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Josh Just Happens to Live Here!

Josh Just Happens to Live Here!
◀️ Previous episode  CXG episode gallery  ▶️ Next episodeEpisode information 🔽️
Director: Marc WebbWriter: Rachel Bloom & Aline Brosh McKenna
Aired: October 12, 2015 — Season: One — Episode: 1 — Nielsen ratings: 0.90
Description: New York lawyer Rebecca Bunch makes an impulsive decision to move to West Covina, California.


Plot[]

“
When was the last time you were happy?
”
— Butter ad
In 2005, a teenage Rebecca Bunch is dumped by her boyfriend Josh Chan on their last day of summer camp. A decade later in 2015, Rebecca is a New York City attorney working for a prestigious law firm. Despite her success she is miserable and considers the question posed by a TV commercial: "When was the last time you were happy?" Later at work, Rebecca learns she's getting a promotion and leaves the building conflicted by the news. Outside she is unable to calm her nerves when she notices another butter advertisement. This time it's on a large banner and posing the same question from the commercial.



Rebecca and Josh in 2005
Rebecca and Josh in 2005.
The sign directs her attention to a pedestrian passing by who she recognizes is Josh Chan. He is surprised to see her and Rebecca suggests they get a drink to catch up. Josh declines as he's tired of the big city life and is moving back to his hometown tommorow. He gives Rebecca his phone number and says she should get in touch with him if she is ever in West Covina, California. Rebecca considers their serendipitous reunion and turns down the promotion her boss Laura offers her. In short time Rebecca quits her job, makes arrangements, flies to West Covina, moves into her new residence and visits the local mall (♫ West Covina (song) ♫).



1x1 Josh waves goodbye
Josh waves goodbye.
In her new apartment Rebecca disposes of her prescription medications and ignores a voice message from her mother. She sends a text message to Josh for them to meet up now that she's town. Rebecca waits all night for a response but gets no reply. In the morning she heads to her new job at Whitefeather & Associates where she's given a tour by her boss Darryl Whitefeather. Rebecca meets the head paralegal Paula Proctor who is suspicious of the new hire. In his office Darryl asks Rebecca to represent him in his upcoming divorce proceedings. Rebecca tells him she'll consider it before leaving to follow up on a status update from Josh she got on her phone.



1x1 Rebecca meets Paula
Rebecca meets Paula.
She heads to Josh's last location, a local bar named Home Base, where she meets a bartender named Greg Serrano. He happens to be Josh's friend and tells her that she just missed him. Rebecca accepts an invitation from Greg to be his date for a party where he believes Josh will be. She returns to work and receives an update on a case from Paula who warns Rebecca she's going to figure out her true motivations for being in West Covina. Rebecca ignores Paula's threat and instead focuses on the grueling task of getting ready for the party (♫ The Sexy Getting Ready Song ♫). Back at the law firm, Paula goes into Rebecca's office and logs onto her computer. Meanwhile, Greg picks up Rebecca and takes her to the house where the party is held.



Home Base bar 1
Rebecca meets Greg.
When Greg questions Rebecca's interest in Josh she makes out with him to distract him while pumping him for information. She also uses this as an opportunity to scope the area for any sign of Josh. Their make out session/search is interrupted when Greg receives a text from his Josh. It reveals he wont be coming since he's attending a family function with his girlfriend. Rebecca is struck hard by the news that Josh is seeing someone and starts to cry even as she continues to make out with Greg. Confused and uncomfortable with her advances, Greg reluctantly rebuffs her and suggests that he just take her home. On their way out they run into Paula who just arrived at the party looking for Rebecca.



