While Schitt’s Creek began as an enjoyable Canadian sitcom, it exploded in popularity and acclaim in its final seasons. It’s not uncommon for great shows to be overlooked initially only to find their audience later, but part of the reason for Schitt’s Creek’s success is that it improved significantly over time.
Many comedy shows need time to find their footing as they introduce various characters and establish their voice. This was true for Schitt’s Creek, which learned from early mistakes and evolved into the beloved series it became.
The premise of a wealthy family moving to a rural town is a classic fish-out-of-water story. Initially, the show seemed to follow a predictable path with the Roses looking down on their “uncultured” new home and the “salt-of-the-earth” townspeople bewildered by their new cosmopolitan neighbors.
However, this could have quickly become tiresome, and the show wisely shifted focus. It stopped being about how small and boring the town was and started to highlight the community and the simplicity of the life there.
When the Roses arrive, David and Stevie form an immediate connection. Despite a rocky start due to their prickly personalities, they discover they have a lot in common, leading to a brief romantic relationship in the first season.
Given the characters’ obvious chemistry, it made sense for the show to explore this. However, the idea was abandoned early in season 2, and they wisely decided to keep David and Stevie as friends. Interestingly, their friendship ended up having a more significant emotional impact.
Schitt’s Creek is filled with memorable characters, but Moira Rose will undoubtedly be remembered as one of television’s best creations. While she was a highlight of season 1, it took the show some time to realize her full potential.
Following the first season, Catherine O’Hara had more opportunities to shine, delivering an iconic comedic performance and creating a uniquely bizarre character that helped the show stand out.
Johnny, the patriarch of the Rose family, often served as the most level-headed member, providing a good balance but limiting his opportunities for fun. It was interesting to see him struggle with no longer being the family’s provider, but he truly hit his stride upon finding a new business venture.
After searching for his next big idea, Johnny begins helping Stevie with the motel and eventually becomes one of the owners. From there, they start building it into a franchise. Seeing Johnny find a purpose really helped his character, and it was a nice touch to have him invest in the place the family called home.
The first season introduced a love triangle involving Alexis. Though she was dating the nice-guy veterinarian Ted, it was clear she had feelings for the rugged Mutt. Initially, the show pushed for Mutt to be Alexis’s true love, but they misread which pairing the audience would prefer.
As the series progressed, it became evident that Ted was a better match for Alexis, leading to a more satisfying and meaningful relationship. This shift further showcased the show’s growth and ability to adapt to what resonated with viewers.
Overall, Schitt’s Creek’s journey from a simple sitcom to a beloved series is a testament to its characters’ evolution and the show’s willingness to learn and grow, ultimately capturing the hearts of its audience.
