94 reviews
Broad City came out of no where for me which might have something to do with why I like it so much. At this point only 4 or 5 episodes have aired but excluding the possibility that the show takes a 180 degree turn South, I can say with some certainty that this show is nothing short of awesome.
I've been a loyal workaholics fan for 4 seasons now, which has the time slot on Comedy Central just before Broad city, but already I prefer the latter. After the season 4 premiere of Workaholics, the channel simply wasn't changed and my roommate and I found ourselves watching Broad City. Normally we would change the channel because generally when we watch TV we don't just watch random shows. The only time we watch new shows is when it's a conscious decision. HOWEVER, Broad City had enough humor and wit packed into the first minute that we were hooked enough to watch the entire episode. Now, 4 episodes later, he and I make sure to tune into Comedy Central every Wednesday at 10:30.
The show rests on the shoulders of its 2 leads, Abbi and Ilana, who bounce off each other perfectly. Abbi is the more awkward, reserved pushover who takes sh*t from all angles (her roommate's super-mooch boyfriend, her boss, etc.). Ilana, on the other hand, does everything in her power at all times to take advantage of people because she's struggling to get by. But so is Abbi, which is why they make such a great team. They complete each other. When they're not together, they're on the phone or video chatting with one another. Ilana provides the more outrageous, in-your-face humor, while Abbi brings the more subtle, charming humor - but again, their collective humor makes for one of the most well-rounded female driven comedies.
Naturally a comparison to Girls comes up precisely because it's a female driven comedy television show - not to mention it's revolves around young women struggling to get by in New York City. Girls has its own brilliance in its wit and deeper nuanced characters, but it also has a very dramatic side, which often borders on ridiculous. Broad City takes a completely different and refreshing approach. Like Workaholics, it shoots for raunchy comedic gags and very rarely stumbles into dramatic territory. Unlike Workaholics, it never becomes TOO stupid or TOO ridiculous. The guys of Workaholics are essentially caricatures, which can be very funny, but it also leaves you disconnected from them. The only reason we like them is because they're funny, but otherwise there is zero depth to any of them. That's where Broad City has the obvious upper hand on Workaholics. After a few episodes you already have a feel for who the girls are, which allows you to laugh even harder at their misfortune.
I've been a loyal workaholics fan for 4 seasons now, which has the time slot on Comedy Central just before Broad city, but already I prefer the latter. After the season 4 premiere of Workaholics, the channel simply wasn't changed and my roommate and I found ourselves watching Broad City. Normally we would change the channel because generally when we watch TV we don't just watch random shows. The only time we watch new shows is when it's a conscious decision. HOWEVER, Broad City had enough humor and wit packed into the first minute that we were hooked enough to watch the entire episode. Now, 4 episodes later, he and I make sure to tune into Comedy Central every Wednesday at 10:30.
The show rests on the shoulders of its 2 leads, Abbi and Ilana, who bounce off each other perfectly. Abbi is the more awkward, reserved pushover who takes sh*t from all angles (her roommate's super-mooch boyfriend, her boss, etc.). Ilana, on the other hand, does everything in her power at all times to take advantage of people because she's struggling to get by. But so is Abbi, which is why they make such a great team. They complete each other. When they're not together, they're on the phone or video chatting with one another. Ilana provides the more outrageous, in-your-face humor, while Abbi brings the more subtle, charming humor - but again, their collective humor makes for one of the most well-rounded female driven comedies.
Naturally a comparison to Girls comes up precisely because it's a female driven comedy television show - not to mention it's revolves around young women struggling to get by in New York City. Girls has its own brilliance in its wit and deeper nuanced characters, but it also has a very dramatic side, which often borders on ridiculous. Broad City takes a completely different and refreshing approach. Like Workaholics, it shoots for raunchy comedic gags and very rarely stumbles into dramatic territory. Unlike Workaholics, it never becomes TOO stupid or TOO ridiculous. The guys of Workaholics are essentially caricatures, which can be very funny, but it also leaves you disconnected from them. The only reason we like them is because they're funny, but otherwise there is zero depth to any of them. That's where Broad City has the obvious upper hand on Workaholics. After a few episodes you already have a feel for who the girls are, which allows you to laugh even harder at their misfortune.