1x1 Rebecca keeps an eye out for Josh
Rebecca keeps an eye out for Josh
Paula asks to speak to Rebecca alone and reveals she knows about her cyber stalking Josh. Rebecca at first denies her accusations but the insanity of her recent actions finally dawns on her. As she starts to have an emotional breakdown Paula stops being confrontational and instead begins to comfort Rebecca. She insists everything that Rebecca has done was not because she is crazy but due to her being in love. Paula tells her she now has an ally in her quest to win Josh's affections just as Rebecca receives a text. She hands her phone off to Paula who confirms its Josh Chan asking her out to catch up. The two are elated by the sudden turn of events and become more optimistic about what this could lead to (♫ West Covina (reprise) ♫).



1x1 Enemies become allies
Enemies become allies.

Tag[]

Rapper "Nipsey Hussle" (who performed a brief rap during "The Sexy Getting Ready Song") is shown talking on the phone. After having seen the tortuous process Rebecca had to go through to prepare for a party he was forever changed. Nipsey made a list of various female background dancers who performed in his music videos. He then apologizes to each of them for having used them in such a sexist and exploitative manner.



Nipsey Hussle apology list
Rapper Nipsey Hustle made an apology list.

External Content[]

Recurring themes[]

Songs[]

Episode songs
West Covina song main image

"West Covina (song)"
Performed by: Rebecca Bunch
Writers: Rachel Bloom and Jerome Kurtenbach
Rebecca explores her new home of West Covina.

The Sexy Getting Ready Song main photo

"The Sexy Getting Ready Song"
Performed by: Rebecca Bunch
Writers: Rachel Bloom, Adam Schlesinger
Rebecca prepares for a house party where Josh is supposed to be.

West Covina song reprise

"West Covina (reprise)"
Performed by: Rebecca Bunch and Paula Proctor
Writers: Rachel Bloom, Adam Schlesinger
Rebecca and Paula resonate together as they dedicate themselves to the same purpose.

Continuity[]

Continuity lists
Narrative
The basic premise of the show is layed out in this episode.
  • Premise: On the cusp of receiving a promotion at her New York law firm, Harvard educated attorney Rebecca Bunch has a chance encounter with her ex-boyfriend Josh Chan. Believing this to be a sign, she quits her job and moves across country to chase after Josh who has just returned to his hometown of West Covina, California. She settles into her new residence where she gets acquainted with her new workplace, a new boss, meeting Josh's friend and trying to get in touch with the object of her affection. Rebecca unexpectedly gets an ally for her romantic quest in the form of her co-worker and new BFF Paula Proctor.
People
The principle cast of characters of this season (with the exception of Heather Davis who debuts in third episode) is introduced.
Places
Several recurring locations of the series are introduced:
Things
Several recurring items are introduced.

Pop culture references[]

List of pop culture references:
In her duet with Rebecca, Paula mentions several notable couples:

During his call, Nipsey Hussle mentions "The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir.

Production[]

Cast[]

Episode cast
Main cast
Featured

Quotes[]

It's actually such a funny story. So, I was in New York but I was looking to relocate to Los Angeles because I'm just, I'm a beach gal, and I ran into Chan, and he told me how great West Covina is and I'm like filing it away, filing it away, then boom! That same day I get this rando call from a 1/8 Chippewa who is very prominent in my field, asking me to start a position here. Crazy right?
— Rebecca Bunch


Episodes[]

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Episodes
veSeason One Episodes
Michael McDonald as Darryl Whitefeather    "Pilot" N/A
Directed by: Marc Webb - Written by: Aline Brosh McKenna and Rachel Bloom

New York attorney Rebecca Bunch moves to West Covina to pursue her ex-boyfriend Josh Chan.

1x1 main photo    "Josh Just Happens to Live Here!" October 12, 2015
Directed by: Marc Webb - Written by: Rachel Bloom & Aline Brosh MCKenna

New York lawyer Rebecca Bunch makes an impulsive decision to move to West Covina, California.

1x2 main photo    "Josh's Girlfriend is Really Cool!" October 19, 2015
Directed by: Don Scardino - Written by: Rachel Bloom & Aline Brosh McKenna

Rebecca unexpectedly bonds with Valencia much to the dismay of Josh and Paula.

1x3 main photo    "I Hope Josh Comes to My Party!" October 26, 2015
Directed by: Tamra Davis - Written by: Rachel Bloom & Aline Brosh McKenna

Rebecca thows a party in order to get quality time with Josh.

1x4 main photo    "I'm Going on a Date with Josh's Friend!" November 2, 2015
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Erin Ehrlich

Greg asks Rebecca out on a date while Josh hopes to land the job of his dreams.

Josh and I Are Good People! main photo    "Josh and I Are Good People!" November 9, 2015
Directed by: Alex Hardcastle - Written by: Michael Hitchcock

Rebecca goes to extremes to prove Greg that he's wrong about her being a terrible person.

My First Thanksgiving With Josh! main photo    "My First Thanksgiving With Josh!" November 23, 2015
Directed by: Joanna Kerns - Written by: Rene Gube

Rebecca gets invited to Josh's family Thanksgiving dinner where she hopes to impress his parents.

I'm So Happy That Josh is So Happy main photo    "I'm So Happy That Josh Is So Happy!" November 28, 2015
Directed by: Lawrence Trilling - Written by: Sono Patel

Rebecca becomes depressed after Josh and Valencia move in together.

My Mom, Greg's Mom and Josh's Sweet Dance Moves! main photo    "My Mom, Greg's Mom and Josh's Sweet Dance Moves!" November 30, 2015
Directed by: Steven Tsuchida - Written by: Rachel Specter & Audrey Wauchope

Rebecca's mother visits; Greg and Heather go to Christmas dinner with his mother and step family.

I'm Going to the Beach with Josh and His Friends! main photo    "I'm Going to the Beach with Josh and His Friends!" November 30, 2015
Directed by: Kenny Ortega - Written by: Dan Gregor & Doug Mand

Rebecca rents a party bus to hang out with Josh and his friends at the beach.

I'm Back at Camp with Josh main photo    "I'm Back at Camp with Josh!" February 1, 2016
Directed by: Michael Shultz - Written by: Jack Dolgen

Rebecca volunteers at a youth camp with Josh; Darryl invites Greg, Hector and White Josh over to his place for a party.

1x11 main photo    "That Text Was Not Meant for Josh!" February 8, 2016
Directed by: Daisy Meyer - Written by: Elisabeth Kiernan Averick

Rebecca accidentally sends a text meant for Paula concerning Josh to Josh himself.

Queso    "Josh and I Work on a Case!" February 22, 2016
Directed by: Steven Tsuchida - Written by: Aline Brosh McKenna & Rachel Bloom

Rebecca recruits Josh to help work on a case.

1x13 Promotional photo 5    "Josh and I Go to Los Angeles!" February 29, 2016
Directed by: Michael Patrick Jann - Written by: Aline Brosh McKenna

Rebecca faces off against her New York rival Audra Levine.

Josh is Going to Hawaii! Main photo    "Josh is Going to Hawaii!" March 6, 2016
Directed by: Erin Erhlich - Written by: Sono Patel

Rebecca is convinced by Paula to chase after Josh who is going to Hawaii.

1x15 Promotional photo 4    "Josh Has No Idea Where I Am!" 3/21/16
Directed by: Steven Tsuchida - Written by: Aline Brosh McKenna and Rachel Bloom

While on a plane trip Rebecca has a therapy session with Dr.Akopian.

1x16 Promotional photo 5    "Josh's Sister is Getting Married!" 3/28/2016
Directed by: Alex Hardcastle - Written by: Audrey Wauchope and Rachel Spector

Rebecca is asked to be a bridesmaid in Josh's sisters wedding.

1x17 Promotional photo 6    "Why Is Josh in a Bad Mood?" 4/11/2016
Directed by: Joanna Kerns - Written by: Jack Dolgen

Paula suspects Rebecca of having a steamy affair and Josh is upset when he discovers who that is with.

