Schitt's Creek: The Story Behind the Development and Production
The beloved series Schitt's Creek began as a conceptual experiment in social dynamics. Co-creator Dan Levy wondered what would happen if a wealthy family, similar to the Kardashians, suddenly lost their entire fortune. This curiosity, combined with a desire to explore the lives of "boomers" facing financial ruin, laid the groundwork for one of the most successful comedies of its era.
The specific premise—a family forced to live in a town they once bought as a joke—was inspired by a real-life event: actress Kim Basinger's 1989 purchase of Braselton, Georgia, for $20 million. This intersection of high-society eccentricity and financial failure became the heart of the show's narrative.
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Key Facts
- Creators: Co-created by Dan Levy and Eugene Levy.
- Inspiration: Inspired by reality TV and Kim Basinger's purchase of a Georgia town.
- Networks: Produced in association with the CBC (Canada) and Pop TV (USA).
- Filming: Primarily shot in Ontario, Canada, using a single-camera setup.
- Music: Original soundtrack composed by Maribeth Solomon.
From Conception to Broadcast
Developing the show required navigating the preferences of various networks. While HBO and Showtime passed on the project, the CBC and a U.S. broadcast network showed interest. To avoid creative interference, the Levys eventually partnered with Pop TV in the United States, led by Brad Schwartz.
One of the earliest hurdles was the title. Many networks urged the creators to change "Schitt's Creek" to avoid the vulgar connotation. The Levys successfully defended the name by providing phone book pages proving that "Schitt" is a legitimate surname, eventually winning the CBC's approval.
Casting the Rose Family and Townspeople
Casting was a blend of long-term professional relationships and serendipitous discoveries. Catherine O'Hara was the first choice for Moira Rose, though she initially declined due to her aversion to long-term projects. She eventually joined after filming a presentation pilot.
Finding the Perfect Fit
- Annie Murphy (Alexis Rose): Originally cast after Abby Elliott had a scheduling conflict. Despite Eugene Levy's initial hesitation regarding her hair color, Dan Levy convinced him that Murphy could dye her hair blonde to fit the role.
- Emily Hampshire (Stevie Budd): Cast after a memorable audition in Los Angeles where she hid her face under her shirt due to nerves—a quirk Dan Levy found "charming."
- Noah Reid (Patrick Brewer): Joined in season three. He was cast without a "chemistry test" with Dan Levy, based on a recommendation from Stacey Farber.
- The Levy Family: Sarah Levy (Dan's sister) was cast as Twyla Sands without an audition, while Chris Elliott was cast as Mayor Roland Schitt.
Production and Filming Style
The series utilized a single-camera set-up, meaning there was no live audience or laugh track, allowing for a more cinematic and intimate comedic timing. Production was handled by Not a Real Company Productions.
Locations and Sets
While the show is set in the vague location of "Schitt's Creek" in Canada, it was filmed across several Ontario locations. Interior scenes were shot at various studios in Toronto, including Pinewood Toronto Studios and Dufferin Gate Studios.
Exterior filming took place in several towns, most notably Goodwood, which became a tourist destination during the show's run. Other locations included Brantford, Mono (where the Rosebud Motel exteriors were filmed), and various spots in Stouffville and Markham.
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The Role of Music
Music played a pivotal role in character development, particularly through the Jazzagals, the town's singing group. The soundtrack, composed by Maribeth Solomon, featured a mix of covers and original songs.
| Song | Performer(s) | Context/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| "The Best" | Noah Reid (Patrick) | A declaration of love to David; reached No. 1 on Canadian charts. |
| "A Little Bit Alexis" | Annie Murphy (Alexis) | Theme song for Alexis's reality show; reached No. 28 on Canadian charts. |
| "The Number" | David and Moira Rose | A holiday medley arranged by Catherine O'Hara. |
| "Danny Boy" | Moira Rose | Performed as a distraction during a funeral. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Schitt's Creek filmed?
The series was filmed primarily in Ontario, Canada. Key locations include Goodwood, Brantford, and Mono, with interior scenes shot at studios in Toronto.
How did the show get its name?
The title was conceived by Eugene Levy. Despite network pressure to change it due to the perceived vulgarity, the creators proved "Schitt" was a real surname using phone book listings.
Who inspired the plot of the show?
The idea of a wealthy person buying a town was inspired by actress Kim Basinger's purchase of Braselton, Georgia, in 1989.
Was the music in the show performed by the actors?
Yes, many of the songs were performed by the cast. For example, Noah Reid performed "The Best" and Annie Murphy wrote and performed "A Little Bit Alexis."
Why did the show end after six seasons?
Dan Levy originally envisioned the series ending with season five, but he agreed to a sixth season after receiving a two-year renewal following the fourth season.