Schitt’s Creek has become one of the most beloved and acclaimed shows in recent years, capturing audiences with its blend of heartfelt moments and sharp comedy. The Canadian sitcom made history with its Emmy-winning final season and won over countless fans thanks to its mix of touching storylines and laugh-out-loud humor.
Like many great sitcoms, Schitt’s Creek found its humor in a wide variety of storylines. Some of these were highly relatable and grounded in reality, while others pushed the boundaries of believability. The show consistently delivered big laughs, though not every aspect of the story was equally realistic.
One of the show’s most praised elements was its authentic and candid portrayal of pansexuality, primarily through the character of David Rose. Throughout the series, David is shown in romantic relationships with both men and women, offering a rare and honest depiction of pansexuality on a major television series.
A particularly memorable scene involves David and Stevie discussing their romantic preferences using a metaphor about wine. David explains that he enjoys “red wine,” “white wine,” and all kinds of wine, before ultimately revealing, “I like the wine, not the label.”
At first glance, the premise of Schitt’s Creek might suggest a lighthearted, goofy sitcom. Indeed, the show’s setup—where a wealthy family loses everything and is forced to live in a small town they once bought as a joke—stretches the limits of plausibility. However, the series quickly proves to be much more than just its premise.
Much of the show centers on the Rose family’s struggles after their fall from grace. The humor often arises from their attempts to adjust their lavish lifestyles to the more modest setting of Schitt’s Creek. Yet, there are also poignant moments that remind viewers of all they’ve lost.
After years of living in the upper echelons of society, the Roses find themselves abandoned by those they once considered friends. This sense of isolation from their former social circles is a sadly realistic consequence for those who experience a drastic change in fortune.
The show’s title, Schitt’s Creek, might initially cause some to roll their eyes, and in its early episodes, the series leans into the absurdity of the town’s name for comedic effect. For example, the episode focusing on the town’s welcome sign sees Johnny horrified by its awkward depiction, while the rest of the town fails to see any issue. While funny, this storyline leans more into the cartoonish than the realistic.
One of the most compelling aspects of the show is how losing everything and moving to Schitt’s Creek leads each member of the Rose family to grow in their own way. Alexis Rose, in particular, undergoes one of the most believable transformations. Initially introduced as a spoiled young adult who has always relied on others, Alexis decides to take control of her future by going back to school. Her journey is portrayed not as glamorous or triumphant, but as a small, dignified step in the right direction.
Twyla, the friendly waitress at the town’s café, is one of the show’s memorable supporting characters. Throughout most of the series, she keeps to herself and helps out wherever she can, without revealing much about her own life. Then, in the final season, Twyla casually mentions that she won the lottery years ago and is actually a millionaire. This last-minute revelation feels out of place, offering an easy resolution that seems inconsistent with what we’ve come to know about her character.
The show is filled with charming romances, one of the most endearing being between Alexis and Ted. Although they initially seem mismatched and their early relationship is rocky, they eventually become a strong and loving couple. However, in the final season, their paths diverge, and they realize that while they’ve helped each other grow, they must go their separate ways. It’s a bittersweet but realistic ending to their relationship, reflecting how life often unfolds.
When the Rose family first arrives in Schitt’s Creek, they find themselves staying in a run-down motel. Over the course of the series, they make this motel their home, and Johnny teams up with Stevie to transform it into a respectable and successful business. This storyline, like many others in the show, blends humor with heartfelt moments, capturing the essence of what makes Schitt’s Creek so special.
