You Are My Happy Ending: Schitt's Creek and the Legacy of Queer Television

Youre My Happy Ending explores how Schitts Creek, a surprise hit that changed the way we think about LGBTQ relationships, fused classic romcom and sitcom tropes to create a world with a queer love story at its core. It examines the shows Canadian identity and diverse incorporation of references from literature and cinema, as well as its references to queer icons and culture. It also delves into how the show embraced an activist perspective and used (and subverted) its romantic-comedy genre to make that activism even more powerful.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2024
Publisher: Globe Pequot Press

From its humble beginnings to its resounding Emmy sweep, "You're My Happy Ending" takes audiences on a captivating journey, unveiling the remarkable story of how Schitt's Creek transformed into the unexpected sensation that revolutionized our perception of LGBTQ relationships. Cultural analyst Emily Garside takes us on a captivating exploration, shedding light on how this series seamlessly fused classic rom-com and sitcom tropes to create a world centered around a queer love story, beginning with the charismatic Daniel Levy, who portrays David. Garside delves deep into the show's Canadian identity, showcasing its diverse incorporation of references from literature, such as Brideshead Revisited, to cinema, including Hitchcock's The Birds. Moreover, she examines numerous romantic comedy texts, highlighting the ways in which Schitt's Creek pays homage to these elements of the past literary and cinematic canon while also forging a significant and contemporary narrative of its own.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the show is its ability to embrace an activist perspective while maintaining its lighthearted and comedic tone. Garside delves into the references to queer icons and culture, ranging from Cabaret to drag, and explores how the show uses (and subverts) its romantic-comedy genre to amplify its activism even further. By combining a fan's affection with a scholar's insight, Garside unravels the intricate tapestry of how this "little show that could" emerged as a testament to a long history of queer activism. It breaks down barriers, challenges norms, and marks a pivotal moment in the representation of LGBTQ stories, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse entertainment landscape.

In conclusion, "You're My Happy Ending" offers a captivating exploration of the journey of Schitt's Creek from its modest beginnings to its resounding Emmy success. Through the insightful analysis of Emily Garside, we gain a deeper understanding of how this series seamlessly fused comedy and activism, creating a transformative impact on our perception of LGBTQ relationships. As we continue to witness the evolution of entertainment, Schitt's Creek serves as a shining example of how a lighthearted show can wield immense power to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences worldwide.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493067978