SHE’S an American comedic actress, writer, sketch and improvisational comedian on a mission — to entertain and make people laugh out loud, as well as to bring African-American women to the fore.
Robin Thede’s new series, simply titled A Black Lady Sketch Show, does just that. The six-episode series which premiered here recently on HBO GO 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 creator Thede, together with Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis and Quinta Brunson.
Thede, who has worked as an entertainment correspondent, host and radio personality, became the first African-American woman to be head writer for a late-night talk show (The Nightly Show With Larry Wilmore) in 2015.
From 2017 to 2018, Thede hosted The Rundown With Robin Thede on BET. Below, she talks further about her new show, which she also executive produces and writes for.
INSPIRATION FOR THE SHOW?
I have been doing sketch comedy since I was a teenager, trained at the Second City in Chicago and have performed and/or written on more than half a dozen sketch comedy TV shows in my career. But the one common denominator was that women were never the face of sketch shows I performed on or saw on TV. So first, I started by creating live sketch groups in theatres in Chicago and Los Angeles, and then finally saw a window in my career to bring that passion to television.
ELABORATING ON ITS SIMPLE TITLE.
I didn’t want people to be confused! I wanted to state the obvious because it is ground-breaking and different in concept already. There has never been a show like this on American television before and that’s special. I also didn’t want people to tune in and ask “where are all the white men?” and be upset. With a title like this, you know what you are getting and you are ready to go along for the ride! It is also a celebration of all the incredible black women who put this show together, both in front of and behind the camera.
ANY PRESSURE TO DELIVER SOMETHING UNIQUE?
There was a British show called Three Non Blondes that was all black women, but this is the first of its kind in the US, for sure. I don’t feel pressure other than delivering a great show and that is my only goal at all times. Make something funny and revolutionary and come in under budget. You know, no pressure at all!
HOW WAS THE PROCESS DIFFERENT THIS TIME ROUND IN CREATING COMEDY?
I have been writing sketch comedy since I was a teenager so this was just very familiar to me. I like creating characters that are relatable but have a little magic as well. And being on HBO, we can really explore the limitless nature of black women playing very layered and three-dimensional characters.
THE CHALLENGES?
We made the show very quickly, in about six months, so that was an exhilarating challenge for us! But we didn’t want it to get stale and the network was very supportive of that goal.
WHO WERE THE GUEST STARS YOU HAD FUN WITH?
Angela Bassett, Laverne Cox, Patti Labelle, just to name a few. We were incredibly lucky to have so many amazingly talented people want to come play with us in Season 1 and I look forward to more in Season 2!
CONGRATS! DO YOU HAVE A CONCEPT OF HOW SEASON 2 WILL BE?
Thank you! It is all a secret, you will have to wait and see!
WHAT CAN COMEDY LOVERS HERE WHO HAVEN’T SEEN YOUR SHOW YET EXPECT?
A show that is specifically cast, but universally funny. It is hilarious, great fun and told through the lens of black women — but different types of black women who have varied integrates and backgrounds — so there’s something in there for everyone.
Watch A Black Lady Sketch Show on the HBO GO app or via www.hbogoasia.my.