding the theme of the show, without needing to have seen previous episodes. On Schitt’s Creek, viewers should know that the Roses are a fish-out-of-water family: once wealthy, they have fallen on hard times and are now living in the small town of Schitt’s Creek, where they are trying to rediscover themselves.
These episodes offer a glimpse into Schitt’s Creek for viewers who want to sample the show without watching the entire series. They’re charming, hilarious, and easy to follow.
The cold open of “Wine and Roses” introduces new viewers to the dynamic relationships within the Rose family, setting the stage for the rest of the episode.
Moira eagerly accepts an acting job promoting a local winery, but things quickly go awry when she struggles to pronounce the winery’s name and dislikes the taste of the wine. Meanwhile, as Moira is at the winery, viewers learn more about Alexis and David’s personal lives, potentially piquing interest in watching more episodes.
“Family Dinner” begins with the Rose children admitting they never learned to cook. Amidst a few snipes among the family, Moira volunteers to cook dinner, though no one really believes she can pull it off.
It’s immediately clear that Moira is not an experienced cook and has no idea what to do, leading her to enlist David’s help. Watching David and Moira navigate the kitchen together is hilarious for any viewer, especially since they’re both so unfamiliar with how a kitchen works.
Knowing how desperate the Roses are for money makes “Allez-Vous” a relatable and hilarious standalone episode. When Moira and David receive a package of cosmetics from an old friend, they decide to delve into the world of pyramid schemes. David’s hilarious quotes about their potential future as sellers will hook new viewers.
The mother and son duo invite their new friends from Schitt’s Creek over and try to sell the products to them subtly. Meanwhile, Johnny’s desperation to borrow a car and Alexis’s pleas for her new boyfriend to stop being so nice add to the episode’s humor. This episode doesn’t require a backstory, as everything unfolds within the episode itself.
Before watching “Stop Saying Lice,” viewers should know that Alexis, despite being in her late 20s/early 30s, is attending high school again to get her diploma. It’s during her time at school, and an itchy scalp, that she discovers she has lice.
