53 The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Facts Every Midge Fan Needs To Know

The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel is an acclaimed American television series that premiered in 2017. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show follows the journey of Miriam "Midge" Maisel, a charismatic and witty housewife in 1950s New York City. Midge's seemingly perfect life takes an unexpected turn when her marriage falls apart, leading her to discover her talent for stand-up comedy. Set against the backdrop of the burgeoning comedy scene, the show delves into Midge's pursuit of a career in comedy while navigating the challenges of a patriarchal society.

At the heart of The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel is Rachel Brosnahan's amazing performance as Midge. Brosnahan brings a magnetic energy to the character, effortlessly capturing Midge's sharp wit, determination, and vulnerability. Midge's journey from a conventional housewife to a trailblazing comedian forms the core of the series, showcasing her resilience and growth as she defies societal expectations.

The supporting cast includes Alex Borstein, who portrays Susie Myerson, Midge's manager and confidante. Borstein delivers a standout performance too, infusing Susie with a gritty charm and sharp comedic timing. The dynamic between Midge and Susie forms a crucial part of the show, as they navigate the male-dominated comedy circuit together.

Other notable characters include Midge's parents, played by Tony Shalhoub and Marin Hinkle, who add depth and complexity to the story. Shalhoub is Midge's father, an academic and traditional family man, while Hinkle portrays Midge's mother, whose journey towards finding her own voice mirrors Midge's own pursuit of independence.

The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel has gained widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan base. The dialogue is fast-paced and clever, showcasing the talents of Amy Sherman-Palladino, known for her work on Gilmore Girls.

Our The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel facts include which cast members were not actually Jewish, why the series caused a run on gasoline and which actors previously starred in Gilmore Girls.

The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel made its debut on Amazon Prime Video on 17th March 2017. Set primarily in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the pilot episode had huge critical acclaim, leading to its pickup by Amazon Studios. The fifth and final season premiered on 14th April 2023, concluding on 26th May 2023.

1. The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel Has Won Many Prestigious Awards

The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel received the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 2017 and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2018. At the same Emmy ceremony, Amy Sherman-Palladino was honoured with awards for Outstanding Directing and Outstanding Writing. 

Rachel Brosnahan earned the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2018, and consecutive Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2018 and 2019. 

Alex Borstein won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series consecutively in 2018 and 2019. 

Tony Shalhoub and Luke Kirby also received Primetime Emmy Awards, winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, respectively, in 2019.

2. Amy Sherman-Palladino’s Father Is A Stand Up Comedian

Amy Sherman-Palladino drew inspiration for the series from her own childhood experiences and her father, who was a stand-up comedian in New York City. She also admired trailblazing female comedians like Joan Rivers and Totie Fields, which further influenced the development of the show.

3. Executive Producer Daniel Is Amy Sherman-Palladino’s Husband

In June 2016, Amazon greenlit the pilot episode, which was written and executive produced by Sherman-Palladino. The positive response led to Amazon ordering two full seasons of the show in April 2017, with Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino serving as executive producers and Dhana Gilbert joining as a producer. 

4. Many Of The Gilmore Girls Cast Appeared In The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel

Rachel Brosnahan was cast in the lead role of the pilot on August 5, 2016. In September 2016, it was announced that Tony Shalhoub and Michael Zegen had joined the main cast of the pilot. Marin Hinkle was cast in one of the main roles on October 6, 2016. In May 2017, it was reported that Joel Johnstone, Caroline Aaron, Kevin Pollak, and Bailey De Young would have recurring roles in the series.

On May 23, 2018, it was announced that Zachary Levi would appear in a recurring capacity for the second season. Jane Lynch was also confirmed to reprise her role as Sophie Lennon in a recurring capacity for season two on August 15, 2018.

Sterling K. Brown's participation in the third season was announced on April 15, 2019, although his role remained undisclosed. The release of the season's teaser trailer on October 14, 2019, revealed that Liza Weil would also join the cast in an undisclosed role.

Kayli Carter was announced to have a recurring role in the fourth season on June 21, 2021. 

