The Hub Entertainment Watch List: A Black Lady Sketch Show
What’s better than a regular sketch show? One might say A Black Lady Sketch Show which is available for binge-watching pleasure on the streaming service, Max. A Black Lady Sketch Show debuted in 2019 and is a half-hour sketch comedy series written and starring Robin Thede. The series featured Issa Rae behind the scenes (and at times with cameos) as an executive producer.
Season four was released back in April with six episodes and a core cast that included Thede as well as Gabrielle Dennis and Skye Townsend. Viewers are able to see new content in addition to fan-favorite characters from previous sketches including the biblical women, the Coral Reefs gang and Dr. Haddassah. A Black Lady Sketch Show sought to portray Black women living funny, relatable experiences while challenging traditional expectations in a magical reality. The ladies created satirical skits on friendships/relationships, murder mysteries and true crime, major news corporations, clothing companies and more this season. Sketches of the previous seasons ranged from the aesthetic of Black women and new friendships to rocky relationships and work life.
Like seasons of the past, there are also celebrity guest appearances. This season witnessed special guests such as Kyla Pratt, Omarion, Tank, Bobby Brown and Tracee Ellis Ross. Previous seasons have seen features from Angela Bassett, Patti LaBelle, Michael Ealy, David Alan Grier, Kelly Rowland and plenty of others.
Fans of sketch comedy can be a tough crowd but the women of A Black Lady Sketch Show made sure to bring their A-game. “I’m so in awe of this cast, who all offer each of their own talents and skills in such unique ways,” noted Thede to Variety Magazine. Their efforts have paid off as the show has garnered more than a dozen Emmy nominations and three wins. The impact of the show can also be seen in philanthropic ways. Thede announced that all of the clothing and shoes from the series will be donated to organizations dealing with the homeless population.
Despite the success of the series, A Black Lady Sketch Show was not renewed for a fifth season with Max. Thede emphasized her gratitude for the support and stellar cast when announcing the news. In an Instagram post, Thede stated: “Thank you to all the immensely talented cast members, guest stars, writers, directors, editors and crew members who have made A Black Lady Sketch Show an Emmy-winning success.” HBO described Thede as a visionary while complimenting the legacy that the show has left behind in both sketch and television comedy.
