The Essential Playlist for Fans Experiencing "Schitt's Creek" Withdrawal

My dear readers. I need you all to take a deep breath and say this with me: Schitt's Creek is over.

I know that was hard, but it's important to speak those words into the universe so that the healing can begin. When the Levy family (Eugene, Dan and oft-overlooked Uncle Fred) announced that their little Canadian TV series of pure perfection and light would end after its sixth season, we all fell into our own (hopefully) metaphorical pits of despair. As of this writing, it's been two days shy of a full year since the CBC and POP Channel aired that masterful gut-punch of a series finale. We attended the Greatest Wedding in the History of Ever, checked out of the RoseBud Motel and bid adieu to Johnny, Moira, Alexis and David (aka our BFFs). Never again will we grab a smoothie at Cafe Tropical or pick up a toilet plunger at Rose Apothecary or swing by Bob's Garage for a tune-up.

I mean, unless we binge it on Netflix, of course. But where's the drama in that?

If you are reading this, you are obviously a huge fan of this groundbreaking show. (Author's Note: If you have no idea what Schitt's Creek is but you just clicked on this article because you thought the picture "kinda looks like the dad from American Pie", feel free to hang around, but you may not have any idea what's going on). And so you wholeheartedly agree with me when I say that Johnny and Moira Rose are the ultimate #couplegoals (for the over-40 set). Eternal optimist Johnny and eternally dramatic Moira are hopelessly and charmingly inexperienced at being "normal" parents to their adult children, but they try real hard, and that's the heart and soul of Schitt's Creek.

Now that we've been so selfishly denied a continuation of their story, here are a few songs by artists that give off that whole "Johnny & Moira" vibe (and look and sound shockingly similar to them. I mean, uncannily similar. Like, it's almost as though these artists are the same people!). Perhaps through this brief playlist, we can reclaim the calming resound and grounded stability that we once found with Schitt's Creek.

1. Bouncing Back to You (Lola Heatherton)

Lola first appeared on SCTV in 1978 and immediately became...um, what's the opposite of a household name? Poor Ms. Heatherton was a washed-up has-been before she ever even was; the OG D-lister, if you will. She had a big mouth, big hair, and big feelings, and her list of musical hits was half as long as her list of lovers. In Bouncing Back to You, we hear the beautiful pain in Lola's soul (although that might be Canadian whisky heartburn. Soul pain and heartburn from too many Manhattans are very similar feelings).

2. My Act Will Go On (Bobby Bittman: Live in Concert!)

I know, I know. You can't see Bobby Bittman without hearing his famous catchphrase. (HOWWW ARE YAA?!) Bobby was a legend in the SCTV family. Whether he was chatting it up on the Sammy Maudlin Show or chewing up the scenery in Bittman Does Dallas (the variety show tribute to the Great State of Texas), we could always rely on Bobby to keep us laughing. And crying. And thinking. And peeing ourselves a bit. In the above clip, we get the true essence of Bobby Bittman: a little bit of humor, a lot of heart, and a massive truckload of egotistical nonsense.

3. God Loves a Terrier (Cookie and Gerry Fleck)

Of course everyone remembers the historic 2000 Mayflower Dog Show when Winky the Norwich Terrier overcame insurmountable odds to beat reigning champion Rhapsody in White (aka Butch) for the Best in Show ribbon. Little Winky stole our hearts that day, and owners Gerry and Cookie Fleck rode the wave of success right into the recording studio. Their debut (and...only) album The Captain and Cookie didn't have the commercial success (or any success at all, really) that they may have imagined, but it did include this short and sweet gem that you can listen to on repeat with your dog. Or your cat, because honestly I don't think cats know the difference.

4. A Kiss At The End Of The Rainbow (Mitch & Mickey)

Die-hard folk music fans will surely remember Mitch & Mickey. Throughout the 1970s, Mitch Cohen and Mickey Crabbe dominated the folk scene with hits like "A Kiss At The End Of The Rainbow". Fans adored Mitch & Mickey, who were so deeply passionate about their music, the environment, and each other. Their legendary break-up crushed everyone; especially Mitch, who had a brief solo career before suffering a complete mental breakdown and falling into obscurity. Thankfully, they reunited in 2003 for PBN's Town Hall tribute to iconic folk producer Irving Steinbloom, and we got to hear these three Mitch & Mickey gold classics. Take a look and a listen:

When You're Next To Me (Mitch & Mickey)

One More Time (Mitch & Mickey)

Bonus Track: The Ballad of Bobby and June (Mitch & Mickey)

I know that this song...and this whole album...and this whole movie...is meant to be a parody of the folk genre; a loving, tongue-in-cheek parody, but a parody all the same. However, I had to include The Ballad of Bobby and June because it's Just. So. Lovely. Listen closely and allow yourself to get lost in the lyrics and appreciate the harmony, and then know these two things:

1. Catherine O'Hara taught herself the autoharp in order to play Mickey Crabbe in A Mighty Wind.

2. Eugene Levy WROTE THIS SONG, YOU GUYS. Music and lyrics and all.