Lessons from Schitt's Creek
I’m late to the game. Last year when virtually everyone in North America turned to binge watching Schitt’s Creek to help them escape from the s**t show that was 2020, I resisted. I knew the storyline – an obnoxiously privileged family who lost their wealth and livelihood and had to move into a motel in a rural town that the father “purchased” as a “joke” birthday gift for his son. It was components of that storyline that formed the basis of my resistance. I’ll try to explain.
First, I’m not really into binge watching. No shade to those who enjoy it, but honestly, the idea of sitting stagnant in front of a screen for hours just doesn’t appeal to me. I would much rather be doing something outside – walking, strolling through my neighborhood, taking photos, etc. That said, I have spent many late nights during the past 4 years when I couldn’t sleep watching and re-watching episodes of The Newsroom, Big Little Lies, Little Fires Everywhere, or some documentary.
That brings me to my second point – I like sharp, intellectual dialogue (hence my preferences listed above). Slap-stick comedy bores me, as does reality television (although I do watch HGTV and the DIY network). I have yet to watch an entire episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, the Real Housewives, or anything else on Bravo. Again, no shade to those who do, but it’s just not my taste.
So, I resisted watching Schitt’s Creek. Even when friends whose opinions’ I respect gave it glowing recommendations, I resisted. After all, I know what I like. Even though it featured comedic icons, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara, two actors that I really like, I resisted. Then the show swept the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2020, winning seven awards including Outstanding Comedy Series, Best Actress (O’Hara), Best Actor (Levy), Best Supporting Actress (Annie Murphy), Best Supporting Actor (Daniel Levy, Eugene’s son and co-creator), as well as awards for Outstanding Directing and Writing in a Comedy Series, in their sixth and final season. At that point, I began to consider that I should at least watch an episode.
So, I flipped on Netflix and watched Episode 1 of Season 1. What I saw was a television show about many of the things I struggle with: 1) wealthy, entitled people who think their wealth and privilege makes them superior, and 2) rural communities devoid of the cultural resources that I crave. I struggle with these things because I have admittedly felt intellectually superior to individuals living in rural communities and frustrated when I couldn’t find chai tea latte or hummus at a restaurant in one of those communities. And, I have felt disgusted by the condescension of the wealthy. In the first episode, I saw myself in many of the characters, and I didn’t like what I saw.
I did laugh out loud once when Johnny Rose (Eugene) tried to apologize for yelling at Roland Schitt (Chris Elliott), explaining, “There’s a pharmacy worth of drugs wearing off on most of us right now.” Still, it wasn’t enough to get me to watch Episode 2.
Months later, my sister commented how much her family loves the series and suggested that I watch it. I explained that I had watched the first episode and just “wasn’t into it.”
“Give it another chance,” my sister said. “Watch a few more episodes. I think you will enjoy it.”
The next time that my sister complains that I don’t listen to her, someone please remind her of this blog.
At my sister’s suggestion, I watched more episodes. In fact, I have now watched all of the episodes – all six seasons – some of them multiple times. Truth be told, I didn’t like it after a few more episodes; it took longer than that. But I kept watching and slowly, I developed an understanding and affinity for all of the characters. By the end of Season 2, I was hooked.
Beyond the quality of the writing and the outstanding acting, what I like best about Schitt’s Creek is the growth and evolution of each of the characters. The circumstances provided opportunities for every one of the characters to re-learn and re-evaluate long-held assumptions. Every character – the Rose family and the town locals – became better versions of themselves and benefited because of their interactions with the others. Daniel Levy has said that his intent was to “invent a world he would want to live in, one guided by compassion and love.” Given the popularity of Schitt’s Creek, this concept has resonated with millions of others, not just me.
Here are my favorite Schitt’s Creek moments:
1. Season 2, Episode 13 – Johnny’s and Moira’s anniversary dinner
2. Season 3, Episode 13 – Alexis’ graduation
3. Season 4, Episode 12 – Moira is proud of Alexis
4. Season 5, Episode 8 – Moira comes through for Stevie
5. Season 5, Episode 11 – Patrick’s parents react to his news
6. Season 5, Episode 14 – The entire episode
7. Season 6, Episode 8 – Alexis and Ted love enough to let go
8. Season 6, Episode 12 – Roland defends Johnny
9. Season 6, Episode 13 – Twyla’s news
10. Season 6, Episode 14 – The entire episode
If you are one of a handful of people who haven’t watched and fallen in love with Schitt’s Creek, you might give it a try. I want to live in the world Daniel Levy created – one with not just love and compassion, but laughter and growth.
