Comedy Central’s newest comedy, the Amy Poehler-produced Broad City has landed on the Internet for all the world to peep prior to its Wednesday, January 22 premiere. And if you’re alive and a twentysomething in 2014, there’s a good chance the series will resonate with you. Click the image below to watch it now.
Based on the stars’ webseries of the same name, Broad City follows the lives of Abbi and Ilana, two friends attempting to muddle through the weird and wonderful post-college years. The episode also features comedians Hannibal Buress, Chris Gethard, and a particularly Armisen-y cameo from Portlandia star and Saturday Night Live alum, Fred Armisen.
Considering the series’ executive producer, fellow SNLer and Parks and Recreation star, Poehler, it’s no surprise the pilot got as many impressive cameos as it did. In a recent interview with Paper Mag, the incomparable Poehler explained that production is where her future may lie. "I'm interested in producing and directing more in the next phase of my professional life," she said. "I liked Abbi [Jacobson] and Ilana [Glazer]'s voice, and they work really hard."
The collaboration spawned from a cameo Poehler did on the web series iteration of Broad City back in 2011. Having enjoyed herself during the appearance, Poehler was quick to say yes when Jacobson and Glazer asked her to help bring the series to the small screen. But it wasn’t a one-sided endeavor, as it allowed Poehler a glimpse into a world she’s fascinated by: young people.
"I'm always asking Abbi and Ilana questions about their lives, because I'm fascinated," Poehler quipped. "I mean, everyone under 26 seems gay to me. Both men and women. I often ask myself, is everyone gay? There's this gender fluidity that I think is generational, and that's new.”
Of course the show’s markedly female point of view is a welcome addition to the incredibly male-dominated Comedy Central. “Young women now are so interesting and are taking full advantage of their opportunities,” she explained. But if you’re expecting yet-another curmudgeon-laced look at the state of the world, one will have to look elsewhere. “Abbi and Ilana come from good supportive parenting. It's funny to see what comedy comes from those backgrounds because, historically, you have to come from a shitty background to succeed in comedy, but that was never really the case with the women I came up with."
Glazer and Jacobson’s point of view on the series reflects that: less structured and frantic, Broad City is more freeform that most, a series of moments between friends rather than a strictly narrative structure, almost like a compilation of sketches. A world filled with dynamic characters that can easily be equal parts dirtbag and overly-peppy SoulCycle instructor.
Broad City premieres January 22, 2014 on Comedy Central.