I was skeptical at first but now I'm hooked. I found it completely refreshing to have a female lead series that has a broad sense of humor that isn't gender specific. The show is basically about two women in their twenties living in New York City and the hassle that comes with it. Imagine the HBO series Girls but way funnier and more realistic. The show is carried by the 2 lead characters Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson. Their chemistry and comedic timing throughout the series suits them well.I found their friendship with one another completely authentic and truly charming. Although their roles are minor, support actors like Hannibal Buress, John Gemberling, and Chris Gethard help create funny characters for Ilana and Abbi to interact with. The scenarios are hilarious, the dialog is funny and the acting is great. As much as I personally enjoyed the first episode it wasn't until the second episode "Pu$$y Weed" that I became hooked. If you like workaholics or it's always sunny you'll definitely enjoy this. Comedy Central seriously has potential hit on their hands. I seriously recommend watching a few episodes before making your judgment.
- CasualEight
- Mar 1, 2014
- Permalink
I have seen the commercials promoting the show and didn't bother to watch for it--it's not that it looked 'bad,' just that it didn't appear to cater to me. I happened to catch episode seven, though, and it had me laughing several times with its circumstantial comedy. I decided to seek out the rest of the series and have seen up to episode three so far--I've thoroughly enjoyed it. I've noted some people liken it to Workaholics and I can attest that it has that pace and comedic tone. Though frankly, Workaholics has lost its luster to me after season two and I no longer look forward to new episodes. I do, however, look forward to continue watching this show. I could also see it compared somewhat to New Girl. If you like either of those shows, Broad City is worth a try.
If you hate the idea of hipsters (as so many other reviews have pointed out and because of which have given scalding ratings), don't be put off--it's very easy to overlook once you get into it. Rather than the whole condescending, superiority-complex-laden attitude of the prototypical hipster, the two main characters set a vibe that they're just being the way they are.
If you hate the idea of hipsters (as so many other reviews have pointed out and because of which have given scalding ratings), don't be put off--it's very easy to overlook once you get into it. Rather than the whole condescending, superiority-complex-laden attitude of the prototypical hipster, the two main characters set a vibe that they're just being the way they are.
- threehundo200
- Mar 7, 2014
- Permalink
All I kept thinking while I was watching this show and their webisodes was, "They get me." Abbi and Ilana are freaking hilarious and play off each other perfectly. It is a great balance of comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously or become too stupid. It is not as depressing as "Girls", and not as cliché as "2 Broke Girls". Loved it! Not only did I fall in love with Abbi and Ilana's characters right away, but Hannibal Buress plays his role perfectly. Laughed out loud the whole time. If you get a chance, check out their short youtube clips of their webisodes. It's nice to see a show made with female comedians that are unknown. All of my friends that watch this keep saying, "This is gonna be huge." I agree completely.
- user-923-508299
- Feb 12, 2014
- Permalink
I honestly don't get why anyone would give this show a negative rating. I guess different people find different things funny. I am a fan of Workaholics and Always Sunny... but where those shows use impossible situations and unrealistic scenarios, Broad City is very different. Maybe you have to be a chick living in the city, but no, my husband sitting next to me watching is laughing his butt off too. Awkward and stupid is funny, and I so get these broads. The first show I watched had me laughing to tears, and I thought maybe it might have been a fluke, but every episode I have watched since has been just as funny. I also want to point out that while many shows are funny, you have to admit the characters are so horrible as human beings that you really wish the worst fate on them. Not these girls... Their friendship is actually kind of sweet, and you are always really cheering for them. They also have some of the best friends ever, and I would give anything for the chance to party with this bunch.
- pikulsfour
- Mar 5, 2014
- Permalink
Edgy, funny and so original. The writing is brilliant and the actresses are so naturally funny. I await each episode. So many new shows are a disappointment, but not this one. I can actually envision these girls as existing in real life. I love that it is edgy and a bit raunchy...in a good way. I hope the best for this show and hope it is on for a long time. I think the people who don't like it, just don't get it, and it is unfortunate they write what they do. I also like how they don't pretend to be so ladylike, they are just funny and real. Congrats to.the writer and kudos to the two leading ladies.
Anyway, good job ladies, and keep up the good work!!
Anyway, good job ladies, and keep up the good work!!
- josborn5136
- Feb 19, 2014
- Permalink
Before the show actually started airing, I saw commercials and did not expect much from this show. When I watched the first episode, I was almost shocked how funny it was. Every episode makes me love the show more and more. The characters are great. Hannibal Buress is perfect, and he is barely in it (so far at least) and he is still just the 3rd best on the show. The two main characters are crazy, neurotic (well maybe only Abbi is neurotic), and hilarious. These are two woman that are not afraid to just be funny. The show reminds me of a mixture of workaholics and flight of the conchords. If you like to laugh, then give this show a chance, watch it open minded and not expecting too much).
