Every Schitt’s Creek Season Ranked From Worst to Best
Schitt’s Creek is one of those shows people recommend with a slightly dreamy look in their eyes. It is funny, warm and surprisingly moving, and it earns every one of its laughs. The trouble is that six seasons is a lot to get through, and some fans can never agree on which run is the strongest. If you are trying to decide where to start, or which season to rewatch first, you want a clear, honest ranking.
This ranking takes all six seasons and puts them in order from worst to best. You will find early seasons that found their feet, middle seasons that grew into their characters and a final run that pays off years of loyalty. Each entry explains what the season is about, what it does well and why it sits where it does.
So what makes a Schitt’s Creek season great? For me, it starts with the characters. The best seasons let the Roses change without losing who they are.
The second thing I look for is the balance between the jokes and the heart. A season can be hilarious, but it is the emotional payoffs that stay with you. The third is how confidently the show uses its town. Schitt’s Creek is at its best when the people and places feel like they have been waiting for you.
It is also worth saying that every season has its fans. Some people love the early chaos of the motel years, others prefer the more polished later seasons. I have tried to explain each ranking clearly, so you can see the reasoning and decide for yourself whether you agree.
Ranking seasons is always personal, and you may have a different order in your head. What you will get here is a clear explanation for every position, so you can see why each season sits where it does and decide whether you agree.
Each entry starts with what the season is about, so you know exactly what you are watching before you read my opinion. After that comes the reasoning behind its ranking, followed by who will enjoy it most. Think of it as a friend who has watched the whole show twice and wants to help you find your favourite run.
One practical tip before you start. If you are new to the show, begin with season one and give it a few episodes to settle. The show grows into itself quickly, and the rewards build with every season. Either way, the right place to start is the one that makes you want to keep watching.
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6. Season 1
The Roses are a wealthy family who lose everything when their business manager steals their fortune. Johnny and Moira, along with their adult children David and Alexis, are forced to move to Schitt’s Creek, a town Johnny once bought as a joke. They end up living in a shabby motel, and the first season is about how badly they adjust. The conflict is the family’s pride against the reality of their new life, and the stakes are their sense of identity and their relationships with each other.
Season one is the most uncertain of the six. The jokes are sharp, and Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara are wonderful right away, but the town and supporting characters are still settling. The show is finding its voice, and some episodes feel more like a pilot than a finished series. It is the season that sets everything up, and the early moments of David and Stevie are an important foundation.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 6 because it is the least confident season, with the most uneven writing and the least developed town. It beats the rest of its competition only in its setup, but the later seasons build far more richly on what it introduces.
Who should watch: Newcomers to the show who want to see where the Roses began, and fans who enjoy a sharp setup for a larger story.
Where to watch: Check Netflix or your preferred streaming service for the current listing.
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5. Season 2
By its second season, the Roses are settling into the motel and the town, and the show starts to find a steadier rhythm. Alexis tries to build a new life, David continues to navigate his feelings and the family learns how to survive on very little money. The conflict is the family’s attempt to adapt against the constant small disasters of life in Schitt’s Creek, and the stakes are their happiness and their future in the town.
Season two is where the characters start to feel like people rather than types. Dan Levy’s David becomes sharper and funnier, and Annie Murphy’s Alexis begins to show real depth. The comedy is more confident, and the supporting cast starts to pay off. It is a clear step up from season one, although it still feels like a transition before the show's best years.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 5 because it is the first season where the characters and comedy click, but it is still a bridge to better seasons. It beats season one because its ensemble is more developed, while it falls behind the top four because its emotional payoffs are less developed.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoyed the first season and want to see the show's characters start to bloom.
Where to watch: Check Netflix or your preferred streaming service for the current listing.
4. Season 3
Season three is where Schitt’s Creek begins to feel like a fully realised world. The Roses are more involved in the town, their business ventures become more central and the relationships between the characters grow more complicated. The conflict is the family’s growing ambition against the limits of the town, and the stakes are the people who are starting to depend on them.
The season is stronger for its supporting cast, and the writing is sharper throughout. The town feels more lived-in, and the comedy has a warmth that makes it easy to enjoy. Some storylines are less focused than the best seasons, but the season shows the show growing into its own identity.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 4 because it is a confident, funny season that deepens the town, but it is less emotionally bold than the seasons above it. It beats the first two seasons because its characters are more fully formed, while it falls behind the top three because its storylines are less ambitious.
Who should watch: Fans who enjoy character-driven comedy and viewers who want to see the town and its people really come alive.
Where to watch: Check Netflix or your preferred streaming service for the current listing.
3. Season 5
Season five builds on the emotional groundwork of the earlier seasons. The relationships between the Roses and the people of Schitt’s Creek are richer, and the show takes bigger risks with its characters. The conflict is the family’s attempt to move forward while holding on to what matters, and the stakes are their relationships and the life they have built together.
This season is confident and warm, with some of the show's strongest character moments. The writing takes its time, and the payoffs feel earned. It is a season that rewards the commitment of longtime viewers, and it sets up the final stretch with real momentum.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 3 because it balances big comedy with real emotion, but it is still a step below the two most emotionally satisfying seasons. It beats season three because its characters are more developed, while it falls behind the top two because its finale feels less definitive.
Who should watch: Longtime fans who want more of the show's warmth and character work.
Where to watch: Check Netflix or your preferred streaming service for the current listing.
2. Season 4
Season four is where the show's emotional heart really opens up. The Roses face new challenges, the town continues to surprise them and the relationships between the characters carry more weight. The conflict is the family’s struggle to find where they belong, and the stakes are the friendships and loves they are building.
The season is funny and tender in equal measure, and the cast is at its best. Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara are masterful, and the writing lands its jokes and its feelings with confidence. It is a season that makes you laugh out loud and then reach for a tissue, and it sets the stage for the finale.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 2 because its balance of comedy and emotion is outstanding, and it nearly takes the top spot. Season six is still stronger because it delivers the emotional payoff that the show has been building toward.
Why critics admire it: Many critics praise the season's strong acting and its confident mix of humour and heart.
Who should watch: Viewers who love the show's warmth and want a season that is funny, romantic and deeply human.
Where to watch: Check Netflix or your preferred streaming service for the current listing.
1. Season 6
The final season brings the Roses' story to a close, and it does so with a confidence and generosity that make it the best run of the show. The town, the family and the people who have grown alongside them all get the attention they deserve. The conflict is the family’s final test against the old questions they have carried for years, and the stakes are the futures of everyone they love.
Season six is the most emotionally satisfying of the six. The jokes land with real precision, and the character arcs pay off in ways that feel earned rather than rushed. Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara are at their very best, and Dan Levy and Annie Murphy carry the emotional weight with real grace. The season won a record-breaking haul of Emmy awards, but it is the warmth of its ending that stays with you.
Why it ranks here: It takes the number 1 spot because it combines the strongest comedy, the most complete character arcs and the most satisfying finale on this list. Season four is a close second, but season six takes everything that works in the earlier seasons and turns it into a complete, moving send-off, which is why it beats everything else here.
Why fans and critics love it: It is widely praised as one of the most satisfying final seasons in television comedy, and it was celebrated at the 2020 Emmy Awards.
Who should watch: Anyone who has followed the Roses from the beginning and wants a finale that honours the journey.
Where to watch: Check Netflix or your preferred streaming service for the current listing.
Before we reveal our No. 1 pick…
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Final Thoughts
Looking back over the six seasons, a few patterns stand out. The show grows steadily in confidence, and each season builds on the last. The Roses change without losing what makes them who they are, and the town becomes a place you want to visit again and again.
Different viewers will land on different favourites. If you want the strongest finale, season six is the place to be. For the funniest run, season four is hard to beat. If you want to see the show find its voice, the early seasons reward patience.
Season six stays at the top because it does nearly everything a sitcom finale should. Its jokes land, its characters finish their arcs and its ending feels earned. It is the season I would recommend first to anyone who has already fallen for the Roses.
Now I would love to hear from you. Which Schitt’s Creek season is your favourite? Do you agree with the order, or would you move something up or down?
And if I missed a season that deserves a higher place, tell me in the comments. I am always looking for the next reason to rewatch the show.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best season of Schitt’s Creek?
Season six is the top pick because its comedy is sharp, its character arcs are complete and its finale is deeply satisfying. Season four is a close second for viewers who want the funniest run with a strong emotional core.
Which season of Schitt’s Creek should I start with?
Start with season one. The show is short enough to binge quickly, and the early episodes set up the Roses, the town and the central relationships that pay off later. The first season is the weakest, but it is worth watching for the setup.
Is Schitt’s Creek worth watching all the way through?
Yes. Each season is stronger than the last, and the payoff in the later seasons makes the effort worthwhile. Even if the first season feels slow, the show grows into something special.
How many seasons of Schitt’s Creek are there?
There are six seasons, with a total of 80 episodes plus a special. The show ended on a high note in 2020 after its final season.
Where can I stream Schitt’s Creek?
Schitt’s Creek is available on Netflix in many regions, but availability can change. Check your preferred streaming service for the current listing before you plan a rewatch.
Who created Schitt’s Creek?
Schitt’s Creek was created by Dan Levy and his father, Eugene Levy. Both also star in the show, with Dan playing David Rose and Eugene playing Johnny Rose.
Did Schitt’s Creek win any Emmys?
Yes. In 2020 the show won nine Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Its final season swept all seven major comedy categories, which had never happened before.
Is Schitt’s Creek suitable for every viewer?
It is a warm, gently irreverent comedy with a strong romantic and emotional thread. Most viewers will enjoy it, though it is less edgy than some modern sitcoms.
What shows are similar to Schitt’s Creek?
Fans often enjoy Ted Lasso, The Good Place and Parks and Recreation. Each has a strong ensemble, sharp writing and a warm heart.
Are there more Schitt’s Creek lists on That Love Podcast?
Yes. That Love Podcast has several comedy and streaming guides. The links in the You May Also Like section above are a good place to start.
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