ABOVE AVERAGE

Fish out of water was the primary idea for this comedy series that followed a fabulously wealthy family that lost everything – except Schitt’s Creek, a small town in the middle of nowhere that the patriarch (Eugene Levy) once bought as a joke. Now they were forced to move into the town’s only motel and get used to a new lifestyle. Much of the comedy depended on that fundamental clash, but over the years the Roses became a reluctant but familiar part of Schitt’s Creek.

A charming project for father and son Levy; very funny throughout its run, even touching at times, with a lovely romance for the family’s hopelessly pampered, urban son.

Sharp dialogue and perfect cast, with Catherine O’Hara a stand-out as a faded soap-opera star.

2015-2020:Canada. 80 episodes. Color. Created by Eugene Levy, Dan Levy. Cast: Eugene Levy (Johnny Rose), Catherine O’Hara (Moira Rose), Dan Levy (David Rose), Annie Murphy (Alexis Rose), Emily Hampshire, Chris Elliott, Jennifer Robertson, Noah Reid (17-20), Dustin Milligan.

Trivia: Twyla the waitress was played by Sarah Levy, daughter of Eugene and sister of Dan.

Quote: “I want you to know, John, that you are the most important thing in this world to me. You know that, don’t you? And I include Caroline in that, and I’ve had that wig for 40 years.” (O’Hara to Eugene Levy)

Emmys: Outstanding Comedy Series 19-20; Directing 19-20; Writing 19-20; Actor (Eugene Levy) 19-20; Actress (O’Hara) 19-20; Supporting Actor (Dan Levy) 19-20; Supporting Actress (Murphy) 19-20. Golden Globes: Best Comedy Series 21; Actress (O’Hara) 21.

Last word: “I had listened to an interview with Michael Patrick King about the early days of Sex and the City and Sarah Jessica Parker’s involvement. I believe that at one point, she was a bit reluctant. His approach to her was, ‘If you don’t like it, let’s stop after Season 1.’ I took that philosophy, and went to my dad and said, ‘You have to call [O’Hara] back one last time. And please tell her — one season. Because at the end of the day, if she does it and she hates it, then we clearly are not making a good show anyway. Just see what she says to that.’ Then 45 minutes later, he called me back and said she’s in.” (Dan Levy on O’Hara’s reluctance to do the show, Variety)