I'll miss this lit show, so much energy, enthusiasm, and entertaining episodes! Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson are gold and there's so much creativity involved! Also Hannibal Buress is great I'm glad I got to see him live at a comedy show a few years ago. Pure awesomeness and very relaxing.
- UniqueParticle
- Jun 26, 2019
- Permalink
It's not terrible so giving it a one or two seems mostly spiteful. And if you read those reviews you'll see they are. But the absolute gushing of 9s & 10s are equally disingenuous. Especially the ones that think it deserves glowing reviews just because it's women.
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I really like these two actresses. They have a lot of charisma and are pretty cute too. Alli, thankfully has already moved on to bigger better things. She's delightful as Teabeanie in Disenchantment and I hope that continues for years.
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This show though paints these characters as largely unlikable. Putting themselves in unlikable situations and not really handling the situations maturely. I'm not a fan of Seth Rogen moron pot smoking comedy where everyone is dumber than a bag of rocks but are nice so we should give them a pass for all the lousy things they do. So you could argue this show isn't for me anyway. Whatever.
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Ultimately it's a rather average show you probably won't love or hate. And I very much miss the woman who introduced me to this show. Which might be why I kept watching it despite not caring for it much. But it's also why I wanted to like it more than I did. I just don't. It's not good.
- midnightcub
- Oct 31, 2019
- Permalink
I'm so glad I stumbled upon this show.
From the outset it seems like a very traditional sitcom set-up; two women living in a big city, in their 20s, stuck in limbo struggling to 'do what adults do' (see '2 Broke Girls').
But this is so much more charming and funny than the usual sitcoms churned out by the dozen in America... perhaps because the web-series it was inspired by was an indie project from the outset, and relied on the chemistry of everybody involved.
There's plenty of awkwardness, but the cringe-worthy situations are offset by the friendship-cum-platonic-marriage Ilana and Abbi have. Every episode is hilarious, and set to some pretty cool music, too.
And they've had the series renewed for another couple of seasons! I only hope they can maintain the high standard set in the first couple. Definitely watch this if you like your comedy small-scale, indie and with a healthy dose of weird.
From the outset it seems like a very traditional sitcom set-up; two women living in a big city, in their 20s, stuck in limbo struggling to 'do what adults do' (see '2 Broke Girls').
But this is so much more charming and funny than the usual sitcoms churned out by the dozen in America... perhaps because the web-series it was inspired by was an indie project from the outset, and relied on the chemistry of everybody involved.
There's plenty of awkwardness, but the cringe-worthy situations are offset by the friendship-cum-platonic-marriage Ilana and Abbi have. Every episode is hilarious, and set to some pretty cool music, too.
And they've had the series renewed for another couple of seasons! I only hope they can maintain the high standard set in the first couple. Definitely watch this if you like your comedy small-scale, indie and with a healthy dose of weird.
- rumour-mill
- Mar 6, 2016
- Permalink
Ilana Glazer is truly the funniest person (and also an amazing human if you follow her socials). This show is so clever and funny and I miss having it in in my life. These two are comedic geniuses. Hope we get something else from the two of them.
Maybe this show is so intelligent that it goes over my head. Or, maybe the comedy (if you could use such a description) is just so unoriginal and flavorless that i look down my nose at it. I myself prefer the latter.
But enough of that, onto the show itself. "Broad City" is basically a show about two very unattractive hipster women, doing and saying inappropriate things in New York. Why? Maybe they just act that way to be ironic..maybe the writers use flavorless humor ironically, or maybe it is just NOT FUNNY. I can liken the style of comedy to someone tattooing a mustache on their pointy finger and walking around with it under their nose thinking they are doing something hilarious. They aren't, and it isn't funny.
It does not take talent to do this kind of "Comedy" it just takes a demographic of people that like to laugh at "nothing in particular". So unless you are one of those folks that gets off "Wearing a shirt of yourself wearing a shirt of yourself" your time is best spent on something else.
But enough of that, onto the show itself. "Broad City" is basically a show about two very unattractive hipster women, doing and saying inappropriate things in New York. Why? Maybe they just act that way to be ironic..maybe the writers use flavorless humor ironically, or maybe it is just NOT FUNNY. I can liken the style of comedy to someone tattooing a mustache on their pointy finger and walking around with it under their nose thinking they are doing something hilarious. They aren't, and it isn't funny.
It does not take talent to do this kind of "Comedy" it just takes a demographic of people that like to laugh at "nothing in particular". So unless you are one of those folks that gets off "Wearing a shirt of yourself wearing a shirt of yourself" your time is best spent on something else.
