David Rose

Played by Dan Levy · Schitt's Creek · Seasons 1–6

fan-favoritecomedicLGBTQ+iconic

Fan Heat

Character Arc

David Rose begins as the pampered, anxious, and fashion-obsessed son of Johnny and Moira Rose, forced to relocate to the tiny town of Schitt's Creek after his family loses their fortune. Accustomed to a life of gallery openings, designer labels, and superficial relationships, David is utterly unprepared for small-town life and initially treats his new surroundings with undisguised contempt.

As the series progresses, David undergoes one of television's most satisfying character transformations. Stripped of material wealth, he slowly discovers that genuine human connection is far more valuable than the shallow world he left behind. His friendship with Stevie Budd and his relationship with business partner-turned-boyfriend Patrick Brewer become the catalysts for his growth.

David's journey toward opening Rose Apothecary — a "general store but also very specific" — represents his transition from a person defined by consumption to one who creates. The store becomes his identity in a way that wealth never could, giving him purpose, community, and self-worth.

David and Patrick's love story is widely celebrated as one of the most positive and authentic LGBTQ+ relationships in television history. Their wedding in the series finale is a joyous culmination of David's arc — a man who once believed he was unlovable finding lasting love and a place where he truly belongs.

Key Episodes

S1
E1

Our Cup Runneth Over

David and the Rose family arrive in Schitt's Creek after losing their fortune, beginning their journey of reinvention.

S4
E6

Open Mic

Patrick sings Tina Turner's "Simply the Best" to David at an open mic night, a defining moment for their relationship.

S5
E11

Meet the Parents

Patrick comes out to his parents, and David supports him through one of the series' most emotionally resonant episodes.

S5
E13

The Premiere

David and Patrick get engaged in a romantic proposal at the store they built together.

S6
E14

Happy Ending

David and Patrick's wedding serves as the series finale's emotional centerpiece, with David choosing to stay in Schitt's Creek.

🌐 Fan Ecosystem

💬 Reddit

r/SchittsCreek
Main Schitt's Creek subreddit with a warm and active community

▶ YouTube

David Rose Best Moments
Popular David Rose scene compilations

📷 Instagram

@schabornetocreek
Official Schitt's Creek Instagram page

🎵 TikTok

Schitt's Creek Edits
Fan edits and clips on TikTok

🐦 Twitter/X

@SchittsCreek
Official Schitt's Creek account

🌐 Fan Sites

Schitt's Creek Wiki
Comprehensive Schitt's Creek encyclopedia on Fandom

▶ Videos & Content

David Rose - Simply the Best Moments

David and Patrick - Love Story

David Rose's Best Outfits

Fan Heat Index Breakdown

Engagement

Social Activity

Meme Velocity

Fan Art Density

Fandom Longevity

Memorable Quotes

"I'd kill for a good cinnamon bun right now."
— David Rose, Season 1 - various

"I like the wine and not the label."
— David Rose, Season 4, Episode 9 - Housewarming

"Ew, David!"
— David Rose, Recurring catchphrase from Alexis (about David)

Trivia & Fun Facts

Dan Levy created the show and starred as David, drawing on his own experiences as a gay man for the character.
David's black and white wardrobe was a deliberate choice to reflect his guarded personality.
Dan Levy insisted that David's pansexuality would never be treated as a source of conflict on the show.

Character Analysis & Cultural Significance

David Rose is one of the central figures in Schitt's Creek, a comedy series that aired on CBC/Pop TV from 2015–2020. Within the narrative of Schitt's Creek, David Rose serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout Seasons 1–6. The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.

David Rose holds a Fan Heat Index of 92 out of 100 on TVCeleb, placing them among the most passionately followed characters across all of television. The character has achieved significant memetic presence online, with fan-created content and references circulating widely across social media platforms. Fan engagement metrics show exceptional interaction with content related to David Rose, from detailed character analyses to creative fan works. This level of audience investment speaks to the compelling writing and performance that have made David Rose a standout figure in the Schitt's Creek fan community.

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? Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays David Rose in Schitt's Creek?

Dan Levy plays David Rose in Schitt's Creek. Levy also co-created the series with his real-life father Eugene Levy and served as a writer, producer, and showrunner. He won multiple Emmy Awards for the show's final season.

What is David Rose's sexuality?

David Rose is pansexual. In one of the show's most celebrated scenes, David explains his sexuality to Stevie using a wine analogy: "I do drink red wine, but I also drink white wine. And I've been known to sample the occasional rosé. And a couple of merlots." He likes "the wine and not the label."

What is Rose Apothecary?

Rose Apothecary is the general store David opens in Schitt's Creek with Patrick Brewer. Described as "a general store, but also very specific," it sells locally sourced products and artisanal goods. The store represents David's personal growth and his commitment to his new community.

Do David and Patrick end up together?

Yes, David and Patrick get engaged in the Season 5 finale and marry in the series finale ("Happy Ending," Season 6, Episode 14). Their wedding, despite weather complications, is one of the most beloved moments in the entire series.

David Rose

Character Arc