What am I going to watch after Schitt’s Creek?
Moira Rose photo: Netflix
The crucial question lighting up my phone screen over the holidays, as one friend after another finished the final season of Schitt’s Creek was, ‘what on earth am I going to watch now?!’ As we all slipped into a kind of collective mourning over the end of the nine-times-Emmy-award-winning Netflix show, the race was on to find a joyful replacement. There’s a hole in our lives the size of the Rose family car, and right now, with another national lockdown in the UK, we all need something brilliant and funny to succeed it. So far I’ve enjoyed: The Great, the lively, new period drama about Catherine of Russia on Channel 4 by Tony McNamara who co-wrote The Favourite (if you liked the film you’ll love this). The second series of the BBC’s Staged with Michael Sheen and David Tennant – or should that be David Tennant and Michael Sheen? – playing themselves during lockdown, on Zoom. And I’ve just discovered Better Things written, directed by and starring Pamela Adlon as an actor and single mother of three daughters living in Hollywood, on iPlayer; which was described by the Independent as ‘the perimenopausal sister to Curb Your Enthusiasm.’
Can’t believe it’s over….
In the Schitt’s Creek farewell documentary filmed during the final season, Catherine O’Hara reveals that heiress Daphne Guinness was the inspiration behind her character Moira Rose’s theatrical, far-out style. Mostly monochrome, always avant-garde outfits with ginormous platform shoes. As O’Hara says, of the show’s matriarch, ‘ She dresses up for any occasion and will never let go of who she was, who she really is, and who she needs to be again.’ More of Moira’s outfits HERE.
Photos: Netlix
Can’t believe Schitt’s Creek is over – but there’s going to be a spin-off, right? Do you have any suggestions on other comedy shows to watch?
Discussion (99 Comments)
Jane Wilson says:
couldn’t agree more Debs – totally fantastic in every way….! and those outfits are to die for!!!!!
I couldn’t get on with Schitts Creek – but have really enjoyed The Witcher – more than once
Jane
Debs Chowney says:
Loved The Witcher and great costumes and styling on that production too. If we’re up for confessions, I watched A Discovery of Witches in a binge session twice, once on release and once last week! Just waiting for Season 2 this week.
Can absolutely recommend Discovery of Witches ! Particularly in the Tudor period. The costumes !
Hilary says:
OMG yes, The MMM, absolutely hilarious and the clothing – wow! We binged through that very early on in Covid. But, I think I could rewatch Schitt’s Creek – it just got better every year. The Queen’s Gambit was very good also. House of Cards (the UK original and the US version), Scandal (it kind of jumped the shark towards the end, but very entertaining), Damages, Line of Duty, Unforgotten………………….
Oh, and how could I forget Killing Eve! Dark, funny, disturbing, and the clothes – amazing!
LilJuranimal says:
Ok, here I go. This is a list of my favorite shows that leaving me feeling the way Schitts Creek does (in no particular order)
1) The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
2) Please Like Me (Aussie show) is so funny and it has lovable characters!
3) Upright (another Aussie show) is a lighthearted yet emotional & funny show.
4) BETTER THINGS is so so sooo good. Just watch it right now.
5) Fleabag is just hilarious
6) UK version of Shameless. There are endless hours of comedy here. Wayyyy better than the US version, which I can’t bring myself to watch.
7) Derry Girls!
8) Sex Education!
I could go on….
I hope you enjoy these as much as I do/did!
Ida says:
I just love the French Netflix show ‘Dix pour Cent ‘ / Call my Agents. Great fun and lovely style if you’re into the tosseled French Charlotte Gainsburg look.
Heather Cupit says:
Brooklyn Nine-Nine amused me and now I’m also watching the Spanish version of Betty in NYC on Netflix. Look forward to suggestions from TNMA followers. I’m still early into Schitt’s Creek so plenty of that to come too during these grey, grey days. Oh, and Emily in Paris too on Netflix.
Keep cheerful, folks!
I liked Emily in Paris for the clothes, but honestly, I despised the character, Emily – completely vapid to me and TBH, not a likeable person. I’m surprised I watched the whole show! But the clothes and the scenes of Paris – fabulous! The clothes in the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and the Queen’s Gambit were fabulous too! And of course, whatever Moira wore in Schitt’s Creek – fabulous wardrobe – it should go on tour!
Sarah says:
Wonderful to hear all these suggestions. I also loved Godless on Netflix, have binged on the Serpent in bbc, also loved Back to Life and Detectorists, and Bridgerton too
Oh I’m so with you on this. I adore Schitts Creek but having found it quite late, we are going slowly and are not quite half way through the 3rd Series. What will I do when we finish – as I will be so sad?
