Why Broad City Is A Feminist TV Show | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why Broad City Is A Feminist TV Show

YAAAS QUEEN

84
Why Broad City Is A Feminist TV Show

"Have you watched Broad City?" was the question a close friend of mine asked me around this time last year. I had no idea what she was talking about, but she couldn't stop talking about this show and expressing enthusiasm for me to watch. I'm always open to show recommendations, so I gave this show a chance and I have no regrets.

"Broad City" is a Comedy Central show about two best friends, Ilana and Abbi (who are actually best friends in real life). The series follows their lives in New York City and all of the hilarious misfortunes that they experience. The season three premiere was last week and I couldn't help but notice how female driven this show actually is, I mean it was created by women and the main stars are women. When I came to this realization, I was able to pick out a few statements from the season premiere that really illustrate feminist thought.

This episode (Season 3, Episode 1) starts out with Ilana and Abbi meeting for brunch at a chic, corner restaurant. Ilana cannot stop talking about this article she read online about the suppression of women in Saudi Arabia. This issue could have easily been removed from the script and the story-line wouldn't have been jeopardized, but I believe that it's important to these women (who are also the writer's of the show) to show their concern for women issues on a global scale. It was also crucial for Ilana to be the one to express this concern because she is a strong-willed, confident, and daring woman which goes against all of society's standards for what a typical woman should be.

Also, in this episode, and in the show in general, there is a need for Ilana and Abbi to depend on each other to accomplish a common goal, even if that goal is scoring tickets to a concert or attending a friend's art show. This is common in female-female friendships in the real world, but most TV shows will pin women up against each other.

The women in those shows or movies are chasing after the same guy, the same promotion at work, or just down-right don't like each other for superficial reasons. Or there aren't any leading actresses at all, just women who are in the story-line as a component of the husband's perfect life.

In addition, most TV shows with leading actresses include women who are freaking out because they're single and in their late twenties or women who work dead-end jobs to make ends meet and have no aspiration to advance in any career (e.g., The B---- in Apartment 23 or Two Broke Girls). Broad City does the exact opposite.

In summary, this show has allowed Ilana and Abbi to change and become complex characters. They use their New York City street-smarts and their intelligence to form creative solutions to everyday problems. That's right, these women are free thinkers and act as they please. It's refreshing and my enthusiasm for Broad City is off the charts, much like the friend of mine who introduced me to the show. You will not regret watching it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

582
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

363
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199344
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20352
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments