Top 5 Surprising Facts About Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
The show is sadly coming to an end. For this list we're taking a look at the surprising facts you may not know about this hilarious show! Did you know that the roles were written for the actors but one still had to audition? The original title of the show was going to called Tooken! We have all come to love Peeno Noir, but did you know that the song was a last minute addition?
#5: The Show Was Nearly Scrapped
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When “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” was first conceived, it had a much a darker tone. NBC feared that it wouldn’t connect with audiences and demanded the show be re-written in a more positive light. However, even after this was accomplished, the network stil didn’t think it would find an audience. On the verge of scrapping the show entirely, a hero emerged. Netflix had a feeling that “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” was a winner, so they swooped in and purchased it. As a testament to their beliefs, Netflix initially signed the show for a two-season deal. Talk about being saved by the bell!
#4: Burgess Has His Own Brand of Pinot Noir
Fans of the show will immediately recognize the name of Burgess’ wine as a reference to the now-famous song his character sings during an episode of Season One. The catchy tune is, in Titus’ words, “An ode to Black Penis,” and it quickly became a viral hit. Burgess was quick to jump on the song’s wave of popularity; and in 2016 debuted his personal brand of wine aptly named “Pinot by Tituss.” A bottle will run you about $25 and it’s loaded with an array of exciting flavors, including black cherry cola. Yum!
#3: The Roles Were Written For the Actors, But One Still Had to Audition
As is often the case in film and TV, characters are written with specific actors in mind. “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” was no different. The roles of Kimmy, Titus, and Jacqueline were all written for Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, and Jane Krakowski, respectively. However, only one of them was still required to audition for the part. That’s right! Even though Titus Andromedon was named about Tituss Burgess, the actor still had to prove that he was the right person for the role. Thankfully for him – and fans everywhere – he totally nailed it!
#2: Peeno Noir Was a Last Second Addition
By now, everybody and their grandmother have heard of “Peeno Noir.” But did you know that it was scrapped together on the spot? During a particularly strenuous day on set, Tina Fey’s husband and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” composer Jeff Richmond played a beat from a different song and instructed the show’s writers to supply Tituss Burgess with rhymes. After the scene was shot, Richmond added additional elements to the song to give it a more complete feeling. Regardless of how it was created, it’s hard to argue against the songs universal appeal.
#1: It Was Originally Called “Tooken”
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The original title of the show was a darkly humorous way of drawing reference to the fact that Kimmy Schmidt was abducted as a child. However, it didn’t fly with studio executives and was quickly changed to “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” Yet, the title was not the only thing that changed because of this. If the show had been called “Tooken,” the theme song would have been completely different. It would have provided context to Kimmy’s situation through the use of additional lyrics. The title change was also seen as a way for the show’s creators to focus on Kimmy’s future, instead of her dark past.