Btw, I’m loving The Great, and Staged is fab. Ok, one series that is also quite funny and sweet is Gavin & Stacey. We avoided it like the plague, but have come round to it, and just about to watch the last series.
But nothing will compensate for the loss we’ll feel when we finish Schitts Creek – the writing, the character development, yes, and do not forget Moira Rose and her outfits – wonderful!
Carmen says:
Dead to Me. Waiting for the next season. If you can handle subtitles, the Israeli family saga series Schtisel is wonderful. Again, waiting for the next series.
Oh yes, one of my friends suggested Dead To Me – will add it to the list. Thanks.
I loved Dead to Me! My husband was not much of a fan, but he plays on his iPad to stay awake when watching TV (otherwise, he falls asleep and I have to keep telling him to stop snoring!), so he misses a lot of what’s going on. Oh the compromises we make during Covid!
jude gaal says:
Liked Dead to Me a lot. Dealt with a lot of issues in a low key way while still making its pont.
Sarah says:
I miss Moira and her Bebehhhh and Cacawww cacawwwwing ways then way she upwardly inflects all her sentences hahaaaa .. yes queens gambit , peppermint , bridgerton , Sabrina (it’s quite dark actually , not schmaltzy) and unorthodox! Plus Self Made is a great film
Alexandra Jolliffe says:
Yes, I am one of the many Schitt’s Creek fans. In fact, I stopped binge-watching purely to delay getting to the final episode. My recommendation for what to watch next is: Emily in Paris. Absolutely. Nevermind that Emily is one third your age! It is fabulously fun, glamorous and it’s like a free trip to sparkling Paris with every episode!
lizzie g says:
For a new family to inhabit or adopt and to travel in time and space during lockdown, try ‘Shtisel’, wonderful humour and heart. For the wardrobe and the joy of tailoring and knitwear, not to mention light fittings and cabinetry, try ‘Velvet’, couture in mid-century Madrid.
For movies, i liked ‘The 40 year old version’, Steve Mc Queen’s Small Axe: ‘Lovers Rock’, and i could rewatch ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ many times.Helen Long says:
Better Things is completely wonderful – funny, poignant, true. I loved it and recommend it wholeheartedly.
Also loved Mozart In The Jungle – funny and with occasional cameos from famous musicians. Lovely music too.
Enjoying The Kominsky Method with Alan Alda and Michael Douglas at the moment.Lizzie Francke says:
Enlightened with the wonderful Laura Dern. It’s on Now TV. There are two series. I also thought Ted Lasso (Apple TV) was really charming and, like Schitt’s Creek, a wry paean to the power of nice.
Sara says:
Watched the first two episodes following so much praise, but haven’t yet got it. Do I need to stick with it, or is it all there in those two already watched? If so, it may not be for me…… I like a touch of subtle in with my comedy and this seemed to be missing. Hope I’m not just having a comedy bypass. I think of other programmes I loved from the off and I’d love to find another as there is not a huge amount around currently. No reality suggestions, please; I am one of a minute minority (I think) who cannot abide any of that including Strictly, Bake Off ,any of the Love Island genres. I could say why, but will not as it might seem somewhat less kind than the current circumstances call for. Any suggestions from others of alternatives would be most welcome in these strange times.
Stick with it, Sara! I found Schitt’s Creek really shouty at first and couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about but then it finds a groove and is absolutely brilliant.
I agree with Alyson’s advice to stick to it. My daughter got me hooked and now I just love all the characters. Another great Canadian show is Kim’s Convenience. It’s a look at an immigrant Korean family who lives in Toronto and run a convenience store.
Carnegie Dale says:
Sara. Please, please stick with it. Episodes are 20 minutes each, watch an hour or so. Believe me it’s so worth it. As it develops you understand the characters so much and it’s all emotional towards the end. Give it time please….
Barbara says:
I hated the people so gave up after the first episode. But then went back to it and couldn’t get enough! All the characters are wonderful, It’s amazing how they develop and are really really funny! Best thing though it’s so loving. I’ve finished all seasons and really missing them all.
Jaxx says:
Stick with it Sara! I didn’t like it at first, mainly as the settings are so drab and aesthetically unpleasing. But I ended up binge-watching all the series in a few weeks because of the characters, and because it was humour that wasn’t mean.
Clare F says:
Better Things is brilliant – I found it when I was mourning the end of Schitt’s Creek and recommended it to anyone who’d listen. But some were put off by the fact that it’s about a single mother of three kids and still have no idea what they are missing. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen on TV and is about life, the universe and everything; especially life, now, from the perspective of a middle-aged woman. Also fabulous is Awkwafina’s Nora From Queens on iPlayer – I nearly fell off the sofa several times from laughing and binged it in 3 days last week. Never a dull moment!