After watching this for a while, I figured these two must have been friends before this show started. I assumed either they came from a webcast together, or were buddies and someone in hollywood was like 'hilarious, you two should be on tv.'
Sure enough, they were a webcast series first. During all the ridiculous shenanigans, there is a strong ring of sincerity to the entire production. Their friendship is real, their fun 'normal people thoughts' and reactions ring true, and that's what makes the whole thing so likeable and funny.
Just watched the finale, it was fitting, touching, and still pretty funny. These two have been fresh, funny, and sincere every season and it's been a fun ride.
Sure enough, they were a webcast series first. During all the ridiculous shenanigans, there is a strong ring of sincerity to the entire production. Their friendship is real, their fun 'normal people thoughts' and reactions ring true, and that's what makes the whole thing so likeable and funny.
Just watched the finale, it was fitting, touching, and still pretty funny. These two have been fresh, funny, and sincere every season and it's been a fun ride.
I'd like to start out by saying the show is pretty funny, and follows the hi-jinx style of storytelling that Workaholics uses. It's very dialog based, and if you don't laugh at "silly" banter that's obviously pop culture driven then you will surely call the show "dumb city" like a few high brow user reviewers. Firstly this show is by no means a hipster show, and is literally the same thing as Workaholics just with women. The two main characters say funny things, do funny things, and you laugh. Hannibal Buress seems to have a reoccurring role, and he's hilarious. I think it's refreshing to have two funny women doing the whole Workaholics thing
I literally just got annoyed enough at the 1 STAR ratings to write a review of what the show really is catering to. Like what were these people expecting? Some huge Girls style plot line, based in New York with "classy" wit and snarky remarks
.cus that's hipster. It's a funny show, and has more than a few laugh out loud moments. I giggle at the image of the negative reviewers staring at the screen trying super hard to not laugh, and deeming everything dumb and unfunny. I can't stress enough that if you don't find Workaholics funny
then don't watch this.
For more than a decade I've been complaining about the state of comedy in TV and movies. Saturday Night Live isn't funny any more and the Apatow/Seth Rogan empire is as unfunny as the Adam Sandler world.
TV land is garbage too. Why can't network comedy just be comedy? Why do they all have to have horrible melodrama attached ala How I Met Your Mother, Friends, even Big Bang Theory. Even the Simpsons. I don't watch a comedy to see characters cry and whine and work out traumatic childhoods.
Then came Broad City. Like, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Workaholics, Portlandia, it sticks to COMEDY. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Abbi and Ilana! Real buddy comedy has arrived. I am vindicated. We don't have to accept the baloney Hollywood is feeding us . This is not lowest common denominator like Two and a Half Men and 2 Broke Girls. Broad City is smart and outrageous. I thought I'd just gotten old and lost my sense of humour watching the mainstream junk. Thought I'd have to start watch old people shows like House and Bones. Thanks to Sunny, Workaholics, Portlandia, and Broad City for saving my funny bone
TV land is garbage too. Why can't network comedy just be comedy? Why do they all have to have horrible melodrama attached ala How I Met Your Mother, Friends, even Big Bang Theory. Even the Simpsons. I don't watch a comedy to see characters cry and whine and work out traumatic childhoods.
Then came Broad City. Like, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Workaholics, Portlandia, it sticks to COMEDY. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Abbi and Ilana! Real buddy comedy has arrived. I am vindicated. We don't have to accept the baloney Hollywood is feeding us . This is not lowest common denominator like Two and a Half Men and 2 Broke Girls. Broad City is smart and outrageous. I thought I'd just gotten old and lost my sense of humour watching the mainstream junk. Thought I'd have to start watch old people shows like House and Bones. Thanks to Sunny, Workaholics, Portlandia, and Broad City for saving my funny bone
I'm a fan of Workaholics--though that show has been going downhill--so I saw this show because it happened to come on right afterward. It was a very pleasant surprise.
It's like a female version of Workaholics, but smarter. Ilana's idiosyncrasies are very funny, and Abbi is a nice not-too-serious foil for her. Lincoln is Ilana's lover and dentist, and is also funny and a regular on the show.
The only 1 star review that I can take somewhat seriously is the one where you can tell they watched the show. But the show must be too fast paced for them. Neither of the girls is bulimic, and the show never hints at this at all. Ilana was throwing up because they'd been drinking heavily, and she was actually going to eat pizza afterward, and not before as a bulimic would... If these obvious details go over your head, you definitely won't catch the subtleties that make this show great.
