Dan Levy Confirms No 'Schitt's Creek' Sequel After Catherine O'Hara's Passing
In a heartfelt and revealing interview, Dan Levy, the co-creator and star of the beloved comedy series Schitt's Creek, has officially confirmed that there will be no sequel to the Emmy-winning show. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic death of his co-star and on-screen mother, Catherine O'Hara, earlier this year. Levy made these emotional statements during a visit to Goodwood, Ontario, the small hamlet where the series was filmed, marking his first return since production wrapped in 2019.
Emotional Return to Filming Locations
While promoting his new Netflix series Big Mistake in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Anthony Mason, Levy revisited key locations from Schitt's Creek, including the iconic Rose Apothecary. He expressed that being back in Goodwood was a challenging experience, stating, "It's tough, it's tough being back. I didn't think that I'd have quite an emotional reaction." Levy reflected on the memories shared with O'Hara, emphasizing that her absence makes continuing the story impossible. "Not now. You can't," he said, dismissing the idea of a sequel without her.
Tributes to Catherine O'Hara's Legacy
Levy has been vocal about his grief over O'Hara's passing, describing it as "a collective loss" in a recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. He praised her as "the greatest" and "irreplaceable," noting the widespread outpouring of love from fans. Having known O'Hara since childhood through her collaborations with his father, comedian Eugene Levy, at Toronto's Second City in the 1970s, Levy considered her part of his "extended family." In an Instagram post following her death in January, he wrote, "What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O'Hara's brilliance for all those years."
The Rise and Impact of 'Schitt's Creek'
Schitt's Creek, which premiered on CBC in January 2015, initially gained popularity in Canada before achieving international acclaim through platforms like Pop TV in the U.S. and Netflix. The show, co-created by Dan and Eugene Levy, follows the wealthy Rose family as they navigate life in a small town after losing their fortune. Its ensemble cast, including Annie Murphy, Emily Hampshire, and Chris Elliott, earned numerous accolades, including Emmys and Canadian Screen Awards.
The series evolved from a comedy with mild social commentary into a beacon of inclusivity, particularly through Dan Levy's character David and his engagement to Patrick, played by Noah Reid. Levy highlighted this shift, stating, "I think when the political climate shifted in America... people really found the show and were watching it for more than just its comedy." Despite its global success, Levy emphasized that the show's true achievement was its early popularity in Canada, saying, "We succeeded when this show was a hit in Canada long before it was a hit in the States."
Ending on a High Note
Levy explained his decision to end Schitt's Creek after six seasons, aiming to preserve its quality and legacy. "All the shows I return to, and all the shows that I loved, stayed strong from beginning to end," he noted. While he had previously left the door open for future projects involving the Rose family, O'Hara's death has now closed that possibility. Levy's emotional journey back to Goodwood underscores the deep personal and professional bonds that made the series a cultural phenomenon, leaving fans to cherish the memories of its groundbreaking run.
