Schitt’s Creek is a comedy series that aired from 2015 to 2020. It’s created by father and son Eugene and Daniel Levy, who star as Johnny and David Rose. Along with Catherine O’Hara as Moira and Annie Murphy as Alexis, the Rose family finds their lives turned upside-down when their business manager embezzles their money. After losing everything, they are forced to move to their last remaining property: the small town of Schitt’s Creek, purchased as a joke. Though they resist the town at first, they eventually adapt to it and even enjoy it, with David and his husband Patrick (Noah Reid) staying in the end.
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The show’s first few seasons were well-received by critics but not as popular with audiences. However, once episodes of the show made their way to Netflix, popularity soared. By its last season, Schitt’s Creek was wildly popular – with praise for its humor, storylines, and positive portrayals of realistic LGBTQ+ characters – and became the first comedy show to win all seven major awards at the Emmys in 2020. The show was hilarious, emotional, and comforting, showing characters that embrace second chances and grow along the way. There is a lot to be learned from watching it, and here are some important lessons the little town has taught us.
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It’s Not Too Late to Start Over or Make A Change
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While the Roses have been unwillingly thrust into starting over, they eventually took steps to change and make fresh starts on their own. Initially dismissive of everyone in town, the Roses eventually begin to grow closer to everyone and see that everyone has value. They also made several smaller changes. In season three, Alexis gets her high school diploma and begins to truly think about what she wants to do in her life. David, after an unsuccessful stint at The Blouse Barn, opens his own store. Moira continues in her acting career despite her own doubts, and Johnny tries various jobs around town to help the family.
Another major change is the way the family grows with each other. While they first come off as entitled, selfish individuals who don’t care much for each other, they eventually become more of a family, attending Alexis’s graduation and supporting each other. Moira even takes care of Alexis when she’s sick, after first running away. They truly make an effort to be a better family. The whole experience brings them closer than they ever were, showing that you can still grow and change even as an adult.
Even other characters show that you can try new things or make a change. Stevie (Emily Hampshire) performs the lead role in a local production of Cabaret, despite her fears. She also goes from working at the motel’s desk to helping Johnny as his business partner, growing in confidence along the way. Ted (Dustin Milligan), after proposing too early to Alexis, changes himself to be a steadier partner for her, and they both mature over their relationship. The characters give a hopeful view of life and show that you can try new things no matter what your age.
It’s Okay To Be Yourself
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The biggest example of self-acceptance is David, who is pansexual. His sexuality is explained in a wine analogy that’s easy to understand, and he is never made to apologize for who he loves. Daniel Levy purposely set out to create a show without any kind of hatred or homophobia. David’s sexuality is never a point of contention, and his relationship with Patrick is never treated as anything but a normal, healthy, relationship. Even Patrick, who is nervous to come out to his parents, meets love and acceptance from them. Their relationship shows that it’s fully okay to just embrace who you are, and allows others to feel seen as well.
This acceptance is also seen in the residents of Schitt’s Creek themselves. They’re allowed to simply exist as they are, enjoying their small town life. While a quiet life is never presented as glamorous as one of excitement, everyone in town seems to enjoy where they live and who they are. Moira and Johnny truly realize this when they go to a fancy restaurant with old friends who insult Schitt’s Creek. Moira and Johnny, who once would have agreed, have changed to appreciate the town and defend those who live there, even preferring them over their old friends.
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Sometimes Things Don’t Work Out – And That’s Okay
The most obvious example of this is Ted and Alexis. In the final season, after Alexis has plans to move to New York and Ted wants to stay at his dream job in the Galapagos Islands, the two decide to amicably part ways. Their relationship didn’t work out, but it still mattered, and they were both better for it. It might not have been the straightforward happily-ever-after moment, but the moment was meaningful for them both, and a fitting end to their time together. We got to see two people celebrate and acknowledge what their relationship meant before moving on.
While Ted and Alexis are a more specific example, the whole show truly embraces this message, bringing it to life with humor and love. We constantly watch the characters make mistakes, or be unsure of their own futures. Rather than belittle everyone for their mistakes, or any plans that didn’t work out, the show embraces that sometimes things just don’t work, and it’s okay. It’s okay not to have everything figured out, or to fail at something. What matters is continuing on even after our own failures. It’s a hopeful message that lives on throughout the whole show.
