Ilana Glazer Reflects on the Journey of "Broad City" and Why It Ended Early
Ilana Glazer, the comedic powerhouse behind "Broad City," recently opened up about the show’s surprising end after five seasons. The series, co-created with Abbi Jacobson, was originally slated for seven seasons, but the duo and Comedy Central made the decision to cut it short. Glazer, who played Ilana Wexler on the show, explained the process in a recent podcast appearance on NPR’s Wild Card with Rachel Martin . While the show was immensely successful, Glazer and Jacobson felt the timing was right to conclude the story.
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In her conversation, Glazer revealed that while the network had expected a seven-season run, both she and Jacobson felt it was important to end the show while it was still in its prime. "Comedy Central was like, 'Huh?'" she said, reflecting on the network’s reaction. "We were like ambivalent and unsure, but I think that’s something I would say is elegant about me knowing when things are at their end." It was clear from the beginning that they were both creatively ready to move on. Despite the show’s success, they felt a sense of closure was necessary for the characters and the story, explaining that it was a “flash-in-the-pan” experience—a moment in time that wouldn’t last forever.
For Glazer, part of knowing when to stop is about trusting the creative process and her own ability to generate new ideas beyond any single project. She compared it to a time when she was passionate about drumming and even thought about becoming an orchestra percussionist. This sense of rhythm, as she describes it, helped her understand when it was time to let go and embrace new possibilities. "I am secure that I will keep generating new layers and do without thinking," she says, showing a strong belief in her ongoing creative evolution.
Glazer also revealed some behind-the-scenes moments that added to the complexity of "Broad City’s" run. She discussed an episode planned for Season 3, which was ultimately scrapped due to the escalating violence between Israelis and Palestinians. The episode, which was set in Israel and featured Zoë Kravitz, included a storyline that felt inappropriate given the political climate at the time. "It just got really scary at the last minute," Glazer shared. The episode was supposed to feature a surreal moment with Kravitz representing Jesus in a mirage in the desert, but as tensions rose, Glazer and Jacobson made the tough decision to cancel the filming.
Looking back on her time with "Broad City," Glazer expressed that while the show was a defining part of her 20s, it was also a project where much of her own experiences were imagined. "I didn’t have those experiences. I wrote them and then enacted them, but I didn’t experience them. I’m feeling that now," she reflected, marking the gap between her personal life and her character’s wild escapades.
Even after the show’s end, Glazer continues to evolve creatively. 2024 has been a significant year for her, with projects like "Babes" and a new stand-up special, "Human Magic," keeping her busy. Glazer’s journey of self-discovery, embracing parenthood, and tapping into new forms of expression speaks to her growth not just as an artist but as a person. Through it all, she continues to channel her energetic and bold persona, proving that while one chapter may close, new and exciting ones are always on the horizon.
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