Jane Royce says:
I discovered Schitts Creek last New Year’s Day, and had watched all five seasons within about 2 weeks. I’ve rewatched much of it throughout the year.. it’s been a pick me up, an anti-Covid burst of escapist joy, exhuberance and pleasure. I can’t recommend it enough. And I did feel bereft after season 6 was finally aired in the UK. IMO There IS nothing around to match it (I ’ve been searching hard), but Better Things is also wonderful, thanks largely to the super-talented Pamela Adlon.
Schitts creek is very special and anyone who’s watching for the first time should savour every moment. (It does repay repeated viewings, because of the detail in the writing, acting and impeccable design)Kim says:
Totally agree Debs, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel- sizzlingly fast funny dialogue and great female characters. At the more dramatic end of entertainment, I can’t wait for the next instalment of Succession…..
I would endorse the previous reader’s suggestion of Mrs Meisel on Prime, great fun, rude but very entertaining. The Queens Gambit, must not miss, about chess but don’t let that put you off. Ozark, S1 to 4, dark but eminently watchable.
Susan Deevy says:
Also love Ozark. As a Canadian, feeling some reflected glory about Schitt’s Creek. Eugene Levy very appealing as a man of a certain age and have always been a Catherine O’Hara fan. Good for them. They made us proud.
Oh Ozark. Hooked and can’t wait for the next season. That ending in Season 4 was out of this world!
Mrs Tonia says:
I enjoyed The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix about a chess protégée in 1960s Kentucky. The actress Anya Taylor Joy is mesmerising, wardrobe inspiring, gripping storytelling. A few days ago I rewatched her as the heroine in Emma, the most recent version. Gorgeous Regency houses, furnishings, costumes, inspired storytelling.
I’m also rewatching Succession but on television not a computer screen this time since we now have an Amazon fire stick to access those series. My most recent compulsive watch was Little Fires Everywhere. Based on a novel by Celeste Ng. Set in the suburban community of Shaker Heights Ohio and staring Reece Witherspoon and Kelly Washington as intertwined families. Again a really compelling narrative. I’ve also bookmarked The Americans which was on terrestrial TV for a few series a while back. Five or six series to see of this drama about undercover Soviet agents in American suburbia.On BBC i-player I recommend Small Axe, a five part set of films by Steve McQueen about the experiences of the Caribbean residents in Britain. A significant commission and pertinent view into the experiences of this community.
Now in Lockdown 3.0 in Britain we have the whole of winter to get through indoors. But so much stimulating television to watch. My good wishes for 2021 to readers of TNMA.Try Call My Agent (french series on Netflix), … not absolutely compelling but for that Parisian vibe, chic and elegant living an excellent reminder of trips to Paris
A great pleasure to watch famous french actors playing themselves and behaving outrageously. French settings and language a pleasure too. Can’t wait for the new fourth series to start.
Libby says:
Loved this series! Can’t wait for the next season. Also loved Marseille, incredible cast and cool French fashion.
Lynn Newton says:
I have rewatched Schitts Creek probably five or six times! It certainly brought me joy during Covid.
Wendy Purcell says:
We recently heard about Modern Family on Netflix – there are loads of episodes to watch and I found it very funny. I’m watching Schitt’s Creek at the moment which took a few watches to get into and now I totally love it.
Helen says:
Jane the Virgin & Crazy Ex Girlfriend don’t get mentioned (or watched) enough over here. They were both niche hits in the US – each had plenty of seasons (5 and 4 respectively) so will keep you going for ages. Very funny and great eye-candy. And in the case of Crazy Ex Girlfriend hilarious & filthy songs.
I haven’t seen it yet but the Regency drama on Netflix Bridgerton as seen by Shonda Rhimes of Shondaland is highly recommended by today’s The Guardian and elsewhere. Another costume drama to enjoy this midwinter.
Just finished Bridgerton and it was great fun and rather like a Jane Austen, with sex scenes!!
Josanne says:
Here in the US, I am going through an Australian phase to distract from COVID and Politics. Loved ‘A Place Called Home’ on Acorn, which is a British add on to Prime and ‘Offspring’ on Netflix. Thinking of you all in the UK, these are some dark times and we all need to escape into these shows, thanks for recommendations.
Pamela Taft says:
I just started ‘A Place to Call Home’. The Australian scenery is amazing. The story line keeps you interested. The costumes are great too. I am really enjoying it.
