40 Facts About Schitt’S Creek

Real-Life Connections and Casting Surprises

Schitt's Creek's charm lies in its characters and the real-life connections among the cast. Here are some interesting facts about the casting and relationships on the show.

1. Three of the main cast members are related in real life. Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, who co-created the show, played Johnny and David Rose, respectively. Dan's sister, Sarah Levy, joined the cast as Twyla Sands.

2. The role of Alexis Rose was initially offered to Abby Elliott, Chris Elliott's daughter, during the unaired pilot stage. However, by the time the show was picked up, she was no longer available. Annie Murphy eventually auditioned for both Alexis and Stevie Budd, impressing Dan Levy with her performance.

Inspirations and Unique Accents

The show's unique characters and their quirks have fascinating backstories. Let's dive into some of these inspirations and accents.

3. Dan Levy's inspiration for the show came from watching reality TV in 2015. He pondered what would happen if a wealthy family lost all their money and wondered if they would still maintain their social status. This idea led him to explore the lives of reality TV stars without their wealth.

4. Catherine O'Hara's iconic Moira Rose character was a collaborative effort between Dan Levy and the legendary comedic actress. Although the cast knew Moira would have an accent, they were unsure of its origin until filming began. Dan shared that he was initially taken aback by O'Hara's vaguely European accent, which had no clear origin.

5. Annie Murphy's portrayal of Alexis Rose was influenced by reality TV stars like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and the Olsen twins. Murphy studied their mannerisms and speech patterns to perfect the character's unique vocal style.

Representation and Location Ambiguity

Schitt's Creek has been praised for its representation and the intentional ambiguity of its setting.

6. Dan Levy aimed to normalize queer sexualities on television through the show. He expressed his desire to present a love story without fear of consequences during an interview with Esquire in 2019. Dan also shared his belief that bigotry often stems from fear of the unknown.

7. The show's location, Schitt's Creek, was intentionally left unspecified to avoid changing viewers' perceptions of the town. Eugene explained during a 2016 92Y Talks discussion that they wanted the focus to be on the town itself rather than its geographical location.

Character Development and Wardrobe Choices

The characters' development and their wardrobe choices play a significant role in the show's storytelling.

8. The introduction of Patrick Brewer as a potential love interest for David in season three was an uncertain prospect for Dan Levy. He told GQ in 2019 that he went into the casting process hoping that Noah Reid would become a romantic interest for David. The season ended with a playful kiss between the two characters, leaving the possibility open for future developments.

9. Moira's flamboyant wardrobe was inspired by English socialite and designer Daphne Guinness. Dan revealed to Vulture in 2020 that the photos O'Hara brought in were in line with his vision for the character. O'Hara specifically wanted to avoid the typical wealthy woman look and instead opted for an avant-garde style.

10. Emily Hampshire's performance as Stevie Budd was a dream come true for her. She shared with Decider in 2019 that her dream role had always been to play Sally Bowles in "Cabaret," and she was thrilled when the opportunity arose during season five.

Behind-the-Scenes Details

The show's production involved many interesting behind-the-scenes details that contributed to its success.

11. The first two wigs with names were in the pilot when Moira is frantically packing the wigs and realizes that Kristin and Robin don't get along. This detail highlights the meticulous attention to detail in the show's production.

12. Dan was proud and protective of Eugene's hair, which led to a memorable scene in the second episode where Johnny gets soaked by leaky plumbing that drips all over his face and hair. The genesis of this episode was likely Eugene intentionally targeting his son's hair.

13. Catherine O'Hara originally planned to have only two or three wigs for Moira. However, the character's wigs became a defining feature, and O'Hara's accidental "BaBey" line fit perfectly into the show's narrative.

Impact and Legacy

Schitt's Creek has left a lasting impact on television and its audience, particularly in terms of representation and cultural significance.

14. Dan Levy played a pansexual character in the series because he felt there wasn't much pan presentation in the media. After Schitt's Creek, Emily Hampshire came out as pan, highlighting the show's positive impact on LGBTQ+ representation.

15. Catherine O'Hara has the rare medical condition dextrocardia with situs inversus, where all her organs are on the wrong side of her body. This condition generally has no health implications unless she needs a defibrillator or an organ transplant.

16. Annie Murphy ad-libbed the line "You get murdered first!" during filming, which was impressive given her nervousness around veteran actors she admired.

17. The title "Schitt's Creek" was Eugene Levy's idea. He had a joking conversation with friends about a town called Schitt's Creek, complete with businesses like "Schitt Grocers" and "Schitt Hardware." The idea further developed as the Levys imagined the Rose family buying the town as a joke because of its name.

18. The show's name made promotional tours interesting. Not all TV or radio outlets could say it, for fear of being fined for using profanity. On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the name of the show had to appear on screen every time it was spoken aloud.

Filming Locations and Budget Constraints

Despite budget constraints, the show managed to create a visually appealing and story-driven wardrobe and setting.