1x18 Promotional photo 9    "Paula Needs to Get Over Josh!" 4/18/2016
Directed by: Aline Brosh McKenna - Written by: Rene Gube

Relationships are forever changed at Jayma Chan's wedding.

CharactersSongsLocationsCast
ve Season Two Episodes
2x1 Promotional photo 10    "Where Is Josh's Friend?" October 21, 2016
Directed by: Marc Webb - Written by: Rachel Bloom & Aline Brosh McKenna

Rebecca and Josh continue their new relationship as Greg goes missing.

2x2 Promotional photo 1    "When Will Josh See How Cool I Am?" October 28, 2016
Directed by: Jay Chandrasekhar - Written by: Rene Gube

Rebecca plays table tennis to impress Josh as Greg tries to adjust to his new path in life.

2x3 Promotional photo 6    "All Signs Point to Josh...Or is it Josh's Friend?" 11/4/16
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Wauchope and Specter

Both Rebecca and Paula struggle with a big decision in thier personal lives.

2x4 Promotional photo 1    "When Will Josh and His Friend Leave Me Alone?" 11/11/2016
Directed by: Paul Brigantine - Written by: Erin Ehrlich

Rebbeca tries to reinvent herself in the wake of losing both Greg and Josh.

2x5 Promotional photo 1    "Why Is Josh's Ex-Girlfriend Eating Carbs?" 11/18/16
Directed by: Erin Erlich - Written by: Sono Patel

Rebecca tries to make amends with Valencia.

2x6 Screencap 1.jpg    "Who Needs Josh When You Have a Girl Group?" 12/2/2016
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Jack Dolgen

Rebecca, Paula, Heather and Valencia have a girls night out.

Who's the Cool Girl Josh Is Dating?    "Who's the Cool Girl Josh Is Dating?" 12/9/2016
Directed by: Jude Weng - Written by: Michael Hitchcock

Rebecca and Valencia team up to investigate Josh's new girlfriend.

2x7 Main photo    "Who Is Josh's Soup Fairy?" 1/6/17
Directed by: Linda Mendoza - Written by: Rachel Specter and Audrey Wauchope

Paula has Rebecca look after her son Tommy.

2x8 main photo    "When Do I Get to Spend Time With Josh?" 1/13/17
Directed by: Kabir Akhtar - Written by: Aline Brosh McKenna and Rachel Bloom

Whitefeather & Associates gets a new boss.

2x10 Promotional photo 5    "Will Scarsdale Like Josh's Shayna Punim?" 1/13/17
Directed by: Alex Hardcastle - Written by: Dan Gregor and Doug Mand

Rebecca returns to Scarsdale.

2x11 Promotional photo 13 edit    "Josh Is the Man Of My Dreams, Right?" 1/20/17
Directed by: Michael Patrick Jann - Written by: Elisabeth Kiernan Averick

Rebecca and Nathaniel get to know each other better.

2x12 Promotional photo 3    "Is Josh Free in Two Weeks?" 1/27/2017
Directed by: Alex Hardcastle - Written by: Katie Schwartz

Nathaniel's father visits the law firm as Rebecca gets stressed out.

Can Josh Take A Leap Of Faith?    "Can Josh Take A Leap Of Faith?" 2/3/17
Directed by: Aline Brosh McKenna - Written by: Aline Brosh McKenna

Unexpected life changing moments happen on Rebecca and Josh's wedding day.

CharactersSongsLocationsCast
veSeason Three Episodes
3x1 Promotional photo 1    "Josh's Ex-Girlfriend Wants Revenge." 10/13/17
Directed by: Erin Ehrlich - Written by: Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna

Rebecca is looking to make Josh pay for leaving her at the altar.

3x2 Promotional photo 13    "To Josh, With Love." 10/20/17
Directed by: Kabir Akhtar - Written by: Rachel Specter and Audrey Wauchope

Rebecca, unsatisfied with Paula's ideas to build a case against Josh, turns to Nathaniel for help crafting a truly evil plan. Meanwhile, Josh finds becoming a priest is harder than he thought.