I'd be shocked if they didn't get renewed for another season. If you like slacker comedy, don't live in a cave, and can keep up with everything that's going on, you should be able to appreciate and enjoy this show.
Oh, and if the locksmith in episode 3 looked familiar, it's probably because you played GTA V. It's literally Trevor!
It's like a female version of Workaholics, but smarter. Ilana's idiosyncrasies are very funny, and Abbi is a nice not-too-serious foil for her. Lincoln is Ilana's lover and dentist, and is also funny and a regular on the show.
The only 1 star review that I can take somewhat seriously is the one where you can tell they watched the show. But the show must be too fast paced for them. Neither of the girls is bulimic, and the show never hints at this at all. Ilana was throwing up because they'd been drinking heavily, and she was actually going to eat pizza afterward, and not before as a bulimic would... If these obvious details go over your head, you definitely won't catch the subtleties that make this show great.
I'd be shocked if they didn't get renewed for another season. If you like slacker comedy, don't live in a cave, and can keep up with everything that's going on, you should be able to appreciate and enjoy this show.
Oh, and if the locksmith in episode 3 looked familiar, it's probably because you played GTA V. It's literally Trevor!
- goerge12344
- Feb 13, 2014
- Permalink
I'm a 65 year old rural Midwestern white male. Clearly not this shows demographic. I was pretty sure I wasn't cool enough to understand it. I've read all the reviews and most of the people commenting are crazy. These women are hysterical (and gorgeous!) and the minor characters are great and well cast. I assume they (Jacobson and Wexler) write most of their own stuff and it works great. The episode where Abbi transforms into Val was brilliant. That story line could have been used over and over. I hope they all have long careers and much success!
This is my favourite sitcom ever created. It feels like watching family, it makes me feel happier than any tv show.
All I've ever wanted in life in my own Ilana, I'm definintley an Abbi.
If you're a mid-twenties girl or guy just struggling to work out what to do, then this is the show for you.
All I've ever wanted in life in my own Ilana, I'm definintley an Abbi.
If you're a mid-twenties girl or guy just struggling to work out what to do, then this is the show for you.
- chelsea-rebecca-stuart
- Jun 16, 2019
- Permalink
It's the misadventures of best friends Abbi Abrams (Abbi Jacobson) and Ilana Wexler (Ilana Glazer) trying to live in New York City. This is a defining Galmance show for this era. These girls are far from perfect. They have their friends and they have their city. While Girls try to rework Sex and The City for the new times, this show grew out of webisodes like a flower between the cracks in the sidewalk. Their plans are never that big or that thought out. They are self-empowered and the best of friends. The show delivers some worthy popular moments. For a fragmented TV world, this rules a specific fragment.
- SnoopyStyle
- Mar 31, 2019
- Permalink
The first episode was pretty good. The second episode was gold, and I was fully sucked in. But after that it kind of plateaued and settled into just another funny show that I'm not freaking out over if I fall asleep before it comes on. I think the girls are a great duo and they feed off each other really well. A lot of the show is clever and it's fun not knowing what's going to come out of their mouths, but sometimes it feels like the shows writers were grasping at straws to pull off something great and it just comes off as overdone and artificial. It's a good transition from workaholics though, you go from completely over the top scenarios to a more subdued raw type of humor. You may not enjoy every episode but as a whole it's a good show
- Nick_casillo
- Mar 13, 2014
- Permalink
This is one funny show! I LOVE Ilana and Abby both they are both hilarious. The situations they get into, though I have never been to USA (or NY) and never been anything like these girls are just crazy funny, and you can't not to love those girls. Every freaking sentence in series is funny and everything that happens is a riot. I just can't get enough of it.
Clearly, grossly exaggerating the quality of a just-OK TV Show. It took me the whole of the first season to finally something from it. There are some amusing moments, but you know...it's just-OK.
- swordsnare
- Feb 14, 2020
- Permalink
There's maybe 1 or 2 instances per episode where I let out a very slight chuckle. But the other 99.9% of the show is just two 20-something loser girls failing completely at life. They can't even function on a basic human level! They just smoke pot and go to their terrible jobs and be generally irritating. I was forced to watch it at a friend's behest. For some reason I cannot fathom, she sees this as empowering. Showing women acting like idiots and failures is not empowering. I literally could not sit through any more of this crap after the 4th episode. I got up and left, it was THAT bad.
2/10 is too generous.
2/10 is too generous.
- allison_oaks
- Jan 26, 2015
- Permalink