What Schitt’s Creek did that Friends and The Office didn’t…and still slayed

Schitt’s Creek did something totally refreshing and different. Friends gave us on-and-off drama, and The Office made us cringe-laugh through awkward silences and accidental racism. Schitt’s Creek chose a different route. And it was definitely a more evolved one.

When we first came across it, it felt like it was going to be just another comedy about rich people learning how to be normal and living in conditions they're not used to. But then we realized, after sticking around for a few episodes, that this show isn't what we thought it was going to be.

There’s no unnecessary drama. No jokes targeting minorities. And there is no cheap drama either. It's just people. Everyone is growing and loving. They are all becoming better and the most honest versions of themselves.

It managed to pull off what Friends and The Office never quite did. It became a sitcom that doesn't sacrifice anyone’s dignity for the sake of comedy. It’s not that we don’t love Ross yelling “WE WERE ON A BREAK” or Michael Scott trying to be included with some offensive remarks and jokes. But Schitt’s Creek showed us that comedy doesn’t have to come with cruelty, and that’s what makes it timeless.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.

Schitt’s Creek didn’t need exhausting relationship drama or cringey jokes

Friends gave us some of the best sitcom moments. But the Ross and Rachel drama became a bit too much. They kept breaking up and making up. There was just way too much miscommunication that really drained us.

Schitt’s Creek gave us David and Patrick’s relationship. And it was definitely a more stable and mature relationship. It gave us two people in love who actually talk to each other and work things out like grown adults.

There’s no cheating or last-minute airport dashes to fix yet another avoidable fight. What we see instead is a queer couple falling in love and building a life with patience and respect. It’s not dramatic in the Ross and Rachel kind of way. But it’s way more romantic and way more real.

Now we love Michael Scott from The Office. But every time he said “That’s what she said,” we felt the cringe. And the humor didn’t hold up over time.

Schitt’s Creek never has to humiliate someone to get a laugh. The humor comes from personality quirks and absurd situations. Oh, and of course, Moira’s vocabulary.

The best part is that it manages to be hilarious without making you feel guilty for laughing. You don’t feel secondhand embarrassment every five minutes. You can actually just enjoy it.

A queer love story with no unnecessary drama

Schitt’s Creek gave us a queer couple who fall in love and build a business. They also get married without any unnecessary breakup drama.

It’s weird how refreshing that felt. It was just two people figuring out life together with all the awkwardness and sweetness of any romance. But this time, it’s two men and no one bats an eye.

David and Patrick’s relationship wasn’t treated like a plot device. It was just love. Beautiful, hilarious, dorky love. That’s what made it so refreshing. Because when was the last time you saw a queer couple on screen whose biggest conflict was what kind of wood to use for wedding invitations?

It celebrated queer love. And it did it with so much heart that it kind of made every other show look like they needed lessons.

Schitt’s Creek leaves you emotionally full. And that’s rare.

Trending

Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more updates and detailed coverage.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback