With the final episodes of Schitt's Creek [1] trickling out on Pop TV (and eventually Netflix), every new scene is accompanied by an overwhelming feeling of dread. The kind of "what now" exasperation that has you convinced you'll never enjoy another show again. In fact, it seems impossible that there are any characters quite as lovable, enunciations as hilariously strange, or eyebrows as wonderfully bushy as the ones found in the Rosebud Motel. Happily, the nonstop TV marathons don't have to stop just because the Roses are taking their final bow. These shows are just like Schitt's Creek [2] in all the best ways, picked specifically for the people who know what they like and aren't willing to compromise (turns out David might've been onto something after all).
Grace and Frankie
If there's one thing about Schitt's Creek [3] that seems truly irreplaceable, it's Moira Rose's sharp wit and knack for drama (cue iconic shrieking here). Although no one will ever truly outshine Moira, Grace and Frankie [4] provides viewers with similar outlandish antics. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin steal the show as two divorcees fighting off respective mental breakdowns, but the way they ultimately come together is heartwarming and reminiscent of Moira's softer side. The two also end up making their own line of sex toys, and given her love for scandal, it seems like Moira would approve.
Watch Grace and Frankie on Netflix [5].
The Good Place
It may be a bit of a stretch to call the Rose family villains, but they definitely didn't come to the Rosebud Motel as perfect people. Oddly enough, that didn't stop viewers from rooting for them, or even identifying with them, and it's the same case with The Good Place [6]. The action kicks off when Kristen Bell [7]'s character, Eleanor, realises she's accidentally made it into heaven despite some pretty questionable decisions made back on Earth. But even knowing all of Eleanor's flaws, she's still someone viewers can relate to, and she keeps us second guessing what a protagonist actually looks like.
Watch The Good Place on Netflix [8].
Workin' Moms
That's right, it's another Canadian comedy featuring a gaggle of hysterical characters and a few moments of questionable parenting. Workin' Moms also manages to take hot-button subjects and give them a comedic flair, much like Schitt's Creek [9] does with sexuality. The best thing about the show is that its humour never skips a beat, but it feels just as authentic and relevant as the comedy featured in Schitt's Creek.
Watch Workin' Moms on Netflix [10].
Arrested Development
One of the more obvious shows on this list is Arrested Development, which also features a previously wealthy family brought together after losing their fortune. At the centre of all the chaos is Jason Bateman [11]'s character, Michael Bluth, who is desperately trying to keep his family afloat. Sort of a Johnny Rose character, but with his own flair, a family business to run, and a son played by Michael Cera [12].
Watch Arrested Development on Netflix [13].
Portlandia
If you love the Rose family's sarcasm and Stevie's deadpan jokes, then Portlandia will serve as the perfect Schitt's Creek [14] replacement. This show, featuring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, consists of sketch comedy designed to poke fun at the free-spirited, indie community in Portland, OR. Although it's no sitcom, Portlandia hyperbolizes the residents of Portland in much the same way that Schitt's Creek dramatizes the ultrarich. Because surely even the most wealthy celebrities can ride a bike . . . right?
Watch Portlandia on Netflix [15].
Kim's Convenience
If the title didn't give it away, Kim's Convenience is a Canadian comedy about a lovable father trying his best to run a convenience store while he struggles with the rest of his family. Sort of as if Schitt's Creek [16] focussed mostly on Johnny Rose and his never-ending problems with the Rosebud Motel. Kim's Convenience also has similar heartfelt humour that makes it hard not to fall in love with every single character.
Watch Kim's Convenience on Netflix [17].
Cuckoo
Remember David's photographer ex? The one everyone can't stand? If he had his own TV show, he would be the star of Cuckoo. The show kicks off when the Thompson parents are introduced to their daughter's new husband, named Cuckoo. Played by Andy Samberg [18], Cuckoo is a free-spirited hippie who is all different kinds of "too much" for the traditional parents to handle. As Mr. Thompson struggles especially hard to warm up to the newest member of his family, he exudes the same type of awkwardness as Johnny Rose and Roland Schitt trying their best to understand each other.
Watch Cuckoo on Netflix [19].
Champions
Although it only made it through its first season, the main character of Champions, Michael, is essentially a mini David. The show kicks off with a young playboy named Vince meeting his 15-year-old son, Michael, for the very first time. The story that ensues makes for the perfect family comedy, especially for those who are big fans of David's one-liners and infinite sass.
Watch Champions on Netflix [20].
New Girl
If Alexis and David had roommates, you might end up with something close to New Girl. Similarly to Schitt's Creek [21], New Girl is a show you can consume for hours at a time without so much as checking the clock. Zooey Deschanel [22]'s character, Jess, will become your onscreen best friend in minutes, and the show is fuelled by the same kind of feisty sarcasm that makes Schitt's Creek so much fun to watch.
Watch New Girl on Netflix [23].
Broad City
If your friends are tired of hearing "Ew, David!" every 20 seconds, Broad City is guaranteed to offer a few alternative catchphrases. In fact, everything Ilana says is pretty much gold. Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson are the masterminds behind this absurd comedy, and a lot of Broad City's content is actually based on their own friendship. The show also has strong LGBTQ+ themes similar to Schitt's Creek [24], and it sets a precedent for making queerness a basic part of television.
Watch Broad City on Hulu [25].
Fresh Off the Boat
In terms of families united by highly uncomfortable situations, Fresh Off the Boat gives Schitt's Creek [26] a run for its money. Based on the life of Eddie Huang, the show is centreed on a Taiwanese family struggling to transition from DC to Orlando, after Eddie's dad decides to open a Southwestern restaurant. The quirky family bonding in every episode makes Fresh Off the Boat an ideal alternative to the wonderfully frenzied Roses.
Watch Fresh Off the Boat on Hulu [27].
Mixed-ish
Mixed-ish, a spinoff of the hit TV show Black-ish [28], recounts the story of Tracee Ellis Ross's character, Rainbow Johnson [29]. After living in a commune for the majority of her childhood, Rainbow is suddenly pulled out of her comfort zone and made to adapt to suburbia with the rest of her siblings. Her new home is far from the rundown town of Schitt's Creek [30], but Rainbow's story is still all about adapting to a new world with the help of her family.
Watch Mixed-ish on Hulu [31].
Modern Family
In terms of bizarre family dynamics, Modern Family might be the closest you can get to a Schitt's Creek [32] replacement (if you haven't already watched and rewatched every single episode). Every character has their unique quirks and a talent for sarcasm, making for a fast-paced and completely outrageous family you can't help but relate to. In fact, between the Dunphys and the Roses, you'll have a hard time deciding which family you'd rather be a part of.
Watch Modern Family on Hulu [33].
PEN15
PEN15 [34] takes every awkward moment of middle school and breaks it down into a fantastically relatable comedy you can't help but cringe at (in the best way possible). Created by Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, and Sam Zvibleman, the show has the same honesty as Schitt's Creek [35], and the characters have just as many hilarious mannerisms. The awkward familiarity will tug at your heartstrings, but don't be surprised if your stomach hurts the next day from laughing so hard.
Watch PEN15 on Hulu [36].
The Middle
The Middle is a family comedy that highlights a mother, played by Patricia Heaton, working hard to keep her incredibly eccentric family together. Like Schitt's Creek [37], the characters are what really make the show. Some of the best ones include the kind-hearted daughter who doesn't quite fit in and the adorable son who can't stop talking to himself. It's a feel-good show that will quickly become your new favourite.
Watch The Middle on Amazon [38].