A Black Lady Sketch Show premiered with a season of six episodes on August 2, 2019, to "universal acclaim" according to review aggregator Metacritic. The first season received a 2020 TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sketch/Variety Shows and season two won three Black Reel Awards. Seasons one and two hold a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.[1]
The second season premiered April 23, 2021 after being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2][3][4][5] In May 2021, the series was renewed for a third season,[6] which debuted on April 8, 2022.[7] In June 2022, the series was renewed for a fourth season, which premiered on April 14, 2023.[8][9] In July 2023, the series was cancelled after four seasons.[10]
Series premiere. Two women seek an escape from an ominous fog. 1960s soul group Claude and The Boppers perform their hit song "Ice Cream Shop". A world-renowned author and "philosophizer" promotes her latest masterclass. Maya's confession in a support group gets a less-than-supportive response. Trinity, the Invisible Spy, meets a formidable adversary. Drea confronts a mysterious woman stealing her dance moves at a club. Fun and games lead to tension, as Robin, Ashley, Quinta and Gabrielle are stuck in a house after an end-of-the-world event.
A perpetually late-to-work Shayla decides to forgo her morning makeup routine, to her coworker Toni's dismay. Trinity the Invisible Spy hunts down The Recluse, an elusive villain with a surprising identity. An array of average, awkward contestants perform before a panel of judges at the Basic Ball. Security guard Fatimah helps an office worker investigate who stole her missing mug. Robin, Quinta and Gabrielle uncover a shocking truth about Ashley's nighttime ritual.
Asia is shocked by a very public, very unexpected marriage proposal from her new boyfriend DeWayne. New recruits talk about their goals and expectations at a gang orientation. A church service devolves when congregants take to the mic with self-centered motivations. Dr. Haddassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman turns a toast at her sister's wedding into a teachable moment. Gabrielle, Ashley, Quinta and Robin bond while discussing their ideal men and some of their worst dates.
A divorce party spirals out of control following Eboni's bad mushroom trip. The tragic tale of star-crossed lovers, Rome & Julissa. A 1930's groupie, Feather Atwood, sets her sights on Negro league baseball player Satchel Paige. A frustrated airline passenger seeks a like-minded customer service representative. Denise tries to prevent yet another breakup and its typical, unusual side effect. "Taskmaster," "Insecurity" and "Turnt" help Crystal navigate a possible cat-calling situation. Quinta, Gabrielle, Robin and Ashley lay down odd rules while playing cards to pass the time.
Four friends on a camping trip unknowingly disprove a stereotype. A pastor tries to take back control of his church potluck. A flight attendant struggles to get compliance from newlyweds Chris and Lachel in the exit row. Elementary school students notice a change in their teacher Ms. Miller. Jackie receives a less-than-warm welcome when she returns to her hometown high school. Robin, Quinta, Ashley and Gabrielle discuss their weird turn-ons and stage an intervention.
Season One Finale. Two friends come to regret their decision to visit a new black-owned restaurant. A mother and daughter go toe-to-toe in the latest episode of "Get the Belt". "Taskmaster," "Turnt" and "Insecurity" help Krystal through a surprise hot-air balloon ride. Carl and Lori's "special guest" has very specific boundaries. A judge, bailiff, court reporter and attorneys celebrate their first ever all-black lady courtroom. Tensions rise between Ashley, Gabrielle, Quinta and Robin as the reality of their situation sinks in.
Season 2 premiere. Dr. Haddassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman, Pre-PhD opines on the COVID-19 pandemic, national racial reckoning, and other social issues. Robin wakes up and realizes she is in a different apocalyptic scenario but this time with Ashley, Gabrielle, Skye, and Laci. Salina, informed by psychic Sabrina, goes to confront her old friend Ladonna, who ruined her life due to a 1996 game of MASH. An accidental joint bank robbery goes wrong. A woman's husband surprises her by taking her to her favorite restaurant, a male strip club. The all-Black lady courtroom is disrupted by a Black male lawyer.
The Invisible Spy goes on a blind date. Robin, Skye, Gabrielle, Laci, and Ashley explore the warehouse where they've taken cover during the apocalypse. A group of women on a girls' trip are approached by a woman who claims to know them. A market research meeting with a Black women focus group proves difficult. A historian traces the origins of CP Time to a pair of 19th century Black ladies' encounter with zombies. An enthusiastic cycling instructor leads a class for recently single women. Bryanni steps up her twerk game to impress Deshawn at the club.
Dr. Haddassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman hosts Gabrielle Union on her show Black Table Talk to discuss women in the workplace. Robin becomes suspicious of Skye and the amenities in the warehouse. Chris mourns his divorce at his sister's gender reveal party. Three women complain about their seats at the Last Supper of Jesus and his apostles. The ladies discover a cache of money and passports in the warehouse. LeeLee tries to hide the state of her hair for an impromptu booty call. Portia Coché takes offense when the take-out cashier only includes a single set of plasticware with her order.
