Pop Culturing: It's All About Love & Friendship in the Final Season of 'Broad City'

It can be hard to say goodbye to a TV show – especially one that is ostensibly built to go on for several years. Though "Broad City" could continue for another decade, chronicling the zany lives of between BFFs Abbi (Jacobson) and Ilana (Glazer) as they navigate New York City, the dynamic duo made the smart decision to call it quits now, while still on top.

For its fifth season, which begins Thursday on Comedy Central, their friendship is a driving force, making it one of the strongest seasons of "Broad City." In its last hurrah, the iconic comedy takes risks while celebrating the core of what made "Broad City" a cultural phenomenon: the unique and tender friendship between Abbi and Ilana. For all of its bawdy humor, pot jokes, and celebrity guest appearances, "Broad City" has always been at its best when it shines the spotlight on the bond between the two hilarious women.

We tend to view final seasons of TV shows differently; this is the last time we'll see our pals so every word said, and every decision made, feels like it weighs a ton. "Broad City" has never been a show focused on plot; its format is episodic and episodes don't necessarily need to be watched in order to know what's going on with the show. But there are some relationships between characters the show addresses in its final season that will have fans pleased, and "Broad City" will likely get a lovely final send off.

The final season kicks off with the episode "Stories," where Abbi is celebrating her 30th birthday. Ilana has a spectacular day planned where the BFFs will travel from the top of Manhattan to the bottom of the island. It's one of the most innovative episodes of "Broad City" as Ilana livestreams the special day on Snapchat; filters and all. It can seem grating at first – 22 minutes of watching someone's Snapchat story can feel cloying – but the episode is so much fun and the framing device completely works. Instead of a mature celebration, Abbi and Ilana act like young teens: running around in a mall, get accused of kidnapping, falling down a manhole and of course giving the finger to Tr*mp Tower.

Most of all, what makes "Stories" one of the best episodes of the series is that it never loses focus of highlighting the natural chemistry between Jacobson and Glazer, who, of course, are friends in real life. The two have a connection that bursts on camera and celebrating Abbi's birthday – a trope in "Broad City" – with this New York City excursion (through an iPhone!) is a delight. It's like watching a friend's real-life Snapchat feed...except a lot better and better shot.

Abbi turning 30 sets the tone for the last season. Like the last season of "Girls," the women in "Broad City" are starting to grow up. Especially for Abbi, who comes into herself this season, taking herself seriously as an artist. In one episode, she goes through a transformation when she's invited to an upscale party at the MoMA while simultaneously having to work as a caterer.

"Art! Asymmetrical hairstyles! Unabashed confidence!" she yells in an adorable panic.

In the episode, however, she encounters an artist she admires who gives her some sage advice, refocusing Abbi and giving her a boost of confidence she needs to start the next chapter in her life.

Things are also changing for Ilana. After a big announcement from her roommate Jaime (Arturo Castro), who finds himself in a new but serious relationship, Ilana has a bit of a meltdown, but it leads to beautiful results: She may have discovered a career that she wants. On top of that, her relationship with Lincoln (Hannibal Buress) comes to a head in an unexpected but touching way.

Ending "Broad City" now feels right, not only for the show but also for its creators. As the characters grow and expand, so do Jacobson and Glazer, as comedians, actors, and creators. The duo has made their mark on TV and "Broad City" will undoubtedly live on (re-watches of past seasons still hold up very well). Abbi and Ilana's journey through hipster New York City in the 2010s is a special moment in time, bumping against the Trump administration. For now, it's time to say goodbye and see where they end up next.

This story is part of our special report: "Pop Culturing". Want to read more? Here's the full list.