A Beginner's Guide to Schitt's Creek: More Than Just a Funny Show

What is Schitt's Creek?

Imagine if your entire life was like a beautiful, expensive glass castle. Then, one day, it all shatters. You lose your money, your big house, your fancy friends—everything. All you have left is a small, weird town that you bought as a joke years ago. That's the simple starting point of Schitt's Creek.

At its heart, Schitt's Creek is a television show—a "sitcom," which is short for "situation comedy." It ran for six seasons, from 2015 to 2020. But calling it just a comedy is like calling a tree just a piece of wood. It's so much more. The show follows the Rose family: video store magnate Johnny, his former soap opera star wife Moira, and their two grown-up kids, David and Alexis. After losing their fortune, they are forced to move to Schitt's Creek, the only asset they have left.

Think of the town itself as another main character. It's not glamorous. The motel they live in is a bit run-down, the mayor is overly enthusiastic, and the café only serves fruit wine. It's the complete opposite of their old life. The "situation" is watching this family, who are like fish out of water, try to survive and, eventually, learn to swim in this new, small pond.

Why is it Important?

You might wonder, "Why should I care about a rich family losing their money?" The importance of Schitt's Creek isn't in the fancy clothes (though David's sweaters are iconic) or the silly town name. Its importance lies in what it teaches us, wrapped in hilarious and heartfelt stories.

First, it's a masterclass in character growth. When the show starts, the Roses are, to be honest, not very nice people. They are self-centered and out of touch. But living in Schitt's Creek is like putting a plant in new soil. Slowly, with sunlight (kindness from townsfolk) and water (their shared struggles), they begin to grow into better, kinder, more real versions of themselves. We get to watch them discover what truly matters: family, love, and community.

Second, and perhaps most famously, Schitt's Creek presents a world of radical acceptance. David, the son, is pansexual (meaning his attraction isn't limited by gender). His relationship with a lovely man named Patrick is a central love story. The revolutionary thing? In the world of Schitt's Creek, no one bats an eye. There is no big drama about David being who he is. The town accepts him, and Patrick's family accepts him. The show creates a "utopia" where the only conflict in the relationship is the normal stuff all couples face—like opening a business together or meeting the parents. For many viewers, this was a powerful and hopeful vision of what the world could be.

Finally, it's important because it's about finding home in unexpected places. The Roses didn't choose Schitt's Creek. It was a last resort. But by staying, by building relationships and putting down roots, they built a new home. It teaches us that home isn't just a fancy address; it's the people who see you for who you are and love you anyway.

How to Start?

Ready to visit Schitt's Creek? Here’s your simple travel guide:

1. Start from the Very Beginning: Begin with Season 1, Episode 1. The characters are quite exaggerated at the start, which is intentional. Think of it as meeting new people who seem a bit too much at first, but you'll grow to understand and love them. The first season is like planting the seed—be patient, and you'll see it bloom.

2. Pay Attention to the Details: The humor is often in the small things. Listen to Moira's extravagant vocabulary and her unique way of pronouncing words. Notice David's dramatic facial expressions and the way he handles his sleeves. Watch how Alexis tells her outlandish "former life" stories. These details are what make the characters so special and funny.

3. Let the Warmth In: Don't just watch for the jokes. Allow yourself to feel the emotional moments. You might be surprised at how much you care when David is vulnerable or when Johnny shows quiet pride in his family. The show is like a warm hug—it's funny on the outside but full of heart on the inside.

4. Enjoy the Journey: The show gets better and deeper with each season. You are watching a transformation. By the final seasons, you will see a family and a community that have profoundly changed for the better. The ending is famously satisfying and emotional, a perfect reward for the journey.

In short, starting Schitt's Creek is easy. Just press play on that first episode. Come for the funny name and the fish-out-of-water story. Stay for the unforgettable characters, the groundbreaking love, and the beautiful message that even when you lose everything, you might just find yourself.