A woman lays down to sleep but realizes she has an intruder. The Coral Reefs gang goes on a meditation retreat. Reesa's 35th birthday celebration is interrupted by the Fairy Aunt Mother. Skye confesses that there is a communication system in the warehouse. Ally's friends hold an intervention for her overly supportive behavior. Concert-goers enjoy singer Nona Love's performance.
11
5
"If I'm Paying These Chili's Prices, You Cannot Taste My Steak!"
Using the phrase "I wish a nigga would" has unexpected consequences. The TV competition Sit Down Somewhere Classic (1982) follows high school freshman Ceecee trying to find a place to sit in the lunchroom. A manicurist tries to up-sell her client. Upon the realization that everyone on Earth has died in the apocalypse, the ladies hold a Presidential debate. Inspirationalist Karlie Chanel holds a motivational speaking seminar. The subject of a meme gets revenge on the person who made the Tweet go viral. The Wigzard of Oz salon offers a high-quality experience to its clients.
Workplace compliments end in a fire. Skye tries to convince the other ladies not to leave the warehouse after a heated argument. Olivia attends a post-date press conference. Two thick women at a party deal with wearing the same outfit. A genie appears to mark the occasion of a group of Black people perfectly splitting the check. Two teams debate which role should have won Denzel Washington's first Best Actor Academy Award. The 2021 Brown Family Reunion includes judgmental aunties and classic line dances.
Crowds of Black women attend a hair product purge at the local beauty supply. Robin, Skye, Ashley, and Gabrielle awaken in a penthouse to find that an unknown kidnapper manipulated their perception of the end of the world. Dr. Hadassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman, pre-PhD visits Luther Vandross Diversity Academy for Career Day. A TV repairwoman pitches her show Trey's Anatomy to Ava DuVernay. Three scientists in 1968 manipulate the space time continuum by slapping each other into the past and future. The coach of the Mississippi Central track team shares the secret behind the team's success. Keisha bombs at a local comedy club's open mic night.
A school teacher discusses her boyfriend with her students, who think she may be a victim of catfishing. In Biblical times, Mary Magdalene and her friends await the resurrection of Jesus. A woman takes very seriously the spiritual quotes she has on wall art throughout her house. A security officer calls the bomb squad to help her defuse a bomb that is ready to explode. A funeral transforms into a ball with guests voguing
The weather forecast on "Turn Up Tulsa" focuses on how the weather will affect hair. At Toni's Bachelorette Party, the owner of a pomade product is the surprise male entertainer. Two mothers get into an argument during their daughters' Spelling Bee. At a Housewarming Party, the homeowners try to defend the decision to choose their house. At a painting class, a teacher is desperately looking for friendship.
A jewel heist is complicated by an especially chatty and distracted thief. The host at a Singles Mixer likes talking in double negatives. A woman looking for lotion to help her ashy feet meets up with the Devil. Chefs compete on a game show to see who can come up with best excuse to miss their friend's birthday party. A woman will turn into a werewolf unless her friend helps her break the curse.
Two astronauts crash land, but think they are on another planet. A lesbian couple adopts an adult, who one partner insists is really a three year old child. A tag-team wrestling match takes place among texting cliches. A woman appears in a political ad for an office in prison. Two women seem to be breaking up over what turns out to be an unusual reason. A lounge act duo are unable to finish a song because they are always arguing with each other.
In a dark alley, a woman fights against a series of "hair villains." Dr. Haddassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman Pre-Phd becomes President of the United States, and explains that she used mind-control on the four black women who thought they were the last survivors of the end of the world. A college student coming out as gay to her parents mistakenly thinks that her parents are upset with her, when in fact they are upset with the tarantulas on the wall behind her. At a bonfire on the beach, friends argue over how one of them always celebrates her birthday in a dramatic way. An uncle and his nephew get into an argument playing scrabble using racist words. A chipper camp guide can't get her students to enjoy camping. Trinity, the CIA's top agent foils a gang of gun thieves with the help of another woman distracting the men to exercise.
Vannessa Jackson, Naima Pearce, Amber Singletary, Jonterri Gadson, Natalie McGill, Jazz Pitcairn, Corin Wells, Chloé Hilliard, and Monique Moses
April 14, 2023 (2023-04-14)
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Congresswomen debate banning using Instagram Live during bachelorette weekends. The music video premiere of Flewed Out's "Girls Trippin". Priscilla, Hannah, and the Good Samaritan run into the Three Wise Men on their way to see the birth of Christ. Sloane Nawford, noted for playing Mary Magdalene, is interviewed for Actors Behind the Lens Speaking Seriously. Loudmouth Gretchen threatens to ruin a casino heist. Salina Duplass finally tracks down LaDonna for a redo of MASH.