Josh Is a Liar    "Josh Is a Liar." 10/27/17
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Michael Hitchcock

Rebecca starts a smear campaign to discredit Josh before he can turn everyone against her.

Josh’s Ex-Girlfriend is Crazy    "Josh's Ex-Girlfriend Is Crazy." 11/3/17
Directed by: Joseph Khan - Written by: Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosch McKenna

Rebecca is confronted by her friends about her recently uncovered history.

I Never Want to See Josh Again    "I Never Want to See Josh Again." 11/10/17
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Jack Dolgen

Rebecca returns to Scarsdale after hitting rock bottom.

Josh is Irrelevant    "Josh is Irrelevant." 11/17/17
Directed by: Max Winkler - Written by: Ilana Peña

Rebecca tries to recover from a suicide attempt.

Getting Over Jeff    "Getting Over Jeff." 12/08/17
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Erin Ehrlich

Rebecca accompanies Paula when she goes back to her hometown of Buffalo.

3x8 Promotional photo 13    "Nathaniel Needs My Help!" 01/05/18
Directed by: Jude Weng - Written by: Rachel Specter & Audrey Wauchope

Rebecca wonders if history is repeating itself as Darryl embraces a newfound superpower and Paula schemes again, this time for good.

3x9 Promotional photo    "Nathaniel Gets the Message!" 01/12/18
Directed by: Kabir Akhtar - Written by: Elisabeth Kiernan Averick

Rebecca discovers the powers and limitations of altruism as a new unexpected bromance forms between two other characters.

3x10 Promotional photo 1    "Oh Nathaniel, It's On!" 01/26/18
Directed by: Jude Weng - Written by: Sono Patel

Rebecca navigates major changes in her professional life and Heather gets a new opportunity.

3x11 Promotional photo 1    "Nathaniel and I Are Just Friends!" 02/02/18
Directed by: Erin Ehrlich - Written by: Rene Gube

Rebecca faces some fears in therapy while Paula brings a new friend to work.

3x12 Promotional photo 10 edit    "Trent?!" 02/09/18
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Dan Gregor and Doug Mand

Just as Rebecca tries to be more realistic and practical, Trent throws a wrench into her plans. At the same time Josh and Valencia reckon with their shared history.

3x13 Promotional photos 7    "Nathaniel Is Irrelevant." 02/16/18
Directed by: Aline Brosh McKenna - Written by: Aline Brosh McKenna and Michael Hitchcock

When Rebecca decides to make amends for her past, she finds some unexpected challenges. At the same time, West Covina awaits an important new arrival.

veSeason Four Episodes
4x1 Promotional photo 11    "I Want To Be Here" 10/12/18
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Rachel Bloom

Rebecca confronts the consequences of her guilty plea while an angry Nathaniel seeks solace in a retreat and Josh searches for answers.

I Am Ashamed    "I Am Ashamed" 10/19/18
Directed by: Audrey Wauchope - Written by: Erin Ehrlich

Rebecca, Paula, Heather and Valencia participate in a séance after a spooky discovery. Darryl takes his parenting duties to an extreme, while Nathaniel is determined to prove to his father he's the best person to run the law firm.

I'm On My Own Path    "I'm On My Own Path" 10/26/18
Directed by: Jude Weng - Written by: Alden Derck

As Rebecca contemplates her feelings about her career, Paula is forced to deal with a big client. Josh tries to get back in the dating game, while Heather and Hector deal with insurance.

I'm Making Up For Lost Time    "I'm Making Up For Lost Time" 11/02/2018
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Elisabeth Kiernan Averick

As Rebecca contemplates her feelings about her career, Paula is forced to deal with a big client. Josh tries to get back in the dating game, while Heather and Hector deal with insurance.

