David Rose was one of the most lovable characters in Schitt's Creek. After he and his mega-wealthy family lost their riches, they had no choice but to leave everything behind and move to the small town the family forgot they owned, Schitt's Creek. Without having a job, a car, or any of his expensive accessories, David was a fish out of water.
Little by little, David found his stride and learned to love the small town and his life in it. He made friends that actually cared about him (unlike his "friends" in New York), he created his own business without the help of his parents, and he found his future husband while finding himself. Little did David know, his transformation was made possible because of the rural Schitt's Creek.
Season 1
David was at a loss for words when he and his family entered Schitt's Creek for the first time. As an organized germaphobe, he loathed everything about the motel they were staying in. However, he did make quick friends with the front desk worker, Stevie, which distracted him from his new reality. David quickly tried to find a job as his family came to with how long they were going to be staying in Schitt's Creek.
Season 2
The second season of Schitt's Creek began with David running away from the motel after their chance of freedom escaped them. He realized he didn't have any true friends and that his family would split up again, leaving him alone. The Roses eventually found him and brought him back to Schitt's Creek where he had a second new beginning.
He began working at the Blouse Barn where he got his first real taste of working from the ground up. His job in retail foreshadowed his future of opening his own store in the small town.
Season 3
Season 3 was all about David's love life and professional successes. Moira and Johnny watched their son build his business from the ground up and showed an appreciation for David helping the family. Meanwhile, David began dating a man named Jake who was also dating his best friend Stevie. But everything changed for David when he met Patrick.
Patrick helped David get Rose Apothocary off the ground, which gave David the confidence he had been lacking since arriving in Schitt's Creek. The two formed an immediate connection and the season ended with them sharing their first kiss.
Season 4
In season 4, Rose Apothocary was off to a strong start but needed a little help. With Alexis lending a hand, David was able to connect with local proprietors to get their products in his store. Patrick and David also held an open mic night as a way to connect with the community and make Rose Apothocary a staple in the area.
With Rose Apothecary doing well, David helped Alexis with her Singles Week, added his store's products to the motel to help Stevie and Johnny, and even did his best to throw Jocelyn a great baby shower on short notice.
Season 5
In season 5, David proves that even though he was in a serious relationship with Patrick and is a successful business owner, he still had time for his best friend, Stevie. The two go on a road trip in "The Dress," which offered a sweet look at their friendship. No matter how much time has ed, these two were still besties.
While David never wanted to be in Schitt's Creek for the long haul, here he was with close friends, a business, and the love of his life. He had everything he needed. Looking back at who he was from season 1 to season 5, David was a completely different person. He still had his dramatic moments but he was a more rounded, more thoughtful human being. By the end of the season, David and Patrick were happily engaged and planning a life together.
Season 6
The sixth and final season was emotional for everyone. Not only was the Rose family going in separate directions to follow their dreams but David finally got to marry Patrick. The two planned their wedding throughout season 6 and experienced plenty of ups and downs, but it only brought them closer. And it helped that David had his family and Stevie to lean on throughout it all.
While David wasn't sure if he saw a future for himself in Schitt's Creek, he realized his future was with Patrick and that he'd go wherever he was. This meant that for the foreseeable future, David was making Schitt's Creek home.
David staying behind was symbolic. The Rose family still owned the town, which meant that they'd be back to visit. Johnny, especially, would be back because he and Stevie were beginning their Rosebud Motel franchise. As much as David hated Schitt's Creek the beginning, it was the one thing that made David grow into the man he was destined to be.