Guest stars for the fourth season include Milo Ventimiglia and Kelly Bishop, both known for their roles in Gilmore Girls, another series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino. Jason Ralph, 

Rachel Brosnahan's real-life husband, and filmmaker John Waters were also confirmed as guest stars for the fourth season. In the fifth season, Reid Scott, Alfie Fuller, and Jason Ralph were promoted to series regulars after recurring roles in the fourth season.

5. The Gaslight Building Features On A Led Zeppelin Album Cover

Principal photography for the pilot took place in Manhattan from September 27 to October 14, 2016. 

Various locations were used throughout the series. Exterior shots of the Gaslight Club were filmed outside 96 St. Mark's Place in the Lower East Side, the building featured on the cover of Led Zeppelin's 1975 album "Physical Graffiti."

6. The Real B. Altman Building Was Used In The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel

Other New York locations included The Village Vanguard jazz club on Seventh Avenue South, a vintage record store on West 4th Street, and Albanese Meats & Poultry, a butcher shop on Elizabeth Street in Little Italy. 

Exterior scenes set at the B. Altman department store were filmed at the B. Altman and Company Building on Fifth Avenue, while interiors were shot in a disused bank in Brooklyn.

7. The Catskills Resort Was Filmed On Oquaga Lake

Scenes set at the holiday resort in the Catskills in Season 2 were filmed on location at a holiday resort on Oquaga Lake near Deposit. 

8. The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel Was Also Shot On Location In Paris

Paris scenes were filmed at various real-life locations in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, and at the Musée Rodin at Hôtel Biron. 

9. The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel Is Known For Its “Oners”

The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel employs a technique called a "oner," which is an extended single-shot scene.  For example, in the episode "Going to the Catskills," there is a two-minute oner that depicts Midge and her family settling into their summer home amidst lively chaos, featuring overlapping vignettes. 

In another episode, "Strike Up the Band," there is a 12-page scene where Midge enters her apartment to find her parents fighting, with her clothes scattered everywhere. 

Additionally, there is a sequence where Midge and Susie ride in an open Jeep to an aeroplane hangar, leading up to Midge's performance. The camera follows them from the Jeep into the hangar, capturing Midge being escorted onto the stage by soldiers while she waves to the audience of nearly 1,000 soldiers before being lifted back into the Jeep.

10. Midge’s Apartment Was Inspired By Doris Day Film Sets

The apartment where Midge and her husband Joel reside was constructed on the same set as Midge's parents' apartment, but with a more modern late-1950s design, drawing inspiration from Doris Day movies, as shared by production designer Bill Groom.

11. The Show’s Logo Is The Same Font As The Osbournes

The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel logo features a distinctive retro typeface called Sparkly, created by Stuart Sandler of Font Diner. It was also used in The Osbournes (2002).

12. The Costumes Were Exhibited At The Paley Center For Media

The show's unique and memorable designs and costumes, particularly the hats and dresses worn by the women, prompted the Paley Center for Media to establish an exhibit titled "Making Maisel Marvellous" in 2019, celebrating the show's visual aesthetics.

13. The Cuban Dance Was Inspired By A 1964 Film

In episode 5 of Season 3, the design of a Cuban dance number was influenced by the 1964 film "I Am Cuba," a personal favourite of the series' cinematographer, M. David Mullen.

14. Two Costumes Are Preserved In The National Museum Of American History

In December 2019, the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution acquired two costumes from the series, recognizing their cultural significance and contribution to American television.

15. The Production Opened A 1950s Style Diner For Charity

From December 1 to December 8, 2018, Amazon created a pop-up restaurant in Manhattan's Nolita neighbourhood, modelled after the iconic Carnegie Deli from the 1950s. 

The restaurant offered a limited menu featuring "The Maisel" and "The Susie" sandwiches, as well as other items like mini knishes, black and white cookies, cheesecake, and pickles. 

Prices at the restaurant were kept under 99 cents, with all proceeds going towards supporting the Lower Eastside Girls Club, making it a unique promotional experience.

17. The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel Caused A Run On Gasoline!

In August 2019, as part of a promotion leading up to the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards, Amazon collaborated with businesses in and around Santa Monica, California, to offer goods and services at 1959 prices. 

One of the highlights was selling gasoline at $0.30 per gallon, which led to significant queues and traffic congestion, requiring intervention from the police due to the overwhelming response!

