Cash in on fish out of water family fun
Small town full of big characters
After having this show recommended to me by a few people I finally relented and gave it a try – and subsequently watched all 80 episodes in less than two months.
It’s basically The Beverly Hillbillies in reverse with a rich family who find themselves broke forced to leave their pampered lives to regroup in the titular small town.
Father and son Eugene and Dan Levy created the show and star as Johnny and David Rose, with Catherine O’Hara playing the family matriarch Moira and Annie Murphy the spoilt daughter Alexis.
While, at first, they find their new lifestyle hard to handle, they all slowly adjust to the quirky little town full of interesting side characters, including Dan Levy’s daughter Sarah who portrays the always positive cafe owner Twyla.
Throughout the six seasons of this wonderful, often hilarious, sometimes quietly poignant, show, each of the main quartet grow as individuals, as well as closer as a family.
Alexis has the quickest internal growth spurt, maintaining her bohemian personality but investing in her education and career and learning a few love lessons along the way.
David and his mother are clothed in black and white most of the time, with the former showing off a rather large collection of monochrome jumpers. Watching him become friends with the very emotive, though stoic-faced, motel worker Stevie (Emily Hampshire) is heartwarming and, at times, hilarious.
David’s love interest Patrick (Noah Reid) was a great addition to the show during season three.
Moira is a very over-the-top character; a former soap star with a large collection of wigs that go with her exuberant outfits. O’Hara plays her in excellent, exaggerated style.
Former businessman Johnny continues to live in his suits and although he clashes with uncouth town mayor Roland (Chris Elliott) initially, the two become firm, but odd, friends.
The seasons all have slightly different angles to keep them interesting and I cannot recommend watching Schitt’s Creek enough; you’ll laugh a lot and maybe even shed a tear or two.
●Are there any TV shows on Netflix or any other streaming services you would urge people to watch?
Pop me an email at ian.bunting@ reachplc.com and I will pass on your suggestions to your fellow readers.