2019 seems poised to be the year that sketch comedy makes its big return. For years, this form of comedy was dominated by lackluster seasons of “Saturday Night Live.” But with ‘SNL’ drawing big ratings thanks to the current political atmosphere, there’s a renewed interest in sketch comedy. The baton was carried earlier this year with Netflix’s “I Think You Should Leave” (arguably the funniest show of the year, so far). And now, HBO hopes to keep the sketch comedy train moving with its upcoming “A Black Lady Sketch Show.”
As the name and new trailer suggest, “A Black Lady Sketch Show” features a core cast of Black female comedians as they perform various sketches. The trailer highlights a couple of situations, including an awkward encounter on a plane and the explanation of a “Flintstones date” (not going into detail about that here, so just watch the trailer).
The series features a core cast including Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis, and Quinta Brunson. However, as with all good sketch shows, you can expect some high-profile guest stars like David Alan Grier, Angela Bassett, Lena Waithe, Issa Rae, and Patti LaBelle. “A Black Lady Sketch Show” is executive produced by the aforementioned Thede and “Insecure” star Rae.
“A Black Lady Sketch Show” arrives on HBO on August 2.
Here’s the synopsis:
A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW is a narrative series set in a limitless magical reality full of dynamic, hilarious characters and celebrity guests. The show presents sketches performed by a core cast of black women, including Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis and Quinta Brunson.