Johnny Rose

The character of Johnny Rose was created by Eugene Levy and his son, Schitt's Creek co-creator Dan Levy.[3] While crafting Johnny and the rest of the Rose family, the Levys drew inspiration from wealthy American reality TV families portrayed on such shows as Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Real Housewives franchise.[4] Early incarnations of the character depicted Johnny as an incompetent man who ran a business with his two brothers. But as they further developed the series, the Levys believed the character needed more "credibility" as a businessman and a certain set of "executive skills" which would allow him to handle the financial crisis that befalls the Rose family.[5] Intending for Johnny to be the "straight man" of the series, the elder Levy also drew more inspiration for the role from his own personality than he had for any of his previous characters. Catherine O'Hara helped further develop the character by setting the tone and overall dynamic for Johnny's relationship with his wife, Moira, after she secured the role.[6]

In contrast to his wife, Moira's, often over-the-top black and white wardrobe, Johnny's sense of style is more subdued. He is frequently clad in a "well-tailored" gray or black suit from designers like Hugo Boss and Ermenegildo Zegna.[7] This serves as a reminder to the audience of Johnny's business background, as well as the wealth from which he came.[8]

Johnny presents himself as the most "dependable,"[9] realistic, and "easy-going"[6] member of the Rose family. He approaches the family's current predicament with a business-like mentality and often provides logical advice to alleviate their various woes.[6] His loyalty and affirming devotion also anchors the family, as things frequently threaten to spin out of control.[9] Despite this, however, Johnny still "loses it himself all the time."[10] Whether it's his incredulous reaction to Alexis over-ordering his shipment of raw milk,[11] or his exasperation at David misunderstanding what constitutes a tax write-off,[12] Johnny maintains an underlying sense of "panic"[9] over his family's lack of basic skills.

Johnny is also frequently flummoxed by technology and new business techniques. These struggles include basic computer skills,[13] such as navigating the Internet, and the use of social media to help grow one's business.[14] He frequently falls back on his experience running Rose Video to help him navigate business dealings, even if those approaches are not the most up-to-date.[15]

Schitt's Creek follows the lives of the once-wealthy Rose family, who must relocate to the titular town after losing their fortune to a corrupt business manager.[16] Introduced as the former CEO of Rose Video—a video rental chain—and head of the family, Johnny is an "entitled," yet competent businessman determined to return the Roses to their former social standing.[13][17] He initially helps and encourages his family to adjust to life in their new surroundings, but struggles to find his own place in the town. After a few misguided business ventures, he partners with motel clerk Stevie Budd (Emily Hampshire) to co-manage his new home, the Rosebud Motel.[18]

During his time in Schitt's Creek, Johnny's entitlement recedes, and his appreciation for his family and the local townspeople grows. He remains steadfast to his wife, Moira (Catherine O'Hara), throughout the series and becomes an enthusiastic supporter of the personal and professional successes of his adult children, David (Dan Levy) and Alexis (Annie Murphy). [19] Johnny also grows closer to Stevie and town mayor, Roland Schitt (Chris Elliott), who, by the end of season five, have worked together to make the Rosebud Motel a successful business.[20]