The down-to-earth story of a superficial family is so re-watchable that it’s hard to believe it first premiered 11 years ago. Nearly every episode of Schitt’s Creek was an instant classic, with the likes of “Ew, David,” and David’s use of a wine analogy as a coming-out device becoming permanent fixtures of modern culture.
Every character, from the inimitable Moira Rose to the charming Patrick, stands out as one-of-a-kind, but what really makes the show memorable is its comforting, heartwarming presence. And while there’s only one Schitt’s Creek, there are other shows out there that strike a similar chord.
Arrested Development
2003-2006, 2016-2019
Especially in its early days, this was the show most frequently held up against Schitt’s Creek as they share a quirky, entitled family suddenly forced to live below their means. The Bluth family has its share of heart, especially through the singularly competent Michael, who refuses to abandon his zanier, more helpless counterparts, but Arrested Development has a bit more of a cynical edge.
Featuring plot lines like taboo sexual tension between cousins and a very not politically correct adoption, Arrested Development is the perfect watch for Schitt’s Creek fans who are ready for a show that “goes there.” While Schitt’s Creek protects the integrity of its characters by pinning their financial downfall on Johnny’s business partner, Arrested Development embraces patriarch George Bluth’s immorality.
For all its similarities, Arrested Development is a classic in its own right with one-liners that are hilarious both in and out of context (“It’s one banana, Michael. How much could it cost? Ten dollars?“).
Grace And Frankie
2015-2022
One of Netflix’s longest-running shows, Grace and Frankie deserves to be a part of the modern comedy conversation. Their ex-husbands, who are in love with each other, give the show its emotional core, but it’s ultimately about the women. Jane Fonda’s long-suffering Grace has a bit of a Moira energy to her, and her and Frankie’s children fill out the dysfunctional yet lovable family ensemble.
Grace and Frankie is unique in its generational focus and unconventional family dynamics, yet is perhaps most noteworthy for its prioritization of Grace and Frankie’s story over Robert and Sol’s. Their love story is the buzziest part of the premise, and it has a place, but more than anything, the show is about an unlikely friendship and having your world turned upside down after decades of stasis.
Bob’s Burgers
2011-Present
This is the most wholesome major show in the adult animation genre. Bob’s Burgers manages to capture childhood whimsy, the anxiety of financial strain, and the warmth of a family that genuinely loves each other. Bob himself is so wholesome in his pure love for his work and all his quirky kids. The Belchers consistently make a point to show up for each other when it matters most.
Of course, all this heart doesn’t get in the way of comedy, both relatable and zany. The mischievous Louise often gets her siblings caught up in shenanigans that are playfully serious to their young minds, while Bob does things like pretend to be stuck in the walls of their house to avoid his in-laws.
Frasier
1993-2004
A family sitcom for the ages, Frasier set the bar for how funny the adult children/older parents dynamic can be. Frasier’s brother Niles is the unsung comedic hero of the show, and he’s giving David Rose in a lot of ways. Extremely particular with high-class social expectations, Niles somehow evolves into the show’s biggest emotional pull.
Their everyman father, Martin, consistently pulls his high-strung psychologist sons out of their comfort zones, making their inability to function amongst the common crowd the butt of the joke. In the process, Niles delivers memorable quotes that would be right at home coming from David: “I very clearly asked for a whisper of cinnamon, he’s given me a full-throated shout!“
Hacks
2021-Present
When it comes to unexpected friendships and emotional growth, it doesn’t get much better than Hacks. Ava and Deborah butt heads, to great comedic satisfaction, but they also bond to a level that makes the show more than merely a comedy. Deborah’s belief in hard work is evocative of Johnny, and she really channeled her inner Mr. Rose in Hacks season 4.
In the emotional set piece of the season, Deborah quit her dream late-night gig in an on-air condemnation of the network’s shady choices. Her finally reaching her limit was evocative of one of Schitt’s Creek‘s best moments when Johnny came to a similar breaking point, making a scene in defense of Schitt’s Creek and its people in a crowded restaurant.
Gilmore Girls
2000-2007
On the other hand, when it comes to cozy, small-town charm, it doesn’t get much better than Gilmore Girls. Only the quirky folk of Stars Hollow could rival the quirky folk of Schitt’s Creek. The gossipy Babette, stickler Taylor, oddball Kirk, and lovable curmudgeon Luke all come together to give the town its one-of-a-kind feel.
Gilmore Girls also takes a unique angle on wealth, allowing Stars Hollow to represent its absence — much like the titular Schitt’s Creek. Lorelai and Rory experience high society through frequent visits with Lorelai’s upper-crust parents, though Lorelai has pointedly chosen to support herself and Rory on her own rather than participate in their formal lifestyle.
Abbott Elementary
2021-Present
Behind the scenes, Abbott Elementary bears a great resemblance to Schitt’s Creek, with creator and writer Quinta Brunson also starring in the show, much like Schitt’s Creek‘s Dan and Eugene Levy. On screen, Abbott is both modest and wholesome as the teachers go the extra mile for their students, often to the detriment of their finances and personal lives.
The show’s mockumentary format gives its comedy a bit of a sarcastic edge, allowing a pointed look to the cameras to convey words that couldn’t be said in the presence of children (or on network television).
Ted Lasso
2020-2023
A show that has become synonymous with wholesome positivity, Ted Lasso impressively manages to evade cheesiness. Its strong ensemble and their very real problems keep the show grounded, though it takes care not to get too heavy. At the end of the day, Ted Lasso is about a lovable soccer team — it can only be so serious.
With the wise Ted leading his team through both personal and athletic growth, and experiencing some himself, Ted Lasso is the perfect serving of feel-good content to follow a Schitt’s Creek binge.
Modern Family
2009-2020
Modern Family is aptly named. It really does manage to cram so many unique dynamics into one family tree, and it does so with love. From the joy surrounding Mitch and Cam starting a family to Jay’s heartfelt love for Manny, Modern Family demonstrates the same wordless, radical acceptance seen in Schitt’s Creek.
The size of its ensemble is Modern Family‘s strength, with the sheer number of characters easily multiplying the show’s chaotic comedy as well as the display of affection each episode inevitably tumbles into. The show also shares Schitt’s Creek‘s quirkiness, with Phil, one of its most “traditional” characters, being a one-of-a-kind brand of dork.
Somebody Somewhere
2022-2024
Somebody Somewhere is Schitt’s Creek with characters who were never rich. Its scenes transition with similar shots of an unassuming landscape, though its more modest characters give Somebody Somewhere a heaviness that Schitt’s Creek doesn’t have. Schitt’s Creek will often evoke happy tears; Somebody Somewhere is unapologetic in evoking tears of every kind.
Through Sam and Joel’s unlikely friendship and the rest of their Kansas community, Somebody Somewhere is raw in its unpacking of grief, self-image, and hardship. Yet for all its unflinching depictions of struggle, Somebody Somewhere never fails to circle back to a Schitt’s Creek-esque note of love and joy, highlighting the importance of community.