Vannessa Jackson, Naima Pearce, Amber Singletary, Jonterri Gadson, Natalie McGill, Jazz Pitcairn, Corin Wells, Chloé Hilliard, and Monique Moses
April 21, 2023 (2023-04-21)
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Kimber Zak and Skip Appeal host the Baptismal Dunk-A-Thon. Roxy Mentions and Anna return for a murder mystery party. For her work as Roxy Mentions, Lucinda Singletary is interviewed for Actors Behind the Lens Speaking Seriously. Coworkers vent in the bathroom talk show, "Shit Talk". A woman irritates others at the movies using speech to text. Two girls compete for a spot in a gifted pre-K program, one of whom insists she is three.
Robin Thede, Vannessa Jackson, Naima Pearce, Amber Singletary, Jonterri Gadson, Natalie McGill, Jazz Pitcairn, Corin Wells, Chloé Hilliard, and Monique Moses
April 28, 2023 (2023-04-28)
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Two sorceresses face off on Curzuz. Black Table Talk returns with Colman Domingo as a guest. Inspirationalist Karlie Chanel pitches to TV executives. Known for her work as The Devil, Cookie Carusso is spotlighted for Actors Behind the Lens Speaking Seriously. Self-proclaimed "champion speedwalker" Deena Daleedah faces off against an old rival. As a daughter prepares for marriage, her mother hands down the family heirlooms.
Vannessa Jackson, Naima Pearce, Amber Singletary, Jonterri Gadson, Natalie McGill, Jazz Pitcairn, Corin Wells, Chloé Hilliard, and Monique Moses
May 5, 2023 (2023-05-05)
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Host Dilly Bird records an episode of Fresh to Def: The Black Culture Murder Podcast. Former defendant Trina brings a case to the Black Lady Courtroom as a newly-barred attorney. Actors Behind the Lens Speaking Seriously highlights Jazzterri Jackalterri, known for her work as Shantira the Bailiff. Queen Gladys Knight leads a meeting of the Knights of the Roundtable. A pair of friends attending Mary J. Brunch are negged by their waitress. Engineers at the Fashion Nova Space Center attempt to guide a space rover back from space with new intern Chris.
Vannessa Jackson, Naima Pearce, Amber Singletary, Jonterri Gadson, Natalie McGill, Jazz Pitcairn, Corin Wells, Chloé Hilliard, and Monique Moses
May 12, 2023 (2023-05-12)
N/A
Characters on the sitcom Why You Ain't Say Nothing? wonder why they haven't intervened in a friend's bad relationship. Ladies in 1800s London look to intriguing fast fashion to solve their beauty dilemma for the royal feast. Cousin Curtis turns guests checking in at a hotel off, while concierge Keema trades escalating room charges (and tea) with hotel guest Simone with super-fast dialogue. Actors Behind the Lens Speaking Seriously highlights Tony Barnum&Bailey, known for his work as Cousin Curtis. A woman visiting home tries to masturbate without judgement. An auction house auctions off luxury lifestyle goals, for the price of your dreams, time, and friendships. Prehistoric drama abounds on The Real Housewives of B.C.
Vannessa Jackson, Naima Pearce, Amber Singletary, Jonterri Gadson, Natalie McGill, Jazz Pitcairn, Corin Wells, Chloé Hilliard, and Monique Moses
May 19, 2023 (2023-05-19)
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A PSA warns viewers against the dangers of corporate capitalization on Juneteenth. Gang members get in hot water for not keeping up with their Slack channel and encounter a rival gang intruding on their coworking space. Actors Behind the Lens Speaking Seriously highlights Noémie Marceau, known for her work as gang leader Elisa, but technical difficulties loom. The soap opera drama ramps up when a new hire comes between two work wives on The Bold and the Cubicle. A woman on a treasure hunt finds her shady friends trying to make off with their finds. A classically trained ballet dancer auditions for a rapper's latest video. Dr. Hadassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman reveals a nefarious plot to take over the world.