Biff says:
If you’re looking for a comedy very much like Schitt’s Creek then I would suggest Corner Gas. Also set in a small Canadian town.
Genevieve says:
Jane the Virgin is a pure delight from start to finish. And A Place to Call Home if you want a fabulous drama set in Australia in the 1950s (my friend described it as a cross between Dynasty and Downton Abbey). And if you haven’t watched The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, you are missing out. It is so wonderful! I could not get into Schitt’s Creek as much as I tried. Just didn’t do it for me. And Better Things…I just finished it, made myself finish it, and ugh, it was just too much. And I was a single mother raising a daughter for a period of my life so I totally get it having lived it but I don’t know, the daughters are so unbelievably selfish and horrible and entitled and rude and to their mother and the mother is so weak and babies them so much, it’s a bit pretentious and too in love with itself. I had a hard time with it. And Pamela Adlon’s character’s treatment of her mother (played by Celia Imrie who is brilliant and the only bright spot in the entire series) who is going through what appears to be the early stages of dementia is horrible – I just didn’t find humor in that part of the series. I know two women going through dementia right now with their mothers and can’t even imagine either of them treating their mothers this way. That’s my two cents. I hope you find something you like. There’s so much good out there. Oh…Bridgerton! Bridgerton is fabulous, that will take you away for sure. Have fun.
Just caught the 1st episode of Bridgerton. Husband didn’t fancy it at all, will have to watch by myself. Watched Borgen which was a Danish show that featured a female president (or prime minister?). Also just watched an interesting French series called Black Spot; it blends murder mystery, cops and a bit of the supernatural. The Danish version of The Bridge is also excellent.
I was a big fan of Bergen about a female Danish Prime Minister when it first was shown. A great view inside the Danish parliament and the compromises necessary in coalition politics there. Terrific acting.
May well watch it again now.Penny Chennell says:
My husband didn’t like Bridgestone at first but really got into it and was so sorry when it finished.
Oh those clothes and Hastings was a very attractive hero. It is quite raunchy but not distasteful
Claire B says:
Haven’t started Schitts Creek yet but it’s on my list. The Queens Gambit was amazing, loving Ozark, Staged, and all Steve McQueen’s films were great. Can’t wait to start on the latest series of Spiral, we’ve watched every series and have really loved it! Also Stateless on Netflix is very good.
Schitt’s Creek is truly wonderful and makes me even prouder to be a Canadian. If you want to see early Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara look up “The Last Polka” on YouTube, a true gem. Also loved the brand new Netflix “Death to 2020” which a friend described accurately as a “sad blast.”
PetaG says:
Great to see someone recommend The Last Polka, it’s an hilarious mockumentary with John Candy from before the Christopher Guest movies, and they are all well worth seeking out as well. If you’d like to see Noah Reid in his first leading role in a movie then Score: A Hockey Musical is great cheesy fun and he’s fantastic in it, it’s also freely available on YouTube.
Sonali Khair says:
Absolutely love Schitt’s Creek . Started watching in Pandemic. Would really want Series to get an extension as we fans cant have just till Season 6, we want more !
It won’t be soon, Dan has lots of other things he’s working on, under contract to ABC Studios.
Dilys Killick says:
Just start Schitt’s Creek all over again. I promise it’s worth it – you’ll find things you missed first time round.
I’m currently watching it for the third time! It’s SUCH a good programme!François says:
Just to give credit where credit is due: Schitt’s Creek was pitched to, and produced for, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. It was only picked-up by Netflix several years later…
Natalie says:
As a Canadian I am over the moon to hear Schitt’s Creek has reached all of you! It’s such an incredible, funny, ridiculous, joyful tv show. My go-to is always RuPaul’s Drag Race. I have watched it over and over again and I never get bored of it. Not sure if you can get every season over in the UK.
How about Younger? True, I am biased because I wrote the novel behind the show, but it’s been a hit in the US and Australia though may be harder to find in the UK. About a woman in her 40s trying to go back to work after raising her child and finally resorts to being in her 20s to get a job — and ends up with a whole new young life. Stars Sutton Foster and Hilary Duff and created by Sex & the City’s Darren Star. My sequel Older, in which the heroine is now 50 and again struggling to transform her life, was published in September.
Sally says:
I love Younger – can’t wait for it to come back on TV. It is warm and funny about publishing and about different generations. Great characters and mad clothes!
Heather Hill says:
I really recommend This is Us. Also Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, Scandal, Modern Family and Modern Love. During lockdown winter months so much time spent as a family in front of the TV!!
Fran says:
Went from Schitt’s Creek to Offspring and was not disappointed. Now moving on to another series from Australia called Rake.
