15 Broad City Behind The Scenes Facts
Broad City changed Comedy Central forever after bringing their slice of life style to the story of two 20 somethings trying to survive in New York City. Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer brought subjects like sex, drug use and self image to the forefront, while balancing gut busting comedic storylines. These 15 behind the scenes facts are our salute to you, Broad City.
The Show Began As A Youtube Series
The show was originally a web series chronicling little snippets of Abbi and Ilanas life in New York City as people in their 20s. The web series went on for 35 episodes before being picked up by Comedy Central.
Ilana Was Part Of An Anti-Drug Group
Comedy Central
Talk about a change in career path.
When Ilana was in high school she was a member of an anti-drug group that she describes as “vaguely Christian.” Ilana left the group after she got a stoner boyfriend saying, “Ohhh, finally. I knew it was my calling.”
Bobby Moynihan Privately Coached The Duo
IFC
When UCB would not hire them for their house improv teams, Jacobson and Glazer rented their own space and hired Bobby Moynihan to coach them in comedy. Glazer said “I’m a firm believer in spending money on your ambition, because you’re going to be like, I need to make this back in some way.”
When will Bobby Moynihan return to private comedy lessons for just two people at a time?
The EpiPen Episode Is Based On True Events
Comedy Central
Abbi accidentally stabbing herself with an EpiPen is based on a true story from her days as a camp counselor. According to Abbi, one of the other counselors was giving a demonstration on how to use an EpiPen, then accidentally stabbed herself in the hand. What followed this was the counselor describing the adrenaline running through her body calmly, which was hilarious to the show writers.
Abbi Jacobson Is An Illustrator
Abbi and Abbi are so similar; who knew?
Abbi Jacobson is an actual illustrator in her real life. She has published two coloring books and a book called “Carry This Book,” which showcases Jacobson's drawings of what she thinks famous people carry in their purses and pockets.
Amy Poehler Appeared In The Web Series
Comedy Central
Searching for a big name for the finale of their web series, the duo got their UCB teacher to email Amy Poehler to appear in the episode. It turns out that Poehler was already a fan, and agreed to the shoot as the location was right next to her apartment.
A Rewrite Had To Be Done After Trump Won
The duo ended up having to rewrite much of season 4 after the 2016 election as they had originally written it around Hillary Clinton winning the presidency.
Abbi Really Did Get 8 Grand For An Illustration
The episode where Abbi receives 8,000 dollars for an illustration she did (followed by the greatest music video in Comedy Central history), was based on Abbi Jacobson’s real life experience of getting 8,000 dollars for an illustration. In reality she used the money to focus on Broad City’s web series full time.
There Was An Israel Episode Planned
Comedy Central
The duo had planned to do an episode in Israel, but found it distasteful after an “infantata” occurred, so the episode was rewritten to be a bottle episode on a plane called “Jews on a Plane.” Jacobson said “Those limitations are sometimes little bursts of luck because it’s like that ended up being so bizarre and fun and probably way better than the Israel episode would’ve been.”
Amy Poehler Executive Produces
Like Moses leading the Israelites.
Amy Poehler was an executive producer of Broad City. She helped the duo find networks, market the show and direct the season one finale where she cameoed as a chef.
Early Inspirations
Comedy Central
The show was heavily inspired by Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld. Hence why Susie Essman plays Illanas mom and Wanda Sykes plays Dara.
The Characters Weren’t Always Named Abbi And Ilana
When the script was originally written for the pilot the characters were named “Carly and Evelyn.” FX suggested they keep their own names, even though the studio eventually passed on the series.
Surely, they’ve regretted it ever since.
Comedy Runs In The Family
Comedy Central
Ilana's brother on the show is played by her real life brother Eliot Glazer. Eliot Glazer is also a comedy writer, having written for New Girl, and the Broad City episode “Along Came Molly.”
They Are Sexual Liberators
The episode “To Peg or Not to Peg” ended up being a large step in normalizing the activity for men, with several fans reaching out to Jacobson and Glazer for the episode, including someone Abbi was on a date with.
They Danced At JLD’s Mark Twain Prize Ceremony
They presented at Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Mark Twain Prize
As lifelong Seinfeld fans, the duo got the chance to perform at Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Mark Twain Prize ceremony. The team performed a choreographed dance for Julia, while being terrified the entire time. Glazer commented, “That was one of the scariest things. The puking, we were so hyperventilating at that dance. We were wrenching after it.”
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Top Image: Comedy Central