18. The Official Premiere Was At The Village East Cinema

The series celebrated its official premiere on November 13, 2017, at the Village East Cinema in New York City, creating a buzz among attendees and setting the stage for its successful debut. 

As part of Amazon's Spring 2017 pilot season, the show initially premiered on March 17, 2017, with the remaining episodes of the first season being released on November 29, 2017. The second season premiered on December 5, 2018, followed by the third season on December 6, 2019, continuing to captivate audiences with its storytelling.

19. The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel Went Back To Releasing Two Episode A Week

With a change in release format, the fourth season of the show transitioned from the all-at-once binge model to weekly releases of two episodes each. The highly anticipated season premiered on February 18, 2022, offering fans a new viewing experience. 

Finally, the fifth and final season, comprising nine episodes, premiered on April 14, 2023, marking the culmination of the beloved series.

20. Sherman-Palladino Says Midge Finds Her Unexpected Strength

Amy Sherman-Palladino has described the concept of the show in interviews, explaining her vision of a woman who had seemingly achieved everything, only to have her world unravel. Through this journey of falling apart, the character discovers her ambition, voice, and an unexpected strength within herself.

21. Amazon Prime Was The First Streaming Platform To Win The Comedy Emmy

The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel made history as the first streaming platform (Amazon Prime) series to win the prestigious Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, solidifying its place as a groundbreaking show.

22. The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel’s One Nude Scene Was Not About Sex

In a 2018 interview, Rachel Brosnahan shared her perspective on nudity in storytelling. While she expressed frustration with gratuitous nudity in general, she found humour in the pilot's scene and willingly participated, emphasising that it wasn't about sex or being sexualized. Her character's vulnerability in that moment served a different purpose.

23. Brosnahan Sought Advice From Comedian Jasmine Pierce

Rachel Brosnahan drew inspiration and received valuable advice from her close friend, writer-comedienne Jasmine Pierce, who had gone from performing in open mic clubs to writing for "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." This friendship provided Rachel with valuable insights for her role in the series.

24. Amy Sherman-Palladino Knew Real Lenny Bruce’s Mother

A memorable line in the show involving Lenny Bruce references a personal connection. Amy Sherman-Palladino, who knew Sally Marr (Lenny Bruce's real-life mother), incorporated a line based on their interactions. Whenever Sally Marr revealed her identity, she would humorously refer to herself as "Mr. Bruce."

25. Rachel Brosnahan Wears A Wig

Rachel Brosnahan wears a wig to portray the character of Midge Maisel, adding to the transformation and authenticity of the role.

26. Rachel Brosnahan’s Husband Stars In The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel Too

Rachel Brosnahan and Jason Ralph, who plays Mike Carr in the series, are married in real life, adding a unique dynamic to their on-screen chemistry.

27. There Is A Rosemary’s Baby Reference

A reference to the fictional herb "tannis root" in the show pays homage to its use in the classic film "Rosemary's Baby" (1968), where it was associated with the occult. This is also a joke used in Gilmore Girls by Amy Sherman-Palladino.

28. There Are Key Jewish Props Used On The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel Set

Throughout The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel, mezuzahs are prominently displayed on doorposts, symbolising the Jewish identity of the characters. Mezuzahs are small boxes containing passages from the Torah, traditionally affixed to the door frames of Jewish homes as a reminder of God's presence. They also indicate that a Jewish person resides or works in the building. This visual element serves as one of many indications that the majority of the characters in the series are Jewish.

29. Susie Myserson Is Also Jewish

While the emphasis on Jewish identity is more pronounced for the Weissmans and the Maisels, it is also implied for the character of Susie Myerson (played by Alex Borstein). 

In an interview with the Jewish women's magazine Hadassah, Borstein confirmed that Susie is Jewish, describing her as a strong character who takes control of her own destiny. 

30. Alex Borstein Drew Inspiration From Her Own Family To Play Susie

Alex Borstein drew inspiration for Susie Myserson from her own Jewish family members, including her grandmother, a Holocaust survivor known for her humour and sharpness, and her mother, who reinvented herself by pursuing a psychotherapy degree later in life.

31. The Historic Detail In The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel Is Meticulous

In the opening episode of season 3, set around Christmas in 1959, a USO show features a large American flag with 49 stars, accurately reflecting the period between Alaska and Hawaii becoming states. This attention to historical detail adds authenticity to the series' portrayal of the time period.

