When Schitt’s Creek first premiered, its path to becoming a pop culture phenomenon was uncertain and unlikely. 

I personally found it hard to watch the first season but I persisted and found it deserved the title “Sleeper Hit”. 

Many initial reactions, including that of one reviewer, were a resounding “meh”. 

The premise—a “pretentious and previously-filthy-rich family lives in a scuzzy motel in the middle of nowhere”—seemed weird, and the characters were initially annoying and difficult to root for.

Yet, this unconventional approach, championed by co-creator Dan Levy, ultimately transformed it into a beloved “love affair” for millions.

Here’s why Schitt’s Creek defied expectations and became a sleeper hit, offering valuable lessons for anyone aiming to succeed without following a cookie-cutter template: 

Embrace the unfashionable: Be Earnest instead of Cynical

By going against the grain, the father and son writing duo, Eugene and Dan Levy focused on their own guiding values – compassion and love.

It might be easy to scoff at naivety and earnestness but when done well, it evokes warm feelings in people (myself included). 

They made a point to showcase “women without harassment, queer love without trauma, sexual fluidity without shame, economic disparity without mockery, and creativity without limitation”. 

This was a conscious risk, as both knew there was a potential for negative reactions, but they chose to “propose a different idea” and explore the freedom that comes with acceptance.

Being Realistic about Changes

Most shows highlight the challenge or obstacle that the protagonist has to overcome for the story arc and a satisfying ending.

In the case of Schitt’s Creek, the writers took on a more grounded transformation of the characters. It showcased their flaws front and center and made their positive changes gradual and realistic. This helped make the show relatable to audiences and also made the characters’ personality quirks endearing. 

Normalizing Queer Relationships with Joy

While seeing homosexual relationships on TV wasn’t entirely novel, Schitt’s Creek broke new ground by showcasing “the entire arc of one – from meeting to marriage” in a “classic rom-com romance, with a sort of sweetness and purity to it”.

Dan Levy, who is openly gay, drew on his own experiences for the David/Patrick storyline, ensuring its authenticity. (I recommend checking out their YouTube clip of Patrick singing a Tina Turner song)

This approach disarmed viewers, even those with differing beliefs, leading many to become allies simply by “watching people live their lives and… ultimately loving these people”.

Allowing Humour to Evolve Naturally

The conventional American sitcom laugh machine isn’t present here. Thank Goodness! 

The humour in Schitt’s Creek was not immediately apparent. In the beginning, the jokes seemed so basic and the pacing was slow. It was a slow build up to audiences warming up to each character’s personality.

Stepping out of his Comfort Zone

Dan Levy’s life before Schitt’s Creek was comfortable. He was in a good enviable position as a MTV host and was financially comfortable.

He recognized that his ego was in the way of his personal growth. It was stripping away his natural creativity. So he made an “executive decision to really shut out all of that” to focus on making Schitt’s Creek. He even had a backup plan if Schitt’s Creek didn’t work.  

Dan Levy was naturally anxious about making a television show for the first time. He channeled his father’s concern for him into his work ethic. He pushed himself. 

Patience pays off

It’s so natural for people to be impatient about getting results. 

Despite Schitt’s Creek only becoming more mainstream in Season 3 due to Netflix streaming, they didn’t give up hope and just kept making good television. 

The show made an unprecedented sweep at the 2020 Emmy Awards, where it broke records by winning nine trophies, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and all four major comedy acting categories. 

Dan Levy himself became the first person to win an Emmy in all four major disciplines (producing, writing, directing, and acting) in a single year.

Love is sappy but universal 

The show’s earnestness and focus on love and acceptance resonated deeply with audiences, generating thousands of supportive comments, letters, and tweets from fans who felt a “closeness to the experience”.

So, if you’re working on a project or pursuing a dream that feels unconventional, remember the unexpected journey of Schitt’s Creek. 

Authenticity, a clear vision, and persistent dedication to what you believe in, rather than what the mainstream expects, can lead to the most fulfilling and impactful success.

As Dan Levy learned, sometimes the greatest triumphs come when you stop caring about ego and simply focus on telling a story that means something to you.

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