• By: Keith Whittier

Schitt’s Creek: A Levy Twist on TV Comedy

Something new is coming to the CBC, and it has the makings of a big hit.

The highly anticipated CBC comedy Schitt’s Creek premieres tonight, Jan. 13, and with this all-star Canadian cast, we will definitely be tuning in.

The show follows the filthy wealthy Rose family and their sudden plunge to the bottom of the social food chain. Video store mogul Johnny Rose (Eugene Levy), his soap opera star wife Moira (Catherine O’Hara) and their two kids, hipster son David (Dan Levy) and socialite daughter Alexis (Annie Murphy), suddenly find themselves broke, and as a result, forced to move to the small, sad town of Schitt’s Creek.

Schitt’s Creek was, ironically enough, a town the family once bought as a joke. Needless to say, hilarity ensues.

With father-son duo Eugene and Daniel Levy moving into exciting new terrain as both co-creators and stars of the half-hour single-camera comedy, Schitt’s Creek is incredibly smart, honest and quick-witted.

Ottawa native Annie Murphy, a newcomer in the group of legendary Canadian actors, was determined to nail her audition when she learned who was involved in the project.

“For the first week of work, I would just lose myself watching them perform,” Murphy recalls.

But Murphy learned to hold her own quickly and dove headfirst into her character.

“As soon as the first take was out of the way, it was wonderful,” she says. “Everyone is so incredibly open, welcoming and kind. I think everyone was secretly just as nervous as I was on that first day. Now, working together feels like a real family.”

Murphy’s character, Alexis Rose, the former socialite accustomed to fabulous parties, designer clothes and spur-of-the-moment jet setting, is a departure for Murphy.

“She’s incredibly self-centred and rude, and an absolute blast to play,” she describes.

Schitt’s Creek is an exciting venture for the CBC, and we anticipate the combination of clever writing, brilliant acting, and perfect comedic timing will pay off in the upcoming first season of the series.

“Viewers can expect at least a few big belly laughs in each episode. It’s a really funny show, but it’s also very honest. This isn’t a show with set-up and punch-line jokes; the humour comes from the reality of these characters honestly living in this town and dealing with the terrible situation they’ve found themselves in. Viewers can expect laughs and honesty,” Murphy says.

Schitt’s Creek premieres tonight, Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 9 p.m. on CBC Television.

Click here for more information about Schitt’s Creek.

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Photo courtesy of CBC