Comedy Central really packs in familiar hilarity on Wednesday nights. South Park reruns kick off the evening (Season 18 is coming this fall); followed by popular slacker comedy Workaholics (now in its fourth season, each of its stars have seen outside success individually); The Daily Show with Jon Stewart; The Colbert Report; and the very funny new panel show for the Web era, @midnight, hosted by nerd-Ryan Seacrest, Chris Hardwick (seriously, he’s everywhere!). But Comedy Central’s newest series with the least recognizable names, Broad City (10:30 p.m. Wednesdays), is quickly working its way up to become one of the network’s top shows.
Upright Citizens Brigade alumnae Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer started Broad City as a lauded Web series from 2009-2011. Both formats — TV and Web — follow two young women navigating adult responsibilities and life in general in New York City. Forgive the ubiquitous comparison to Lena Dunham’s similarly NYC-based lady comedy, but Broad City is like Girls without the baggage of the quasi-controversial show — it never feels forced into trying to be something bigger than it is. From exploring bad roommates and shitty jobs to how to travel with weed, these broads don’t hold back but also don’t feel forced into edginess.
Rising comic Hannibal Buress plays Ilana’s boyfriend, Lincoln, the voice of reason and deadpan hilarity that perfectly balances Abbi and Ilana’s hot mess du jour. And while we’re name-dropping, Amy Poehler is a big Broad fan — and executive producer.
This week, the girls clean up to attend a swanky party, which is apparently global disaster-themed, and Abbi tries to be less nice to strangers.
WEDNESDAY FEB. 19
Workaholics (10 p.m., Comedy Central) -– The guys use “spy-focals” to film a documentary (and, hence, go to Sundance and bag hot chicks) when Karl goes under the knife.
The Real World: Ex-plosion (10 p.m., MTV) – It’s all fun and games until a positive pregnancy test pops up.
THURSDAY FEB. 20
Inside the Actors Studio (8 p.m., Bravo) – Matthew McConaughey has gone from rom-com eye candy to an unforgettable dramatic star in the past few years. His recent performances in Mud, The Lincoln Lawyer, Dallas Buyers Club and other films (not to mention HBO’s True Detective) have catapulted him to Oscar nominee status. Host James Lipton talks with Matt about his roles and acting techniques from Dazed and Confused to The Wolf of Wall Street.
Portlandia: The Celery Incident (10 p.m., IFC) – Can you not possibly wait another week for new Portlandia? Tune in to this 15-minute preview of Season Four, which premieres next Friday, Feb. 28.
FRIDAY FEB. 21
Helix (10 p.m., Syfy) – The infected rise against the survivors and seize Peter’s body. More background on Sutton and Hatake’s relationship is revealed; Julia is held captive.
SATURDAY FEB. 22
About A Boy (Series Premiere, 11 p.m., NBC) – After the Olympics, peep this pilot based on the Nick Hornby book that sparked the 2002 Hugh Grant movie. This retelling moves from London to San Francisco with Jason Katims (Parenthood, Friday Night Lights) at the helm.
SUNDAY FEB. 23
The Walking Dead (9 p.m., AMC) – SO MUCH IS HAPPENING.
True Detective (9 p.m., HBO) – This show just keeps digging deeper — I don’t want it to end! This week, 2012 Maggie is brought in to discuss the mysterious 2002 breakup of Cohle and Hart’s partnership.
Girls (10 p.m., HBO) – Hannah interviews Patti LuPone (most recently seen as the bleach-loving bible-thumping mom-next-door on Coven) for GQ, and receives a warning from the actress about the world of thespians.
MONDAY FEB. 24
How I Met Your Mother (8 p.m., CBS) – We inch closer to the mother moment as Robin and Barney’s wedding day begins — with the groom experiencing his worst hangover ever. Note: Indie film darling Greta Gerwig has signed on to be the female Ted Mosby for CBS’s forthcoming series, How I Met Your Father … for real.
Late Night With Seth Meyers (Premiere, 12:36 a.m., NBC) – Late Night gets revamped with a heavy dose of SNL alums taking over as host (Meyers) and band leader (Fred Armisen) along with first guest Amy Poehler. Hopefully Poehler will channel her inner Leslie Knope when guest/Veep Joe Biden takes the stage and share a tender moment with her Parks and Rec character’s crush.
TUESDAY FEB. 25
Justified (10 p.m., FX) – Ava takes prison matters into her own hands while the unlikely pairing of Crowder and the Crowes (new Folk Rock band, anyone?) head to Mexico for the heroin deal.
CONTACT JAC KERN : [email protected] or @jackern
