Welcome to the Affirming Quakers blog. This week I’m highlighting, in my opinion, one of the best TV shows ever: Schitt’s Creek.
Schitt’s Creek is beloved by many, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re unfamiliar with the show, here’s the rundown. The Roses, a wealthy family, loses their money to their accountant, who steals over $500 million and flees the country. While trying to find a place to go, their fearless leader and father, Johnny Rose, remembers he purchased a town: Schitt’s Creek. The town is about as much of a joke as its name. Small, unsophisticated, and full of people who are nothing like the Rose Family. Johnny (Eugene Levy), Moira (Catherine O’Hara), Alexis (Annie Murphy), and David (Dan Levy) move what little they still own to the tiny town.
Throughout the show’s six seasons and 80 episodes, members of the Rose family become well-loved, involved members of Schitt’s Creek. They own businesses, serve on the town council, volunteer their time, and fall in love.
There’s a laundry list of reasons the show is so loved. My reasons are these:
David Rose falls in love with Patrick (Noah Reid) and they wed at the end of the show. There’s not a single bad response to their love story. Not. One. This was very intentional as the show was created. They are met with love and affection over, and over, and over. It’s so refreshing to see an LGBTQ+ couple face zero obstacles.
Another reason I love Schitt’s Creek is because of the character development. In Schitt’s Creek, the Roses think they’re moving to some podunk town that has nothing to offer. In the beginning, the town shows a lot of love and support to the Rose family, although the Roses don’t reciprocate the feelings. Throughout the seasons, they grow to love, care, and respect each other. David and Alexis still dream of a wealthy and fancy lifestyle like they once had, but they come to appreciate the new home they’ve created along with their mom and dad. David, who I would argue has the best character growth, shows us what it’s like to embrace your sexuality and let someone in to love you. In his own funny way, he healed a lot of queer people with his story. Johnny and Moira love David and Patrick and support their love story with no reservations. The Roses are quirky, but their love for one another is showcased throughout the show in one way or another.
Here are a few of my favorite episodes of Schitt’s Creek.
Season 4, Episode 6:
“Open Mic”
This is one of the best queer moments on television, ever. Patrick suggests to David that their business hold an open mic night. David, of course, thinks this is a terrible idea. Nevertheless, Patrick organizes the event and steals the show with a song for David. Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” performed by Patrick, creates an emotional response from David and Moira.
I have a similar reaction to David and Moira. No matter how many times I watch it, you can find me sobbing on the couch. This episode is particularly special to me because Madi and I used Patrick’s version of “Simply the Best” as our first dance song at our wedding. It’s a scene that gives you hope. It makes you forget about the hard things and see two people falling in love. It’s a scene that feels more genuine than most TV scenes.
Season 2, Episode 1:
“Finding David”
Finding David, the first episode of Season 2 is one of the funniest 20-minute episodes I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching.
At the closing of season one, David, being the drama queen he is, storms off in a resident’s truck. To open season two, Johnny, Moira, and Alexis decide they should look for David after he’s been missing for a few days. They discover David has been living his worst nightmare with an Amish family. The encounter that follows is hilarious. David is so mad that no one came to look for him. Moira tells him that no one knew where he was. David yells back that he texted Alexis. This scene embodies the comedy that this show has to offer, and the interactions between David and Alexis will remind you of fighting with your siblings.
Schitt’s Creek brings on many emotions when watching. It’s endearing, healing, loving, and full of surprises. It’s an easy watch but also a show that will have you in tears. If you haven’t seen it, binge it now. If you have seen it, please share your favorite episodes!
To find other things that bring Queer Joy or to find other media, visit the AQ Database. This resource, along with many others, can be reached with the click of a button!
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