Schitt’s Creek, created by Dan and Eugene Levy, is a Canadian sitcom. It follows the Roses—a formerly wealthy family that loses their fortune—to a motel in the town of Schitt’s Creek, where they must adjust to their new lifestyle. Although seemingly shallow and ignorant at the beginning, the Roses evolve into a tight-knit family, and the show explores these themes of growth, family, and identity.
By the end of the show, all members of the Rose family have experienced exponential growth. They shift from being a family that only values relationships built on material things rather than intimate connections to one that is closely united. Rather than staying superficial and lacking emotional depth, each member of the Rose family grows to discover their own character and purpose. For example, Alexis—the daughter and youngest of the family—eventually returns to school to receive a high school diploma and later a certificate in public relations from college. She discovers her purpose in life and her ambitions, opening her own public relations firm—a testament to her growing independence and development.
The town of Schitt’s Creek was pivotal in the Roses’s development and growth. The small but loving town teems with quirks and initially presents itself as the last place anyone would choose to live on Earth. However, its residents are supportive and accepting, allowing the Rose family’s kids to pursue careers that they had never considered before moving there. Schitt’s Creek is also isolated, as opposed to the urban environment of New York City, where the Roses lived prior to losing their capital. The differences in what is valued helped the Roses create more personal connections and develop real, authentic relationships. The material things that were trending in their social circle in New York City were not significant to the residents of Schitt’s Creek, and this contrast shifted their perspectives.
Ultimately, Schitt’s Creek is not just the stereotypical show about a family moving from an urban city to a small town. Through its humor, wit, and character development, Schitt’s Creek teaches its viewers that identity and fulfillment cannot be satisfied through material wealth, but through the relationships and connections built with others. Schitt’s Creek reminds us of lessons that we, as students, need to keep in mind moving forward in our ever-changing lives.