It’s been a monumental past few weeks for the cast and crew of Canadian sitcom “Schitt’s Creek”, as well as for the fans of the CBC Television show that has blossomed into a surprise smash hit since its addition to Netflix.
It was the big winner during the 2020 Emmys on September 20, sweeping all of the big categories for comedy including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor, Outstanding Lead Actress, Outstanding Supporting Actress, and Outstanding Supporting Actor.
It became a historic night beyond just the pandemic-forced socially distanced structure of the 2020 Emmys, with “Schitt’s Creek” taking home nine awards, a record number of wins for a comedy show in the history of the award show.
This October, the sixth and final season of “Schitt’s Creek” has finally reached Netflix after airing on CBC Television and Pop TV earlier this year. Now, even more viewers can celebrate its historic wins by binging the last 14 episodes of the show.
For those who have not yet seen “Schitt’s Creek,” all this acclaim may leave people wondering if it’s really worth the hype.
It could be easy to initially write-off “Schitt’s Creek” as cliché or unoriginal. It’s a riches-to-rags story of a well-known wealthy family of four who suddenly lose their fortune and renown—which is admittedly not exactly a revolutionary premise.
The Rose Family must move out of their gigantic mansion and into an outdated motel in a tight-knit, eccentric rural town called Schitt’s Creek. The town is the polar opposite of the glitz and glam lifestyle the they were forced to leave behind. However, to their great surprise, the Rose Family learns to love the town and inhabitants, and they gain a closeness and affection as a family that they always lacked before.
This character development is pretty much what we expect to happen based on similar riches-to-rags stories. People learn that materialism is shallow and fleeting and family and friendship are what truly matter in life. Still, “Schitt’s Creek” has an honesty and sincerity in its portrayal of this story that makes it feel fresh and joyful.
The show’s greatest attribute is no doubt lead actress Catherine O’Hara, who plays the family matriarch Moira Rose, a former soap star who is mourning the death of her acting career. Her large collection of wigs (affectionately called The Girls), bizarre Old Hollywood-esque accent, and strong detachment from reality all make for comedy gold. Catherine O’Hara deserved the Emmy for her pronunciation of the word “baby” alone.
Important too is the show’s LGBTQ+ representation. Main character David is openly pansexual and undoubtably brings a much-needed visibility to queer relationships—something that television and media in general are lacking right now.
In a time of great division, uncertainty, and fear, I can see why “Schitt’s Creek” struck a chord with the voters in the Television Academy as well as with fans. While the show begins with the Rose Family as out-of-touch, bitter and completely unsure how to live in the so-called “real world,” it transforms into a tale of love, acceptance, and growth—three attributes the world desperately needs right now.
It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh—as a comedy, that is of course ultimately its goal—but it also makes you want to just give your parents and your siblings and best friends a hug and spend time with them. Or watch “Schitt’s Creek” with them. Which I recommend you do.