.jpg)
10 Best Shows Like Schitt's Creek
- Joao Nsita
- 14 hours ago
- 13 min read
Introduction
It has been over 11 years since the world was first introduced to the Rose family, yet the hole they left in our hearts remains as large as Moira’s wig collection. Schitt’s Creek was more than just a sitcom; it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined what "comfort TV" could be. It began as a classic fish-out-of-water story about a wealthy family losing everything, but it evolved into a profound exploration of love, acceptance, and personal growth. It taught us that money can’t buy happiness, but a supportive community (and a really good skincare routine) can certainly help.
In 2026, the craving for television that feels like a "warm hug" has not dissipated. If anything, it has grown stronger. We are constantly searching for that specific alchemy of sharp wit, eccentric characters, and genuine heart that Dan and Eugene Levy perfected. Trends on TikTok and Pinterest show a massive resurgence in "wholesome watchlists" and "comfort character edits," proving that we are all still looking for our next Rosebud Motel.
While no show can exactly replicate the magic of David, Alexis, Johnny, and Moira, there are series that strike a similar chord. Whether you miss the small-town charm, the dysfunctional yet loving family dynamics, or the LGBTQ+ representation that doesn't rely on tragedy, the television landscape is rich with successors. We have curated a list of 10 shows that capture the spirit of Schitt’s Creek, ranked by how well they fill that specific void.
If you enjoy our content and want to help us keep creating helpful guides like this, please consider supporting our work. Donate Here.
Also, if you love diving deep into stories of relationships and finding "the one," be sure to tune into our latest audio dramas. Listen to our episodes here.
10. Arrested Development (2003–2019)
The Premise Before the Roses lost their fortune, the Bluths lost theirs. Arrested Development is often cited as the spiritual predecessor to Schitt’s Creek, but with a significantly more cynical edge. The story follows Michael Bluth, the "one son who had no choice but to keep them all together," after his father is arrested for white-collar crime. The wealthy, out-of-touch family must navigate a world they are entirely ill-equipped for, leading to some of the most intricate and hilarious comedic writing in television history.
The Schitt’s Creek Connection If Schitt’s Creek is about a wealthy family learning to love each other, Arrested Development is about a wealthy family refusing to learn anything. The parallels are undeniable: a patriarch trying to hold it together, a matriarch (Lucille Bluth) who is a meme factory of judgment and alcoholism, and adult children who have never worked a day in their lives. Lucille Bluth and Moira Rose are essentially two sides of the same coin—one fueled by martinis and disdain, the other by fruit wine and vocabulary.
Why It’s a Masterpiece The show is a masterclass in callback humor. Jokes set up in season one might not pay off until season three. It rewards close viewing and re-watching in a way few comedies do. While the Roses eventually become better people, the Bluths remain hilariously, irredeemably awful. For fans who loved the early seasons of Schitt’s Creek—where the family was still abrasive and struggling to adapt—Arrested Development provides that same schadenfreude but dials the absurdity up to eleven.
Standout Character Dynamics The relationship between Buster and Lucille is a twisted, hilarious mirror to David and Moira’s co-dependency. While David eventually finds independence, Buster remains perpetually attached to his mother’s apron strings (literally and figuratively). It’s a cautionary tale of what the Roses could have become without the softening influence of a town like Schitt's Creek.
Where to Stream: Netflix
9. Frasier (1993–2004)
The Premise A spin-off of Cheers, Frasier follows Dr. Frasier Crane as he moves back to Seattle to start a radio psychiatry show and reconnect with his father, Martin, a retired police officer. Frasier and his brother Niles are high-strung, snobbish psychiatrists who enjoy opera, sherry, and fine dining, while their father prefers beer, recliner chairs, and sports.
The Schitt’s Creek Connection The core conflict of Frasier is the clash between high-brow pretension and blue-collar reality—a dynamic that defines the Rose family’s interaction with the townies of Schitt's Creek. Niles Crane is, in many ways, the spiritual ancestor of David Rose. Both are fastidious, fashion-conscious (in their own ways), and prone to dramatic outbursts over minor inconveniences.
Why It’s a Masterpiece Frasier holds the record for the most Emmy wins for a scripted comedy for a reason. The writing is sophisticated, blending farce with genuine emotion. Like Schitt’s Creek, it explores the idea that family is often people you have nothing in common with, except history. The evolution of Frasier and Martin’s relationship from estranged roommates to deeply loving father and son mirrors the journey of Johnny and David Rose.
Standout Character Dynamics Niles and Daphne’s slow-burn romance is one of the greatest in sitcom history, offering the same satisfying payoff as Patrick and David. Furthermore, the show proves that "snobs" can be lovable protagonists, provided they are frequently the butt of the joke—a rule Schitt’s Creek followed religiously.
Where to Stream: Paramount+, Hulu
Related Article: 10 Essential Marriage Roots That Strengthen Your Connection
8. Grace and Frankie (2015–2022)
The Premise Jane Fonda (Grace) and Lily Tomlin (Frankie) star as two women who have always disliked each other but are forced to live together when their husbands fall in love with one another. It is a show about starting over when you thought your life was settled.
The Schitt’s Creek Connection Both shows deal with the rug being pulled out from under you. Grace Hanson is a successful cosmetics mogul who, like the Roses, loses her status and her home life in one fell swoop. She shares Moira Rose’s icy exterior, business acumen, and impeccable wardrobe. Frankie, on the other hand, brings the eccentric, bohemian energy that keeps the show grounded in heart and humor.
Why It’s a Masterpiece Grace and Frankie tackles aging, sexuality, and friendship with a frankness rarely seen on television. It validates the idea that your "third act" can be your best act. The bond that forms between the two women is a beautiful testament to the power of female friendship, evolving from animosity to a platonic soulmate connection.
Standout Character Dynamics The relationship between Sol and Robert (their ex-husbands) offers a touching, albeit complicated, look at late-in-life LGBTQ+ romance. It provides a different perspective on the themes of identity and acceptance found in Schitt’s Creek, showing that it is never too late to be your authentic self.
Where to Stream: Netflix
7. Bob’s Burgers (2011–Present)
The Premise This animated sitcom follows the Belcher family—Bob, Linda, and their three children, Tina, Gene, and Louise—as they run a struggling burger restaurant. They are constantly broke, facing bad luck, and dealing with eccentric customers, but they love each other fiercely.
The Schitt’s Creek Connection Bob’s Burgers is the ultimate "us against the world" family show. Like the Roses, the Belchers are often in financial peril, but their poverty never defines their happiness. They are weird, loud, and supportive of each other's strangest endeavors. Linda Belcher and Moira Rose would absolutely get along—both are dramatic, musical matriarchs who champion their children unconditionally (even if they have a funny way of showing it).
Why It’s a Masterpiece It is arguably the most wholesome show on television. There is no cynicism here. Bob Belcher loves his weird kids exactly as they are. The show celebrates neurodivergence and eccentricity without making it the punchline. It captures that specific Schitt’s Creek vibe where the stakes are low, but the emotional investment is high.
Standout Character Dynamics Tina Belcher’s awkward, boy-crazy adolescence is a spiritual successor to Alexis Rose’s early years, though with less international travel and more zombies. The family’s ability to turn any disaster into a bonding moment is exactly the energy fans of the Rose family crave.
Where to Stream: Hulu, Disney+
Related Article: 125 Creative and Romantic Conversation Starters for Couples
6. Modern Family (2009–2020)
The Premise A mockumentary-style sitcom that follows three diverse branches of the same family: patriarch Jay and his younger Latina wife Gloria; his daughter Claire and her chaotic traditional family; and his son Mitchell and his husband Cam, who are raising an adopted daughter.
The Schitt’s Creek Connection Modern Family popularized the single-camera, mockumentary style that Schitt’s Creek (and Abbott Elementary) utilizes so well. It allows characters to break the fourth wall, sharing a knowing look with the audience that says, "Can you believe this?" The show was groundbreaking in its portrayal of a gay couple on network TV, paving the way for the casual, accepted queerness of Schitt’s Creek.
Why It’s a Masterpiece The ensemble cast is lightning in a bottle. Ty Burrell’s Phil Dunphy is the ultimate lovable goofball, a character who radiates the same golden-retriever energy as Ted Lasso or Patrick Brewer. The show manages to balance slapstick humor with genuinely tear-jerking moments about acceptance and growth.
Standout Character Dynamics Mitch and Cam’s relationship offers a look at the domestic, bickering side of gay romance that David and Patrick also explore. Cam, with his flair for the dramatic and love of costumes, has a bit of Moira Rose in his DNA.
Where to Stream: Hulu, Peacock
Mid-Article Break
We hope you are finding your next favorite comfort show in this list! The power of a good story can truly transform your mood.
Listen to our episodes here to hear original audio rom-coms that celebrate love in all its forms.
5. Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)
The Premise Lorelai Gilmore, a single mother who ran away from her wealthy parents to raise her daughter Rory on her own terms, lives in the quirky, storybook town of Stars Hollow. The show revolves around their caffeine-fueled, rapid-fire relationship and the eccentric townspeople who surround them.
The Schitt’s Creek Connection If you loved Schitt’s Creek for the town itself, Gilmore Girls is your next stop. Stars Hollow is the original Schitt’s Creek—a place filled with bizarre town events, nosy neighbors, and a mayor (Taylor Doose) who is just as controlling as Roland Schitt. The show also explores the tension between immense wealth (Lorelai’s parents) and humble, small-town living.
Why It’s a Masterpiece The dialogue. Creator Amy Sherman-Palladino writes scripts that are twice as long as standard sitcoms because the characters talk so fast. It is witty, reference-heavy, and incredibly smart. The cozy, autumnal vibe of the show makes it the perfect comfort watch for when you want to feel safe and enveloped by a world.
Standout Character Dynamics The "Friday Night Dinners" with Richard and Emily Gilmore provide the friction of class dynamics that the Roses deal with. Emily Gilmore is a matriarch who rivals Moira Rose in terms of judgment, style, and hidden softness.
Where to Stream: Netflix
Related Article: 10 Rom-Coms books That Feel Like Gilmore Girls
4. Somebody Somewhere (2022–2024)
The Premise Sam is a Kansas woman struggling to fit the mold of her hometown. After the death of her sister, she finds salvation in a community of outsiders who don't fit in but don't give up. It is a show about finding your people, singing your heart out, and the beauty of a "chosen family."
The Schitt’s Creek Connection This show is often described as Schitt’s Creek without the money. It has the same beating heart. It takes place in a small, unglamorous town, but instead of mocking the locals, it treats them with profound dignity and love. It centers on a deep, platonic friendship between Sam and Joel that is as compelling as any romance.
Why It’s a Masterpiece It is raw, real, and incredibly funny. It doesn't shy away from grief or body image issues, but it handles them with a lightness that is refreshing. It is a quiet show that shouts its message of acceptance. The "choir practice" scenes (which are actually a cabaret for the town's misfits) capture the same joy as the Jazzagals in Schitt’s Creek.
Standout Character Dynamics Sam and Joel’s friendship is the anchor. They support each other's dreams, call out each other's nonsense, and love each other fiercely. It is a portrayal of adult friendship that is rare and beautiful.
Where to Stream: Max (HBO)
Related Article: 13 Daily Gratitude Practices for Better Bonds
3. Hacks (2021–Present)
The Premise Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is a legendary Las Vegas comedian whose act is getting stale. Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) is a cancelled Gen Z comedy writer who can't get a job. They are forced to work together to freshen up Deborah's material, leading to a clash of generations, egos, and comedic styles.
The Schitt’s Creek Connection If you miss Moira Rose, you need Deborah Vance. Jean Smart delivers a performance that is equal parts terrifying and hilarious. She is a diva who has fought for everything she has and refuses to give an inch. The mentorship (and torment-ship) between Deborah and Ava mirrors the growth we see in Alexis as she learns from her mother and from Ted.
Why It’s a Masterpiece It swept the Emmys for a reason. The writing is razor-sharp, dissecting the nature of comedy, fame, and cancel culture. It explores the sacrifices women make to succeed in show business. It is funnier than almost anything else on TV, but it also has moments of crushing vulnerability.
Standout Character Dynamics The "enemies-to-partners" dynamic between Ava and Deborah is electric. They hate how much they need each other. It is a complex look at female ambition and the passing of the torch.
Where to Stream: Max (HBO)
Related Article: How to Add Romance to Everyday Life – 12 Easy Ways
2. Abbott Elementary (2021–Present)
The Premise A workplace mockumentary set in an underfunded Philadelphia elementary school. It follows Janine Teagues, an eternally optimistic second-grade teacher, and her colleagues as they try to give their students the best education possible despite the odds.
The Schitt’s Creek Connection Like Schitt’s Creek, Abbott Elementary is driven by kindness. It is a show about good people trying to do good things. It doesn't rely on mean-spirited humor. The character of Ava Coleman (the tone-deaf principal) is a direct spiritual descendant of the Roses—a woman who is completely self-obsessed, wildly inappropriate, and yet weirdly lovable.
Why It’s a Masterpiece It revitalized the network sitcom. Creator Quinta Brunson managed to make a show about the failing education system funny, heartwarming, and important. It balances social commentary with character-driven humor perfectly. The slow-burn romance between Janine and Gregory is the new Jim and Pam (or David and Patrick).
