It starts with a twitch of the eyebrow. Then, the nose crinkles. Before you know it, David Rose’s entire face has collapsed into a geometric shape that represents pure, unadulterated judgment.
If you’ve spent any time on the internet in the last few years, you’ve seen it. You've probably used it. David Schitt's Creek memes aren't just funny pictures; they’ve become a fundamental part of how we communicate our daily frustrations.
Honestly, the show ended years ago, but the memes? They’re immortal.
The "Ew, David" Paradox
Everyone thinks Alexis says "Ew, David" in every single episode. She doesn't.
Actually, she only says the exact phrase "Ew, David" maybe three times in the entire series. It’s a classic case of the Mandela Effect, fueled by the sheer power of the internet. We remember her saying it constantly because the memes have reinforced it so deeply into our collective psyche.
The meme version of "Ew, David" has evolved. It’s no longer just a sister mocking her brother. It’s now the universal shorthand for:
- Seeing someone put pineapple on pizza.
- Checking your bank account after a weekend out.
- Receiving a "Hey, stranger" text at 2:00 AM.
- Basically, anything that is even slightly socially unacceptable.
It’s hilarious how a character's specific cadence—that vocal fry Annie Murphy perfected—can travel so far from its original context.
"Fold in the Cheese" and the Art of Chaotic Cooking
If you want to trigger a fan of the show, just mention enchiladas.
The "Fold in the cheese" scene is arguably the most famous moment in the series for meme-making. Why? Because it captures the specific, high-stakes anxiety of being asked to do something you don’t understand, by someone who also doesn't understand it, but refuses to admit it.
"What does that mean? Do you fold it in half like a piece of paper?" David’s genuine confusion is something we’ve all felt. Whether it’s a new software update at work or a tax form that makes no sense, we are all David Rose holding a spatula and staring at a bowl of shredded cheddar.
Dan Levy once mentioned in an interview that the scene was born from his own lack of culinary skill. That authenticity is why it works. It isn't a writer trying to be funny; it’s a writer admitting they don't know what "folding" means.
The Sweater Aesthetic as a Mood
We have to talk about the sweaters.
David’s wardrobe is a character in itself. The black-and-white patterns, the lightning bolts, the Rick Owens lace-ups. In the early seasons, the clothes were a shield. He was literally wearing his defenses.
Memes often focus on David’s "Wild Aloof Rebel" shirt or his various high-fashion protest outfits. They represent a specific kind of mood: "I’m trying very hard not to connect with people right now." It's relatable.
Sometimes you just want to put on a $500 designer sweatshirt and disappear into a field of sunflowers (or, you know, a giant black hoodie while living with an Amish family). The memes celebrate that introverted desire to be left alone while still looking absolutely iconic.
Why David Rose is the Ultimate Reaction King
GIPHY is basically a David Rose fan site at this point.
His face is built for the internet. Dan Levy has this incredible ability to convey five different emotions—disgust, fear, confusion, love, and "I’m about to have a coronary embolism"—all within a three-second clip.
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Common reaction memes you'll see everywhere:
- The "I'm having a coronary embolism" face: Perfect for when your boss sends a "quick question" on Friday at 4:55 PM.
- The "Very uninterested in that" look: The ultimate response to a group chat that won't stop buzzing.
- The "Eat Glass" retort: For when you're feeling particularly spicy.
- The "Simply the Best" lip-sync: Usually used for genuine wholesome content, but also for when you finally get the last seat on the bus.
What’s interesting is that these memes didn't just stay in the fan community. They leaked out. People who have never seen a single episode of Schitt's Creek still use the GIFs. David has become a digital archetype for the "Judgmental Introvert."
The "Simply the Best" Legacy
While most David memes are about snark, the ones involving Patrick (Noah Reid) are different. They’re the "wholesome" wing of the meme-verse.
The "I like the wine, not the label" conversation is a prime example. It’s been turned into thousands of aesthetic Tumblr posts and Instagram graphics. It’s one of the most famous explanations of pansexuality in television history, but it’s framed through the lens of something David actually understands: wine.
It’s rare for a meme-heavy character to also be a beacon of meaningful representation, but David pulls it off. He’s allowed to be "shrill and unlikeable" (as some early critics called him) while also being deeply loved.
How to Use David Rose Memes Like an Expert
Don't overthink it.
The best part about David Rose memes is that they are versatile. You don't need a specific scenario; you just need a feeling of mild to moderate social discomfort.
Next time you find yourself in a situation where you feel like a "disgruntled pelican," don't explain it. Just send the GIF. Whether it's the "Ew, David" energy or the "Fold in the cheese" confusion, there is a David Rose face for every possible human interaction.
Keep the snark high and the sweaters monochrome. It's what David would want.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking for the most high-resolution versions of these moments, the official Schitt's Creek GIPHY channel remains the best source, as Dan Levy and the production team actually helped curate many of the initial reaction clips to ensure the "meme-ability" of the show's final seasons.