Pop TVSchitt's Creek will be one of your new favorite comedies if you let it. The Canadian import, premiering on Pop (formerly the TV Guide Network) on Wednesday, Feb. 11, has all the makings of a cult hit. The plot—a very rich (and out of touch) family loses everything and must start over in a town they own, bought on whim because of its name—coupled with the right stars makes Schitt's Creek a must-see for any fan of smart TV comedies.
You just can't go wrong with Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy. The comedy legends are husband and wife Johnny and Moira Rose. Their chemistry and timing remains spot on. Joined by Dan Levy—son of Eugene, the two created the comedy together—Annie Murphy and Chris Elliott, O'Hara and Eugene Levy are the anchors of a strong show that deserves your attention.
Can you deny wanting to see O'Hara playing a former TV star having a meltdown while packing up various items—including a bevy of wigs she has named—and shouting, "My very soul has been kidnapped. There's no ransom, no one's coming to save me! No…no, did you put Christy with Robin? They don't like each other! No, no!" She's referring to her wigs, obviously. O'Hara is given some of the best material—she'll be your new favorite TV mom alongside Empire's Cookie if you let her—and for good reason. After all, she is Catherine O'Hara.
"There is a very small amount set aside for you and one asset the government has allowed you to maintain," a government official tells the family.
"The kids," Moira replies.
Johnny bought the town of Schitt's Creek as a joke for son David (Dan Levy who inherited his father's comedy chops and holds his owns with the scene-stealers known for their improv backgrounds) and the family is allowed to keep it—it's basically worthless—and live there amongst the…townsfolk. It's a culture shock in the best way possible. The premise lends itself to fish out of water comedy, with plenty of kooky townsfolk and judgment from the formerly rich Roses.
Pop sent out five episodes of the series for review—unedited, so there were some f-bombs that make it all the more hilarious—and it's a wild, humorous ride. O'Hara's Moira steals the show, you won't want to miss when she teaches the local kids a drama class, but Dan Levy's David isn't far behind with great one-liners and spot-on delivery.
The dysfunction is real and it's very entertaining. We'll leave you with this Moira line upon hearing her daughter, Alexis, is attempting to leave the family:
"Well, that is not happening and I am appalled that my baby girl has turned into a selfish, duplicitous whore—oh hello!"
Schitt's Creek premieres Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 10 p.m. on Pop.