19. The wardrobe on Schitt's Creek was designed to tell a story. Dan Levy and costume designer Debra Hanson worked closely to ensure that the clothes reflected the characters' backgrounds and personalities. Many of the wardrobe items came from eBay and thrift stores, fitting within a $200 budget per item.

20. Schitt's Creek was filmed in Goodwood, Ontario, Canada. The show transformed the town into Schitt's Creek, with many locals setting up lawn chairs to watch filming and even changing their minor league baseball team's name to the Schitt's Creek Bears for an entire month.

21. All of the show's interiors were shot at a studio, but the buildings are actual structures in Goodwood, dressed to look like Schitt's Creek. Emily Hampshire noted that many of the buildings are on a single intersection, with Bob's Garage, the café, and the apothecary being stores.

22. Despite its tight budget, the show managed to create a visually appealing and story-driven wardrobe. Dan Levy emphasized that all the clothes had to come from around the time when the Roses lost their money, ensuring consistency in their character development.

Fan Engagement and Legacy

The show's fan base and its impact on the community have been significant, contributing to its lasting legacy.

23. The show's fan base, affectionately known as "Schittheads," has been incredibly supportive. Fans even organized a farewell event called "SchittCon" in Goodwood, Ontario, to bid adieu to the show.

24. Dan Levy, who struggled to find work after his days as a host on MTV, decided to create his own series. He explained, “If I’m terrible at auditioning, at least I can write something to my own strengths and try my best at whatever that is.” This determination led to the creation of Schitt's Creek.

25. Dan went to his father, Eugene Levy, with the idea for Schitt's Creek. Although Eugene had been firm about making his own way in the industry before this, he was delighted with the idea of working with his son. The senior Levy thought the premise sounded promising, and there’s been no looking back since then.

26. It was Eugene who suggested Catherine O'Hara for the role of kooky Moira Rose. O'Hara and Eugene have known each other since the 1970s, when they were both part of “The Second City”—an improvisational comedy troupe in Toronto. They also collaborated on Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, and Dan was delighted with the suggestion.

27. Since its debut on Netflix, Schitt's Creek has seen a steady rise in its ratings. Many people consider its fall launch on Netflix as a season premiere, which has boosted viewership and been beneficial for all associated with the show.

28. Dan Levy was very clear about how he wanted to end the show. He originally envisioned ending it in the fifth season but decided to wrap the story up in 28 episodes instead of 14 when the show was renewed for two more seasons. Eugene Levy agrees that ending on a high note was the perfect way to go.

29. Dan Levy and the writers wrote seven drafts of Alexis and Stevie's characters before finalizing their roles. This attention to detail and continuous refinement contributed to the show's success.

30. Schitt's Creek has been praised for its positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. The show's exploration of queer relationships and identities has been particularly impactful, especially in the context of television history.

31. The show features several iconic moments, including the "white wine / red wine" script, which was impactful and enlightening for Emily Hampshire. This script highlighted the importance of understanding and acceptance in relationships.

32. Fans have shown immense love for the show, with many considering it a part of their lives. The show's finale was watched by millions, and fans even organized a farewell event to celebrate the end of an era.

33. The show's creative process was highly collaborative. Dan Levy worked closely with his father, Eugene, as well as other cast members to ensure that every detail, from the characters' wardrobes to their interactions, was meticulously planned and executed.

34. The show's impact on the community in Goodwood, Ontario, where it was filmed, was significant. Locals set up lawn chairs to watch filming and even changed their minor league baseball team's name to honor the show.

35. Schitt's Creek has become a cultural phenomenon, not just in Canada but globally. Its unique blend of humor and heart has made it a favorite among audiences of all ages.

36. The show has received numerous awards and nominations, including several Primetime Emmy Awards. The cast and crew have been recognized for their outstanding work in the television industry.

37. Fans have created countless pieces of fan fiction and art inspired by the show. This level of engagement is a testament to the show's enduring popularity and the strong bond between the show and its audience.

38. Schitt's Creek has influenced television by pushing boundaries in terms of representation and storytelling. The show's success has paved the way for more diverse and inclusive content on television.

39. The show's legacy extends beyond its on-screen presence. It has inspired a new generation of writers, actors, and producers to create content that is both entertaining and meaningful. The show's impact will be felt for years to come.

40. Schitt's Creek is more than just a television show; it is a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. From its quirky characters to its heartwarming storylines, the show has left an indelible mark on television history.

The Enduring Legacy of Schitt's Creek

Schitt's Creek isn't just a TV show; it's a cultural phenomenon that has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. From its quirky characters to its heartwarming storylines, the show has captured the hearts of millions. The Rose family's journey from riches to rags, and their growth along the way, offers a unique blend of humor and heart.

Dan and Eugene Levy's creation has not only entertained but also pushed boundaries in LGBTQ+ representation and storytelling. The show's success on platforms like Netflix has only amplified its reach, making it a beloved series for many. As we say goodbye to Schitt's Creek, its legacy will continue to inspire and entertain future generations. The show's blend of creativity, collaboration, and perseverance ensures it will be remembered fondly for years to come.