When Schitt's Creek swept the 2020 Emmy Awards with nine wins, the shows co-creator, veteran actor Eugene Levy, gave an emotional acceptance speech thanking his son and producing partner, Daniel Levy, "for having taken our fish-out-of-water story about the Rose family, and transformed it into a celebration of inclusivity, a castigation of homophobia, and a declaration about the power of love."
For 6 seasons, loyal fans of the quirky and endearing series truly laughed at David's acerbic wit, Johnny's condescension, Moira's eclectic taste (and accent), and the child-like self-absorption of Alexis, then got choked up at the heartwarming wrap up when the characters got what they wanted/needed because they'd grown thanks to their time in Schitt's Creek.
David Mentors A LGBTQ Teen
'Little Sister' S1 E11: David is asked to counsel Connor, a student being bullied for being different. David is shocked though when Connor is not in crisis after all. "I'm a 16-year-old gay kid living in a town that makes me want to throw up. It's not that I don't fit in, it's that I don't want to fit in."
David is humbled by Conner's candor and self-assuredness. He seems envious of the teen's attitude, since David was always so desperate to fit into the New York scene, which never happened. It also turned into one of those moments when the "teacher" learned more from the student, such as that his friends with benefits relationship with Stevie isn't a good idea.
David Reunites With Family And Friend
'Finding David' S2, E1: After the sale of the town falls through, David drives off until he runs out of gas. Johnny, Moira, and Alexis find him, but their reunion is typical Rose antagonism and hidden agendas.
The real sentimental moment is when David returns to a defensive Stevie, whom he thanks for calling around asking for him. She forgives him, begrudgingly--but they both know they're happy to be speaking again. It was touching to see two people who have difficulty admitting their true feelings, putting egos aside with David admitting aloud she's his only friend, and Stevie letting it be known she cared what happened to him.
The Rose Kids Learn To Ride Bikes
'Estate Sale' S2 E4: Most people learn how to ride a bike as kids, but the Rose kids missed out on this - and it comes to light when they are living in Schitt's Creek.
Moira and Johnny were never hands-on parents, and coupled with the fact that they were afraid their children would get hurt, ingraining in them they weren't co-ordinated enough, and focusing on what they couldn't do instead of encouraging them to try new things, it's no wonder they never learned. After Mutt gifts Alexis a bike, telling her that of all the things she's done in her life, she can surely sit on a two-wheeler and make the pedals go 'round, she passes on her newfound skill and confidence to her brother.
Old Friends vs New Friends
'Happy Anniversary' S2 E13: When Johnny and Moira go out to dinner, they run into Don and Bev, a couple from their past life who are as pretentious as the Roses. When mayor Roland and his wife Jocelyn show up and invite themselves to join the festivities, all Don and Bev do is make fun of the town and of course, its name.
Seeing how these comments are hurtful and insulting to Roland and Jocelyn, Johnny points out that when the Rose family fell on hard times, Don and Bev abandoned them, whereas, since they've moved to Schitt's Creek, Roland and Jocelyn had been nothing but welcoming, confirming a friendship that, up to that moment, Johnny and Moira thought they were too good for.
Letting Go
'Friends & Family' S3 E12: The Roses are sent a painting from their former home by one-time friends who had been storing it: a giant family portrait where Alexis' face is on a model's body, and Moira's face is so retouched that Roland didn't even recognize her.
They are excited at first, but find that the canvas is too big to fit in their current motel rooms. After many failed attempts to make it work, the picture ends up on the trash heap. "Well, it fits here," says Johnny, adding, "They did us a favor. They sent us a reminder that it's not always good to hold onto the past." The Roses, not yet 100 percent accepting of their new life, are beginning to realize that their old one was not as great as they once believed.
The Family Celebrates Together
'Grad Night' S3 E13: Alexis finally graduates high school but doesn't want her family there, yet is touched when not only does Ted show up, even though Alexis has quit working for him, but Moira and her singing group show up to perform.
Afterward, they come together as a family, not only to acknowledge Alexis's diploma, but new business owner David's birthday, Johnny's success getting the motel up to full occupancy, and Moira's beautiful performance at the ceremony. Celebrating each accomplishment gives them the wherewithal to keep moving forward.
BFFs Come, Then Go
'Baby Sprinkle' S4 E10: When Klair and three other former friends of Alexis showed up in Schitt's Creek looking all boho chic, calling everyone "babe," and making petty demands ("Can I have some hot water, but let it cool. I just need to know it was once hot. I'm the worst."), Alexis loses whatever confidence she's gained and is enticed by Klair's offer to go with them and take a job as a big time publicist.
Her swaggering friends end up being a reflection of what Alexis once held dear but now wants no part of: being catty, ridiculing, and rude. Only a few minutes into their night out, Alexis can't get away fast enough and realizes she'd rather make a go of her own PR company doing jobs in town, rising or falling on her own merits.
Partnership
'Driving Test' S3 E4: After Stevie Budd inherits the motel from her deceased aunt, she's overwhelmed and thinks of selling because she can't handle running the business alone. Johnny sees this as an exciting business opportunity to get himself back in the game and offers to partner with her, which she accepts wholeheartedly.
After working together and making the business more successful, Stevie, who has no family, fears that once the business really starts making money, the Roses will leave town and her behind. In 'Open Mic' S4 E6, Johnny proves his commitment by changing the name of the motel to the Rosebud. She not only believes in their partnership, but feels like she has a family.
He Loves Me
'Open Mic' S4 E6: To promote their apothecary business, Patrick sets up an open mic night against David's better judgment. Even though David is happy in their relationship, because he's never had one that's lasted more than a couple of months, he figures Patrick will eventually break up with him so he doesn't want to totally open his heart.
At the event, Patrick gets up with his guitar and sings a love ballad directly to David, publicly declaring his love. David, with tears in his eyes, is touched and a tiny bit embarrassed and glad to be so.
Goodbye Schitt's Creek, Hello Galápagos
'Presidential Suite' S6, E8: Although they love one another, Alexis and Ted were not meant to be. They officially end their relationship when he gets his dream job offer: a three-year contract to continue his research in the Galápagos Islands. Meanwhile, she's making a name for herself as a publicist. "I'd like to think we helped each other get here," she tells him.
They could have ended with a fight over who should give up whose dream for the other "if you love me," but instead chose to be adult and undramatic. Alexis and Ted prove that when people really want what's best for each other, sometimes the answer is to let the love go so each person can grow. If they are meant to be, they will find each other again.