Fish out of water

A while back I wrote about my favourite films, and in this post I’m going to share with you about some of my favourite TV series. ‘What has that got to do with fish?’ – I hear you ask. Keep reading and you’ll find out!

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An important word when discussing films, TV shows, and books is a trope. The term can have different meanings, but in this context it refers to an important element in storytelling. It can be a motif, a theme or a character type, among other things. Think of all the books or TV shows with a mad scientist character. Or a wicked stepmother. Those are tropes – recognizable patterns of representing certain characters and situations, regardless of genre.

Here we come to my fish out of water. In popular culture, this unusual term is used for characters placed in an unusual situation, or a location where they feel awkward and uncomfortable – simply out of place. As they find themselves in a new and unfamiliar setting, the fish-out-of-water characters have to face different challenges, learn new things and adapt.

If you think about all the films and TV shows you’ve watched, I’m sure you’ll be able to come up with a lot of examples involving such a scenario. It happens to be very common!

Maybe because I’ve always felt a bit like fish out of water myself, such stories, plots and characters have always felt very comforting and relatable to me. As I’m looking back, here are my favourite and most enjoyable TV shows built on this particular trope. I’m not ashamed to admit, I’ve watched all of them dozens of times!

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Everwood (2002–2006)

Directed by Greg Berlanti, Everwood follows doctor Andrew Brown (played by Treat Williams), a renowned neurosurgeon, who uproots his life and moves his family from very busy New York City to the small town of Everwood in Colorado. He does this after the sudden death of his wife, hoping a change of scenery will heal his family’s emotional wounds and help his two teenage children adjust.

The series explores the challenges and rewards of small-town life, along with the complexities of family relationships. The characters grow and develop as they navigate love, loss, and the unexpected joys and sorrows of life in a small, tight-knit community.

Genre: drama / teen drama / dramedy

Find out more: Everwood: An Oral History

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Northern Exposure (1990–1995)

Joel Fleischman (played by Rob Morrow) is a young, ambitious New York City doctor who is obligated to work for four years in the remote Alaskan town of Cicely as repayment for his medical scholarship. Initially, he sees it as a punishment, but he soon finds himself fascinated by the residents of Cicely, their unique and eccentric lifestyles, and the stunning natural beauty of Alaska.

Each episode features a blend of humour, drama, and surrealism, reflecting the unusual nature of Cicely and its inhabitants. Over three decades since the show was first shown on TV, it still has a broad and loyal fan base.

Genre: drama / comedy

Find out more: How the quirky summer CBS drama changed TV

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Men in Trees (2006–2008)

No, not another doctor character, but we’re still in Alaska – and the main character does come from NYC. (I guess those, too, are tropes in their own right!) 

Men in Trees follows the story of Marin Frist, a New York-based relationship columnist who impulsively moves to the small, isolated Alaskan town of Elmo after a disastrous breakup. She hopes to escape her complicated love life and find some peace and quiet. However, Elmo turns out to be anything but quiet, filled with quirky and unpredictable characters. Marin attempts to adjust to her life in Alaska, and in the process her relationships with the townspeople evolve, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements. The series explores themes of self-discovery and second chances.

Marin is wonderfully played by Anne Heche. Before her untimely and tragic death in 2022, Anne was often mocked and ridiculed for all kinds of reasons, but I’ve always loved her style and charisma. Men in Trees comes with plenty of both.

Genre: comedy / drama / romance

Find out more: Beached in Alaska, Where Men Are Men (and Weird)

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Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)

Schitt’s Creek is a delightful Canadian sitcom that follows the Rose family. Once wealthy and living a life of luxury, they suddenly find themselves broke after being victims of fraud. All they have left is a small town by the name of Schitt’s Creek (filmed in real-life Goodwood, Ontario), which they had purchased as a joke, and two rooms to live in in a run-down motel. The Roses’ encounters with the adorable residents of Schitt’s Creek lead to hilarious and heartwarming moments. 

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched this series. Done on a relatively small budget, it’s unpretentious and has a refreshingly authentic feel to it. The character development is superb, the humour unforgettable. In these crazy and uncertain times, Schitt Creek’s overarching message of love and acceptance comes as a balm to a sore wound. The cast includes familiar names of Canadian film and television, such as Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.

Genre: comedy / drama / satire

Find out more: Terrible name, terrific sitcom: how Schitt’s Creek became a surprise hit

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Here are some of the other fish-out-of-water TV shows that I’ve enjoyed over the years:

• 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996–2001)
• Due South (1994–1999)
• Bless This Mess (2019–2020)
• Green Acres (1965–1971)

Do you also happen to like TV series like these? Share about your favourites in the comments section below!

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COVER PHOTO CREDIT

Kaboompics.com via Pexels