Elaina standing in front of the motel featured in TV show, Schitt's Creek. Split screen with the cast standing in front of the motel in the show. (Elaina Shepley, CMRU.ca).
Canada is known for its scenic landscapes and incredible documentaries. However, it’s not generally known for its fictional television content. There have been a few ‘well-known’ Canadian shows throughout the years; Murdoch Mysteries, Trailer Park Boys, and Workin’ Moms, to name a few… But Canadian TV is historically sub-par when compared to our neighbors down south. However, in recent years there has been a boom in the quality of Canadian content.
In 2015, Canadian actor, producer, and director Daniel Levy aired what was soon to be one of Canada’s most well-known and loved television shows, Schitts Creek. This heartwarming and comedic series took streaming services by storm from its beginning. Levy brilliantly weaved comedy into a show that authentically portrayed Canadian culture.
Canadian Stereotypes – But, It’s Not Offensive
For decades Canada has been portrayed as a country filled with cliches, to name a few; moose, mounties, maple syrup, hockey, and over-politenes. Although there are some truths in these stereotypes, Canadians know we offer so much more than the dozen hand-picked stereotypes that America has branded us with. Schitt’s Creek brilliantly showcased the complexities of Canadian culture while still making it digestible for Americans. The show is set in a small and highly quirky town inspired by rural Ontario, something the majority of Canadians can relate to.
No, Schitts Creek is not the only Canadian show to include a small quirky rural town, but unlike Letterkenny or Trailer Park Boys, Schitts Creek offers a different kind of vibe; instead of making their town ‘trashy’ or comedically terrible, they build the town’s uniqueness into the plot and create a lovable place filled with kind, selfless and overly-polite people; Canadians, that viewers instantly fall in love with. Schitts Creek takes these stereotypes, especially the ones that are true, and makes them positive, not the other way around.
Canadian Humor – But, It’s Actually Funny
Schitt’s Creek is undoubtedly comedic. Historically, Canadian humor has been put into this weird box; slapstick comedy that typically features a man in flannel smoking a cigarette, and for some reason, there’s a beaver beside him. However, Levy was able to shatter that stereotype and offer humor that is laced with wit and universal relatability. Hiring some of Canada’s most well-known comedians, such as Eugene Levy, Catherin O’Hara, and Jennifer Robertson, Schitt’s Creek was able to be humorous without being offensive to Canadian identity and culture. Schitt’s Creek has redefined Canadian humor and has uplifted Canadian identity in a healthy way.
Representation – But, It’s Actually Inclusive
Schitt’s Creek is impactful for many reasons, but its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in a positive light is a newer trend for Canadian TV. Daniel Levy’s character, David, is openly pansexual and is shown to have loving relationships with both men and women throughout the show. However, critics say that although this show is inclusive toward the LGBTQ+ community, it severely lacks racial diversity as the majority of the main characters are white. There is not much dialogue about the topic of race or diversity throughout the show as well, which raises flags for some viewers.
There is room for all TV content to grow and evolve, and Schitt’s Creek is no exception. However, Daniel Levy has undoubtedly made a step in the right direction for Canadian content. By celebrating Canadian identity through quirky small-town adventures and characters and redefining ‘Canadian humor,’ viewers around the globe have seen a different side of Canada and Canadian culture that remains an influential, award-winning, and well-known television series.
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