Have fun!!Loved Rake for many seasons, then got bored. Enjoyed his relationships with the women in his life.
Patrish says:
We have watched it now 3 times. Each time we enjoy something we missed the first time around.
I highly recommend doing it again.Jenny M says:
Would recommend Joe Pera talks with you on Channel 4 for some gentle, lockdown humour.
Veronica Dunn says:
Sorry to be behind the curve and old school but we don’t have Netflix or anything else, nor satellite TV. We got through the first lockdown with the wonderfully written and acted help of an old favourite, The West Wing, now available (all seven series) on Channel 4. For free! Brilliant in every way and such an insight into American politics which is useful nowadays…
MaureenC says:
I would also add my vote to Both series of Mrs Maisel and Queen’s Gambit also Little Fires Everywhere. What do they have in common? All have fantastic female leads who’s story arc is completely independent of her relationships with the men!
Juanita Valencia says:
Never seen anything not even Friends as entertaining as The Rose family. Wholesome and need more more more. Plz come BK Moira!
Pauline says:
I loved Schitt’s Creek. It got better and better as each season progressed. If you have never seen Parks and Recreation I recommend it highly. Like Schitt’s Creek it is laugh out loud funny one minute then very touching and lovely the next. Bear with the first season, its gets better
lesquatrechats says:
yes, Better Things and Curb Your Enthusiasm, my favorite series, and the french TV Series Dix pour Cent!
Dix pour cent ( Ten percent) is retitled Call My Agent on Netflix. Same series, same French language programme with subtitles. Funny and highly recommend it. See comments above.
I’ve just finished Bridgerton (very good), am waiting for the new Sex Education, and was waiting for the new Grace & Frankie but just read that filming was postponed and it won’t be out until later in the year. I plan to catch up Steve McQueen’s Little Axe, as the first one, lovers Rock, was excellent, and seek out some of the suggestions in this thread. Thanks all for sharing.
All three series of Harlots on BBC iPlayer. Prostitutes in Georgian London. Fantastic in all ways – acting, casting, storylines, production. I don’t know why it wasn’t more widely known.
Sharon March says:
Thanks for all the recommendations, please watch This is Us on Amazon Prime. It really is beautifully done and you lucky people have 5 series to watch !
Maddy says:
I loved Mrs America, about the women who campaigned for the Equal rRghts Amendment in the USA in the 70s – and the woman who tried to stop them, a fantastic role by Cate Blanchett. It was on BBC, but I’m not sure if it’s still available.
“Delicious” and “Call My Agent!” were both delicious and calling my name. We’ve all binged on “Bridgerton” this side of the pond. “Queen’s Gambit” of course. Less fun but very engrossing, “Ozark” (the ultimate modern crime family saga) and “Stateless” from Australia (serious subject beautifully handled). Thank goodness there is so much good stuff to watch!
Catriona says:
Call my Agent is epic, forgot about that. Final series on soon. Quality acting & witty script, amazing cameos. It’s really very good.
You just watch it AGAIN Alyson! I have to confess, I watched it a couple of years ago but since last March I’ve watched the whole caboodle three more times. Every time I ask myself your exact question, I can’t think of anything better than watching Schitt’s Creek. I’m not usually a serial viewer but the arc of their relationship, Moira, David and Moira again means that I can’t let go. Full on lockdown security blanket, no shame here.
Stacy Kramer says:
Ted Lasso. Simply brilliant. Whole family watched and all loved – as did every single person we suggested watch it. Jason Sudekis is an American football coach from a small college. He gets hired to coach a premier league Futbol (soccer) team in London – despite knowing nothing about the sport. But he does know how to coach people and build a team. Although he can come off like an overly optimistic rube, he really is quite a deep and emotional thinker. Wonderful characters. Absolutely lovely show.
Sandy Droniuk says:
Crash Landing on You – Netflix Canada. I was told about this but it took me a few episodes to get into it. But then I fell hard! It’s funny, suspenseful and romantic. A classic Korean drama so yes there are subtitles. Just try it and you will be hooked. Frankly, the character of Captain Ri could be the next James Bond. You heard it here.
Rachel says:
Life in Pieces on Netflix. Really great family relationships, wonderful casting, in a similar vein to Modern Family. Really can’t believe it was so overlooked.
Kate 
Catherine Lenox 
Megan 
Deborah Silva 
Lindsey 
Helen 
Stephanie Richards 
Sharon 
Lesley Somerville 
Wendy Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
If it is comedy you are after, then it has to be The Marvelous Mrs Maisel. Wonderful cast, script and the costumes – wow! Hubster enjoyed this as much as I did, so it works on all levels and interests.