32. Many Main Cast Members Are Not Actually Jewish

The three main cast members of the Maisel family, Michael Zegen, Kevin Pollak, and Caroline Aaron, all share a Jewish background. However, the three main cast members of the Weissmann family, Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Shalhoub, and Marin Hinkle, do not have Jewish heritage.

33. The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel Starts In 1958

The series is set in 1958, as indicated by a diary entry in the first episode. 

34. The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel Has Sherman-Palladino’s Signature Pacing

Midge occasionally acknowledges that jokes can have a stronger impact when delivered at a faster pace. This may be a subtle nod to Amy Sherman-Palladino's signature use of fast-paced dialogue throughout the series, which adds to its unique comedic style.

35. Rachel Brosnahan Was Turned Down For A Role For Not Being Funny Enough

On the day Rachel Brosnahan discovered she landed the role in the series The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel, she also received news that she had not been selected for another part due to concerns about her comedic abilities. This coincidence added an interesting layer of irony to her casting!

36. Sherman-Palladino Claims The Lord Of The Rings Stopped Maisel’s Production

During an appearance on the podcast WTF with Marc Maron, show creator Amy Sherman-Palladino attributed the show's cancellation to Amazon's cost-cutting measures, driven by the high production budget of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" (2022). 

The budgetary constraints led to the cancellation of several other popular Amazon shows, including "Paper Girls" (2022), "Carnival Row" (2019), and "Hunters" (2020).

37. The Characters Aren’t Following Usual Yom Kippur Practices

In The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel, Midge's first open mic performance takes place on September 23, 1958, coinciding with Erev Yom Kippur. However, the portrayal of the characters' actions during Yom Kippur is not consistent with the fasting and religious observance typically associated with the holiday. It is depicted that Midge and her mother eat and drink, and Abe and Moishe are shown working, which deviates from the usual practices during Yom Kippur, even for secular Jews. 

38. Amazon’s Promotion Copy For Season 1 Discusses A Yom Kippur Dinner

In Amazon's official promotional copy for the series, it was mentioned that Mrs. Maisel has an elegant Upper West Side apartment perfect for hosting Yom Kippur dinner. However, this statement is factually incorrect, as Yom Kippur is a fasting observance in the Jewish calendar, and no dinner would be served on that day. The correct terminology for the post-Yom Kippur meal is a "Break-the-Fast," which is accurately referenced in the dialogue of the pilot episode.

39. Bassist Carol Kaye Was Upset With Her On Screen Portrayal By Liza Weil

Liza Weil's character, Carole Keen, draws inspiration from the renowned bassist Carol Kaye. However, Kaye expressed her disapproval of the portrayal in an interview with the New York Post, deeming it akin to a cartoon and stating that her life is not a joke. She expressed disappointment that nobody had contacted her or informed her about it, considering it a form of slander.

40. Asher Could Be Based On Arthur Miller

In season 3, Abe's friend Asher appears to have characteristics inspired by playwright Arthur Miller, who shared the middle name Asher. While Mrs. Maisel mentions Miller in her comedy routine, alluding to his marriage to Marilyn Monroe during the same time period, it is clear that the character is not actually Miller. However, the similarities between Asher and Miller, including their controversies, suggest that Asher is indeed based on Miller.

41. Tony Shalhoub Has A Tony Award

Tony Shalhoub, who portrays Abe, and Katrina Lenk, who portrays Cosma, both starred in the Broadway musical The Band's Visit. They were both honoured with Tony Awards for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.

42. Many Comedians Featured Are Based On Real Life Stars

Throughout the series, several real-life comedians are portrayed, including Moms Mabley, Carol Burnett, Red Skelton, Groucho Marx, Phil Foster, Jackie Vernon, and Lenny Bruce, with Bruce making recurring appearances.

43. Brosnahan And Borstein Have A Great Connection Off Screen

Rachel Brosnahan hails from Highland Park, IL, while Alex Borstein is from Deerfield, IL, both located in close proximity to each other as northern suburbs of Chicago. This shared regional background adds another connection between the two actors.

