A ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Emmy Win Would Be So Much More Than Just a Statue

Fans and cast members alike reacted with glee when Schitt’s Creek picked up four Emmy nominations this summer. It was the first time the Television Academy recognized the series, which had just wrapped its fifth season on Pop TV, and has grown to become beloved by so many who discovered the comedy series on Netflix. It truly is great for this show to even be included as a nominee, as part of the conversation of the best TV of the year. But a win for Schitt’s Creek would mean even more.

The series also picked up nominations for stars Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara in the Lead Actor and Actress categories, as well as one for Contemporary Costumes, which, come on, should be a lock. But it’s the inclusion of the show in the Outstanding Comedy series bunch that matters in an even bigger way. The competition is as fierce as it gets: Barry, an incredible piece of art that is doing what no other shows would ever dare to do, Fleabag, nothing short of brilliant and not only in the way it got us all to lust after a hot priest and further sin by having no regret whatsoever about it, Russian Doll which is just infinitely cool, Veep for its unsurprisingly great final season, and The Good Place and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel which are undoubtedly worthy and enjoyed by so many.

And then there’s Schitt’s Creek, somewhat of the outsider in the bunch, which is ironic considering the show is so heavily and effortlessly about inclusion. The Emmys have been a bit too snobby to include the series until now, partially because at this moment it’s an undeniable hit. It’s even crept into the viewing habits of the “liberal coastal elites” or “media types” who are, generally, the ones devouring most of the other nominees.

But one of Schitt’s Creek‘s biggest strengths, along with, you know, comedy, is its accessibility, both literally available to watch on Netflix and the Pop TV app, as well as the themes at play within the show. The Canadian comedy transcends age, gender, race, religion, sexuality, etc. It’s one of the nicest, most accepting, and progressive programs currently airing. And perhaps the biggest achievement is that they’ve managed to do that without being big old showboats about it. Not only would an Emmy for this show be a nice nod to Pop TV, a network that’s doing bigger and better things than they’re regularly recognized for, but a trophy for this show would also signify to the public: we’ve heard the positive messages coming from this show, and we’re rewarding them for it. While, of course, also acknowledging the top-notch writing, acting, and all that goes into making this show as wonderful as it is.

It would also be extra special to acknowledge how particularly great Season 5 was for this show — not a sentiment heard for many shows by their fifth season on the air. But this year gave these beloved characters a chance to shine and to experience major wonderful milestones in their life. They were shown, both within the show and outside of it, how much these characters are appreciated by those around them and by those watching. This was a season that produced both more laughs and tears than any other season before it, a sign that not only was Schitt’s Creek firing on all cylinders but that viewers were more invested than ever before.

The thing about Schitt’s Creek is that parents love it, teens love it, and everyone in between loves it too. It’s helped older generations understand their children, and it’s helped those children feel seen in so many ways. If that doesn’t qualify a TV show for an award then what the hell does?

Where to stream Schitt's Creek