Forgive me for hyperbole, but Schitt's Creek is probably the best comedy show still airing. I binge-watched the first season, caught up on the second (episode 2.11 just aired in Canada), and I still can't get enough of it. Eugene and Dan Levy have created an absolute gem, and then hidden it in a quarry. A Canadian-made show makes its American debut on the POP Network? Murderers are givenForgive me for hyperbole, but Schitt's Creek is probably the best comedy show still airing. I binge-watched the first season, caught up on the second (episode 2.11 just aired in Canada), and I still can't get enough of it. Eugene and Dan Levy have created an absolute gem, and then hidden it in a quarry. A Canadian-made show makes its American debut on the POP Network? Murderers are given more favorable sentences... But this show will be vigorously supported by a small but obnoxious cult following, which will deservedly grow once Schitt's Creek hits American Netflix.
To be honest, I didn't expect much from Eugene Levy; I hated him in American Pie and every Jew-dad role he's done since. And sure, he's still playing the straight-man, but the rest of the cast brings out the best in him.
Catherine O'Hara is phenomenal as the narcissistic, melodramatic, and dismissive ex-soap star, constantly mourning her riches-to-rags fate (karma?) while succeeding in alienating and berating anyone who crosses her path.
Annie Murphy lays it on a little thick as a clueless Paris Hilton knock-off, but her timing and delivery is spot on, and the comedic chemistry between her and Dan Levy is incredible.
And wow, Chris Elliot has turned being a dirtbag into an art form. A deliberate idiot, he manages to stir Levy's frustration in every scene with carefully manipulated turns of phrase and willful ignorance.
But then theres Dan Levy... The best for last. To be honest, I haven't seen anything he's done outside of Schitt's Creek, so I can't tell if he's acting, or just being himself, but his character is executed so flawlessly. Frankly, Dan is THE reason to watch this show.
Better than Parks & Rec? Yes. Better than Community? Totally. Better than Big Bang, Master of None, Veep, and Modern Family combined? I'd like to think so... Its ALMOST as good as The Office, better than some of the recent Always Sunny's, but not as good as early Sunny. As good as Arrested Development? No. But nothing ever will be...
However, if you ARE a fan of Arrested Development, The Office, 30 Rock, Parks & Rec, and other 'smart' comedies that are too high-brow for the majority of Americans, then Schitt's Creek is a must-watch.
With that said, I give Schitt's Creek a solid 9/10, which I consider the highest-possible rating for any show not starring David Cross and Will Arnett.… Expand