I'm So Happy For You    "I'm So Happy For You" 11/09/2018
Directed by: Erin Ehrlich - Written by: Ilana Pena

Heather and Valencia both have changes in their lives which leaves Rebecca reeling. Meanwhile, Paula has to adjust to some good news/bad news from her eldest son.

I See You    "I See You" 11/16/2018
Directed by: Dan Gregor - Written by: Jack Dolgen

Rebecca gets more than she bargained for during a day out with Darryl. Josh lends a helping hand to Paula, while Heather encourages Nathaniel to be a nice person.

I Will Help You    "I Will Help You" 11/30/2018
Directed by: Kabir Akhtar - Written by: Aline Brosh McKenna

Rebecca takes a trip to visit her mother while back home Josh housesits. Nathaniel helps one of Paula’s clients in an effort to do something good.

4x8 Promotional photo 9    "I'm Not The Person I Used To Be" 12/07/2018
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Rene Gube

Greg returns to West Covina, which forces Rebecca to question things she thought she knew about people she has loved in her life. Meanwhile, Valencia and Josh make some shocking discoveries while at their high school reunion.

4x9 Promotional photo 5    "I Need Some Balance" 1/11/2019
Directed by: Kimmy Gatewood - Written by: Elizabeth Kiernan Averick

Rebecca starts dating again while two of her ex-boyfriends get acquainted.

4x10 Promotional photo 1    "I Can Work With You" 1/18/2019
Directed by: Kabir Akhtar - Written by: Rachel Specter & Audrey Wauchope

Rebecca agrees to help out Darryl by offering to babysit and an unexpected guest crashes the evening. Meanwhile, Paula throws a game night.

I'm Almost Over You    "I'm Almost Over You" 1/25/2019
Directed by: Erin Ehrlich - Written by: Michael Hitchcock

Rebecca tries to stick to her plan for happiness while Nathaniel and Maya bond over their feelings of unrequited love.

4x11 Promotional photo 9    "I Need A Break" 2/1/2019
Directed by: Jack Dolgen - Written by: Ilana Pena

When Rebecca and Greg take a day trip, things don’t go quite as planned. Meanwhile, Paula has an incredibly stressful week.

4x13 Promotional photo 7    "I Have To Get Out" 2/8/2019
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Rene Gube

Rebecca supports Paula in her time of need despite, her own personal challenges. Emotions run high when Greg, Josh and Nathaniel have an unfortunate encounter.

4x14 Promotional photo 5    "I'm Finding My Bliss" 3/15/2019
Directed by: Kabir - Written by: Elisabeth Kiernan Averick and Michael Hitchcock

Rebecca tries out for the local community theater, while Paula is courted by various law firms.

4x15 Promotional photo 1    "I Need to Find My Frenemy" 3/22/2019
Directed by: Stuart McDonald - Written by: Alden Derck & Aline Brosh McKenna

Rebecca gets a call to help her old nemesis out of a complicated situation. Meanwhile, Nathaniel, Josh and Greg attempt to deal with their competing feelings for Rebecca.

I Have a Date Tonight    "I Have a Date Tonight" 3/29/2019
Directed by: Dan Gregor - Written by: Erin Ehrlich

Rebecca spends time with Nathaniel, Josh and Greg in an attempt to get clarity.

I'm In Love    "I'm In Love" 4/5/2019
Directed by: Aline Brosh McKenna - Written by: Rachel Bloom & Aline Brosh McKenna

Rebecca makes a life-changing decision about her future.

Yes, It’s Really Us Singing- The Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Concert Special    "Yes, It’s Really Us Singing: The Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Concert Special" 4/5/2019
Directed by: Marty Pasetta, Jr. - Written by: Rachel Bloom, Adam Schlesinger and Jack Dolgen

Rachel Bloom and the cast of the critically acclaimed series perform live versions of fan-favorite songs with incredible staging, multimedia visuals and a live band and orchestra.

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