Broad City encapsulates the story of two best friends, Abbi Abrams and Illana Wexler, as they navigate their lives living in New York City. The characters in the show act as an avatar for their real life selves (Abbi Jacobson and Illana Glazer) as they find their ways into and out of trouble. The two women are strong feminists who use their empowerment to express their true identities and knock down stereotypes. The series uses a comedic lens to discuss controversial issues relating to identity, injustice and intersectionality. Through this it works to stand up against oppression and reveal the hidden stories and identities of marginalized people in the media.
The series reveals the intersecting lives between two working women celebrating their inner Jewishness in the best ways possible. Abbi and Illana even call themselves ‘Jewesses’ fully embracing their ethnicities, while taking pride in their cultural differences and true selves. As Abbi tends to be a little more reclusive, Illana’s free-spirited self helps her to become more assertive. The two reject binary roles and embrace their womanhood, while exploring their sexualities, engaging in sexual fluidity and standing up for themselves along the way. References to the Holocaust in the show reflect how our identities shape how we think about various topics including freedom or feminism. It prompts us to think about the dangers of only considering one side of the events encompassing the Holocaust and the fact that our experiences may be different than someone else’s.
The very last scene of the last episode captures the spirit of the show and its main message perfectly. While Illana walks into the subway station on Facetime with Abbi, the camera begins to shift to other folks talking to one another. As it catches the conversations between two biracial friends, a trans woman and homosexual man, two women speaking Spanish, and two African American women, the lens continues to zoom out on all the many diverse people, showing that there are other people out there with stories to share just like theirs.
Broad City uses its platform to include all of those who are too often misrepresented in popular culture. It differs from the mainstream media, working to share a story relatable to those with similar experiences, destroying the power of a single story. With more media productions like Broad City, a safe space can be created for all to feel comfortable, included, and accurately represented. In helping to redefine the identity of Jewish Americans, I also think Broad City assists in giving a voice to those who are outside of the power dynamics and unable to be heard. In a world filled with ‘Othering’, the authenticity of this series has allowed for a relatable place for people to turn to and connect.