Standout Character Dynamics The mentor-mentee relationship between Janine and the veteran teacher Barbara Howard is beautiful. Janine craves Barbara’s approval (much like Alexis craved Moira’s), and Barbara slowly, begrudgingly gives it.
Where to Stream: Hulu, Disney+, Max (HBO)
Related Article: 14 Acts of Love to Strengthen Your Relationship
1. Ted Lasso (2020–2023)
The Premise An American college football coach is hired to manage a British soccer team, despite having zero experience. The owner hires him specifically to tank the team to spite her ex-husband. However, Ted’s relentless optimism and "Kill them with kindness" approach eventually wins over the players, the owner, and the fans.
The Schitt’s Creek Connection Ted Lasso is the only show that truly rivals Schitt’s Creek in terms of "The Kindness Core." Both shows posit that people can change, that vulnerability is a strength, and that community is essential. They both feature fish-out-of-water protagonists who transform their environments through sheer force of personality. If Schitt’s Creek is about learning to love others, Ted Lasso is about learning to believe in yourself.
Why It’s a Masterpiece It arrived during the pandemic when the world desperately needed hope. It deconstructs toxic masculinity, exploring men's mental health and emotions with a tenderness rarely seen on TV. Roy Kent, the grumpy, swearing captain, is the perfect foil to Ted’s sunshine, much like Stevie was to David.
Standout Character Dynamics The friendship between Rebecca (the owner) and Keeley (the model/PR consultant) is one of the best portrayals of female friendship on TV. It is supportive, devoid of jealousy, and integral to the plot.
Where to Stream: Apple TV+
Related Article: 10 Ways to Celebrate and Appreciate Each Other Daily
Conclusion
While we may never get another first-time watch of Schitt’s Creek, the legacy of the Rose family lives on in these incredible shows. From the biting wit of Hacks to the gentle embrace of Somebody Somewhere, television continues to offer us safe harbors where we can laugh, cry, and believe in the goodness of people.
These series remind us that whether we are in a small town in Canada, a football pitch in London, or a school in Philadelphia, the story is always the same: we are better together. So, pick a show, get comfortable, and let yourself be comforted.
If you found this article helpful and want to support our creative work, please Donate Here.
And don't forget to catch up on our latest audio love stories at That Love Podcast Episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there any show exactly like Schitt’s Creek? No show is exactly the same, but Arrested Development shares the "rich family loses everything" premise, while Ted Lasso shares the heartwarming, optimistic tone.
2. Which show is best if I miss Moira Rose specifically? Hacks is your best bet. Jean Smart’s character, Deborah Vance, shares Moira’s diva attitude, unique fashion sense, and cutting wit. Grace and Frankie also features strong, stylish matriarchs.
3. Are these shows suitable for families? Modern Family, Bob’s Burgers, and Abbott Elementary are generally family-friendly. Shows like Hacks, Arrested Development, and Ted Lasso contain mature language and themes.
4. Where can I watch Schitt’s Creek now? As of 2026, Schitt’s Creek is typically available on Hulu in the US and various streaming platforms internationally depending on licensing.
5. Is The Good Place similar to Schitt’s Creek? Yes! It is often recommended alongside Schitt’s Creek for its themes of self-improvement, ethics, and "becoming a better person," though the setting (the afterlife) is very different.
6. I liked the romance in Schitt’s Creek. Which show has the best love story? Modern Family (Mitch and Cam), Ted Lasso (Roy and Keeley), and Abbott Elementary (Janine and Gregory) all feature compelling, heartwarming romances.
7. Is Kim’s Convenience a good alternative? Absolutely. It is another Canadian sitcom that focuses on family dynamics and immigrant experiences with a similar blend of humor and heart.
8. Why is Schitt’s Creek considered a "comfort show"? It is considered a comfort show because it has low stakes (no violence or high stress), predictable but satisfying character arcs, and a world where homophobia and bigotry are notably absent.
9. Are there any British shows like Schitt’s Creek? The Durrells in Corfu and Ghosts (UK) share the quirky family/ensemble dynamic and the heartwarming tone.
10. What is the best "hidden gem" on this list? Somebody Somewhere. It has critical acclaim but hasn't reached the massive mainstream audience of Ted Lasso yet. It is deeply moving and funny.
Related Articles from That Love Podcast
External Resources
Call to Action: Ready to start your next binge? Stream Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ today!
Comments