Alexis Rose

Alexis arrives in Schitt's Creek as a highly self-involved "celebutante".[17] She is often comically oblivious and frequently misinterprets the actions of those around her.[18] Alexis is also generous and "kindhearted",[19] embracing the potential of nearly every individual or opportunity she comes across. As summarized by Vulture, her presence is "part calculated humblebrag, part genuine warmth, and part rich bitch".[20]

Alexis wears a "bohemian"[21] wardrobe inspired by the likes of Sienna Miller.[22] According to Dan Levy, the character's style is also a reflection of her time spent traveling in New York and Europe. As such, she is frequently seen sporting designers such as Isabel Marant and Derek Lam[22] – even when doing physical labor as part of her community service.[23] These high-end clothes are meant to serve as a reminder to the audience of the family's prior wealth.[21]

Alexis speaks with a vocal fry[15] and sometimes uses exaggerated hand gestures. According to Murphy, she began saying "Ew, David" in a peculiar way without realizing it, and the phrase eventually made its way onto welcome mats, T-shirts, and at least one license plate.[24]

Murphy's turn as Alexis Rose has garnered much positive press, with some critics declaring her the "breakout star" of the series.[25] In an early review, LaToya Ferguson of The A.V. Club called her take on the partying socialite "scarily amazing".[26] People Magazine's Gillian Telling also noted that Murphy not only held her own against her more seasoned co-stars, she "occasionally steals the scene".[17] As Schitt's Creek gained a larger following in its later seasons,[27] Murphy received additional praise. In a season 4 review, Michael Ausiello of TVLine called her performance a "magic trick" which balanced relatability, sympathy, and charm.[25] Vanity Fair's Richard Lawson was also complimentary, noting Murphy and Alexis's ability to maintain her "winning bite" while adding a sense of "kindness and intellectual curiosity".[28] Joe Reid of Decider declared David and Alexis "the show's heart and soul" before approvingly adding that "Murphy's delivery is like a vaudeville interpretation of what a spoiled rich girl would sound like".[18] Caroline Framke of Vox similarly agreed noting that Dan Levy and Annie Murphy were Schitt Creek's "backbone and beating heart".[29]

For her work as Alexis, Murphy has been nominated for three Canadian Screen Awards for Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role in 2016,[30] 2018,[31] and 2019.[31] In 2019, Murphy was awarded the Gracie Award for Actress in a Breakthrough Role.[32] In 2020, Murphy received a Primetime Emmy Award win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.[33]

Murphy has also received several awards and nominations as a member of the Schitt's Creek ensemble cast. This includes two Canadian Screen Awards for Best Comedy in 2016[30] and 2019;[34] one ACTRA Award for Member's Choice Series Ensemble in 2019;[35] and two Dorian Awards for TV Comedy of the Year and Unsung TV Show of the Year in 2019.[36] The cast also received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Comedy in 2017;[37] two ACTRA Award nominations for Member's Choice Ensemble in 2017[38] and 2018;[39] one GLAAD Award nomination in 2019;[40] one Television Critics Association Award in 2019;[41] and one Critic's Choice Award nomination – a first for a Canadian comedy – in 2019.[42]