44. Alex Borstein Meant To Have A Prominent Role In Gilmore Girls

Fans of Gilmore Girls may recall Alex Borstein was originally cast as Sookie but had to be recast due to other commitments. Melissa McCarthy went on to play the role of Lorelai Gilmore’s best friend instead. Borsetin does appear in the series however as Drella the briefly shown harpist and later Miss Celine, a name-dropping fashion icon to the stars. She also appears in A Year In The Life, a Gilmore Girls revival on Netflix from 2017 also as Miss Celine. Her character was old back in the early 2000s and Lorelai comments in the dialogue her surprise that she is still going! This is certainly due to the close friendship between series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and Alex Borstein.

45. A Special Maxwell House Haggadah Was Released For The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel

During the holiday of Passover, it is customary to observe a ritual service known as a Seder. Instead of attending a synagogue, the Seder is typically held at one's home or at the home of family or friends. The Passover service follows a specific order, as outlined in a book called the Haggadah, which not only presents the ancient text and structure but also recounts the story of the Exodus from Egypt. 

Over the centuries, numerous editions of the Haggadah have been published, but one of the most widely used twentieth-century American editions was distributed by the Maxwell House coffee company. Starting in 1932 as a marketing promotion to inform Jewish households that Maxwell House coffee was Kosher for Passover, the Maxwell House Haggadah became highly popular. It has been utilised for Seders in various settings, including the US Military, prisons, and even the White House. 

In 2019, Maxwell House collaborated with the TV show The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel to create a limited edition tie-in Haggadah. This special edition combined a genuine 1950s Maxwell House Haggadah with illustrations of the show's characters and a brisket recipe supposedly from Midge herself. It was exclusively available to Maxwell House customers who ordered their coffee through Amazon, as the series is an Amazon Prime show.

46. Kevin Pollak And Caroline Aaron Have Previously Worked Together

Kevin Pollak, who portrays Moishe Maisel, and Caroline Aaron, who portrays Shirley Maisel, had previously worked together on the film House Arrest (1996), playing the characters Ned Beindorf and Louise Finley.

47. Only Michael Zegen Actually Grew Up In New York

Among the main cast members, only Michael Zegen, who plays Joel Maisel, is originally from the New York area, having grown up in northern New Jersey. In contrast, Rachel Brosnahan, Alex Borstein, and Jane Lynch all hail from the Chicago area.

48. Tony Shalhoub And Michael Zegen Have Previously Worked Together

Tony Shalhoub, who portrays Abe Weissman, and Michael Zegen, who portrays Joel Maisel, previously appeared together in the TV series BrainDead (2016), portraying the characters Red Wheatus and Ben Valderrama.

49. Joel Johnstone And Luke Kirby Have Previously Worked Together

Joel Johnstone, who portrays Archie Cleary, and Luke Kirby, who portrays Lenny Bruce, both had roles in the TV series The Astronaut Wives Club (2015). In that show, Johnstone played the ill-fated Gus Grissom, while Kirby portrayed Max Kaplan.

50. Susie Was Actually In Love With Midge

After the conclusion of the series, Alex Borstein was asked in an interview if she wished her character Susie had found another love interest like Hedy. Borstein immediately expressed that she did—Midge. Susie was deeply in love with Midge, but she understood that their relationship could only remain platonic and professional. She kept her true feelings hidden and dedicated herself to ensuring Midge's success and happiness.

51. Susie Myerson Is Similar To Gilmore Girls Character Paris Geller

When Midge and Susie arrive in Florida, Susie distributes tips to all the staff members they encounter. This practice was also employed by Paris in Gilmore Girls when they visited Florida. It is a way to ensure good service throughout one's stay. 

Liza Weil, who portrays Paris, also appears in The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel as Carole, a band member who provides Midge with helpful advice to make life on the road easier.

52. There Is A Reference To The Graduate

In the final episode of the series, while pursuing Mike, Susie stands in front of a window frame and screams his name, reminiscent of the iconic scene in the church from The Graduate (1967) when Benjamin shouts Elaine's name before the subsequent closeup.

53. Midge’s Career Begins At 27 And We See Her Reach 74

Viewers learn that Midge graduated from college in 1953, assuming she was 22 at the time. In the very first episode, she embarks on her comedy career in 1958 at around the age of 27. In the final scene of the series, she is depicted in 2005 at the age of 74.

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