Although it takes inspiration from real life and elements of creator Sherman-Palladino's childhood, the show is mostly fictional. Its countless Emmy Award wins have officially stamped The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel with Hollywood's approval, and the story's leads are a big part of what makes the show shine.

In general, the world Abe once knew changed rapidly in season 2. Besides learning of his daughter's secret occupation (and his son's as an analyst for the C.I.A.), the Weissman patriarch quit his cushy jobs at Columbia and Bell Labs in favor of his own path to self-discovery.

When pinpointing an exact real-life comedian from whom Sophie Lennon's character is inspired by, the work of Phyllis Diller, a '50s and '60s comic known for her exaggerated on-stage persona, may have served as a major source of inspiration.

Names that have been thrown around include Jean Carroll, Joan Rivers, and again, Phyllis Diller. Brosnahan has said that “Midge is just Midge” and is inspired by a number of people. Rivers is closest in likeness and has been confirmed by show creator Amy Sherman-Palladino to be one inspiration for the character.