In the summer of 2018, Robin Thede invited her close friends and fellow comedians Quinta Brunson, Ashley Nicole Black, and Gabrielle Dennis to help her develop a comedy series.[24] Thede then pitched the series to HBO as a way to address the dearth of Black women's representation in the American comedic landscape. Thede was encouraged by HBO executives to push boundaries and take risks with the show.[24]
The show was originally titled The Black Lady Sketch Show but the name was changed to communicate to audiences that the series is a single representation of Black women in comedy.[24] The show is thought to be the first sketch comedy series written, produced by, and starring Black women.[25]
On January 28, 2019, it was announced that HBO had ordered a half-hour sketch show, A Black Lady Sketch Show, written and created by Robin Thede.[26]Issa Rae is the co-executive producer with Thede through Issa Rae Productions, known as Hoorae as of 2021.[27][28] The season one director is Dime Davis.[29] Season two was directed by Lacey Duke and Brittany Scott Smith.[28] Bridget Murphy Stokes is the third season's director.[30]
On August 27, 2019, HBO announced that A Black Lady Sketch Show had been renewed for a second season.[2] Filming of the second season was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but on March 23, 2021 it was announced that the six-episode season would premiere on April 23, 2021.[4]
On May 24, 2021, HBO renewed the series for a third season.[6]
On June 2, 2022, HBO renewed the series for a fourth season.[8]
On July 6, 2023, it was announced that HBO cancelled the series after four seasons.[10]
New cast members Angel Laketa Moore, DaMya Gurley and Tamara Jade were announced for season 4 on March 21, 2023.[32]
Writers
Lauren Ashley Smith was the show's head writer for the first two seasons. Additional writers for season one are Brittani Nichols, Rae Sanni, Holly Walker, Amber Ruffin and Akilah Green.[33][29] Cast member Ashley Nicole Black also wrote for the show.[27] It is the first television series to have a writer's room entirely composed of Black women.[24] For the second season, Ruffin, and Nichols left the writer's room, and Kindsey Young, Shenovia Large, and Kristin Layne Tucker joined as additional writers.[28] The season three writer's room retained Large and brought on new writers.[30]
Release
The series premiered on August 2, 2019.[25] The second season premiered on April 23, 2021 on HBO and HBO Max.[28][4] Season three premiered on April 8, 2022.[30] Season four premiered on April 14, 2023.[32]
Reception
Season 1
The first season of A Black Lady Sketch Show received critical acclaim. On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the first season of A Black Lady Sketch Show holds an approval rating of 100%, with an average rating of 8.88/10 based on 20 reviews. The website's consensus reads, "Singular, subversive, and simply hilarious, A Black Lady Sketch Show finds universal humor in specific spaces to craft quick-witted sketches that perfectly showcase Robin Thede and her talented cast."[34] According to review aggregator Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, the first season received an assigned score of 89 out of 100 based on reviews from 7 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[5] In a review by Ali Barthwell for The A.V. Club, she wrote, "A Black Lady Sketch Show possesses a confidence in its first season that suggests the show is not interested in being chopped up into easily consumable chunks. A Black Lady Sketch Show seems more interested in creating a whimsical, loving world for its leads."[35] Writing for Vulture, Jen Chaney stated: "A Black Lady Sketch Show isn't just funny. Its sketches are consistently clever and surprising, often concluding with twist endings that add a whole other layer to the jokes that had us rolling a couple of minutes ago."[36]
The second season also received positive reception. It holds a score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes based on eight critics' reviews.[38]IndieWire journalist Kristen Lopez said that the season "once again delivers hilarity and absurdity in equal measure."[39] Margaret Lyons of the New York Times wrote that the show "has such a fun ear for specifics and lyricism, and the new season grows seamlessly into itself; the show's recurring characters are back, and Robin Thede, its star and creator, is as dynamic as ever."[40] Danette Chavez of The A.V. Club noted the show "has an air of reinvention" and "retains the cohesion, rapid-fire energy, and mix of culturally specific and universal humor that made the first season uproarious and a joy to watch."[37]
The second season received five Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Variety Sketch Series and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Sketch Series.[41] Daysha Broadway, Stephanie Filo, and Jessica Hernández received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Picture Editing for Variety Programming, the first all-women of color ensemble to receive the award in Emmy history.[42] Season two was named to "best" year-end lists published by Paste, The A.V. Club, The Root, and NPR.[43][44][45][46]
Season 3
The season holds a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes based on six critics' reviews.[47] Kristen Baldwin of EW rated the season an A− and hailed it as "consistently, ridiculously funny."[48] Similarly, The A.V. Club's Jenna Scherer described the show: "In its third season, A Black Lady Sketch Show continues to blaze a trail as a show both by and for its titular demographic, unafraid to make cultural references that will gleefully whizz over the heads of white viewers.[49]" Scherer also complimented the chemistry of the cast members: "they share such an easy rapport, riffing off each other seemingly effortlessly whether the moment is scripted or improvised."[49]
Robin Thede, Issa Rae, Tony Hernandez, Brooke Posch, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry, Lauren Ashley Smith, Dime Davis, Deniese Davis, Montrel McKay, John Skidmore, and Linda Morel
Robin Thede, Issa Rae, Tony Hernandez, Brooke Posch, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry, Tracey Ashley, Bridget Stokes, Chloé Hilliard, Deniese Davis, Montrel McKay, John Skidmore, and Linda Morel
Robin Thede, Issa Rae, Tony Hernandez, Brooke Posch, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry, Lauren Ashley Smith, Dime Davis, Deniese Davis, Montrel McKay, John Skidmore, and Erin Owens
