Once again, I find myself talking about a show that seems to have pretty universal acclaim. Broad City is a wonderful success, masterfully achieving the difficult transition from web to television. And it is very funny. It most reminds me of one of my all time favourite sitcoms, Spaced. Obviously it deals with listless twenty-somethings and a vague association with recreational drugs but I think it is the unique world-view influenced by pop culture and happy energy that drew my comparison.
My issue, and the impetus for this post, is not the show itself but the advert I saw on Comedy Central this week. Unfortunately I can’t find the offending video online anywhere, so here is a good one instead.
The above video gives a brief flavour of the show and has a punchline. The rubbish one edited the show in a quick cut style unrelated to the show and focussed a little too much on shots of the stars in their underwear. It was aired late at night on a presumably fairly fringe cable channel, Comedy Central Extra.
I understand that Comedy Central might have an audience to appeal to but what is the point of misrepresenting a show about a wonderful understated friendship and the shared language and experiences that creates? Should ads not represent their subject honestly? I suppose some people might watch Broad City to ogle the women involved. But I’m sad that if I didn’t know anything about the show beforehand, that advert would have put me off completely.
Silly Comedy Central. Show off what you have!
Also, maybe I should give things that look rubbish from a TV advert a shot. Damn. More TV to watch.
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