Fans of the acclaimed series Broad City have been eager for news of a revival, but co-creator and star Abbi Jacobson confirmed that no conversations are currently taking place regarding a reboot. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Jacobson stated, “We have not talked about doing a revival. I think we just love the show as it is. I don’t know if we want to mess with it.”
The original series aired on Comedy Central from 2014 to 2019, drawing inspiration from Jacobson and co-star Ilana Glazer‘s real-life friendship. The show followed fictional versions of the two women as they navigated the challenges of life in New York City.
Jacobson highlighted the trend of revivals in the entertainment industry, remarking, “There are so many revivals. People want to mess with it, but they don’t always land.” Her sentiments reflect a desire to preserve the unique charm of Broad City, which has resonated with audiences since its inception as a web series in 2009.
While Jacobson may not be pursuing a revival of Broad City, she expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of collaborating with Glazer on a new project. Following the premiere of her new Netflix series, Long Story Short, on August 22, 2023, Jacobson indicated that the show featured a variety of notable cameos, which could lead to exciting opportunities. “That would be so fun. She has such a good voice,” Jacobson said of Glazer’s potential involvement.
“It would be so exciting. Ilana would be incredible,”
Jacobson added, hinting at the chemistry that has made their previous work so beloved.
Long Story Short tells the story of a middle-class Jewish family through the experiences of three siblings: Avi, Shira, and Yoshi, portrayed by Ben Feldman, Jacobson, and Max Greenfield respectively. The show explores the complexities of adult life while reflecting on a highly religious upbringing. Jacobson noted the similarities and differences she shares with her character, stating, “I’m queer and I’m married to a woman. Then there is such a difference. This family is so specific and is actually really not my version of a Jewish upbringing, but I still could find so much commonality and so much in there.”
The series draws upon the nostalgia of the 1990s, a period that resonates with Jacobson’s own experiences growing up. She expressed her appreciation for the challenge of embodying characters that mirror her life, saying, “It’s always just a bonus when you’re playing a character where you’re like, ‘Oh, I totally understand that experience.’”
Jacobson has also ventured into voice acting, collaborating with Raphael Bob-Waksberg, known for his work on BoJack Horseman. She shared her excitement about the differences between live-action and voice work, emphasizing the unique challenges each medium presents. “When I’m doing a live-action thing, you can see everything. So a pause, you’re seeing my facial expressions or my body language,” she explained.
She has enjoyed branching out into animation, having participated in various projects, including The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy and Bob’s Burgers. Jacobson recently completed work on an animated film titled Tangles, which she described as a dramatic departure from her previous comedic voice roles. “There’s a lot of drama in it, while most of the stuff I’ve done in voiceover has been comedy-focused,” she said.
Currently, Long Story Short is streaming on Netflix, where it has garnered attention for its grounded storytelling combined with humorous elements. Jacobson’s journey through various roles showcases her versatility as an actress and her continued commitment to exploring diverse narratives in the entertainment landscape.