By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — One of HBO’s signature comedic productions has just been renewed. The network announced last week that “A Black Lady Sketch Show” would return for a fourth season. The program which was created and written by principal star Robin Thede concluded its third season in May. While there was general consensus that it would be back, the HBO announcement made it official.
The show’s content reflects the viewpoints and experiences of its core cast: a group of Black women living in a situation that frequently subverts traditional expectations. Besides Thede the show also stars Gabrielle Dennis, Ashley Nicole Black and Skye Townsend. Thede’s duties besides writing and starring include being showrunner and an executive producer. Issa Rae also serves as executive producer for HOORAE with Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry for 3 Arts Entertainment, and Tony Hernandez and Brooke Posch for JAX Media.
Amy Gravitt, EVP of HBO Programming, commented to the Shadow and Act website about the renewal, saying “Robin, Gabrielle, Ashley, and Skye brought so much life to each character they portrayed in every sketch. We’re beyond excited to explore even more comedic worlds with a fourth season of A Black Lady Sketch Show.”
Thede said, “A Black Lady Sketch Show has created an indelible mark thanks to the trust and support of the incredible team at HBO. We are ecstatic to be heading into a fourth season that means so much to our cast, crew, and the dedicated audience who so passionately loves our show.”
She also felt the past season was its best to date. “It is hands down my favorite season that we have done. We have 40 guest stars, we have these massive set pieces [and] we’re just breaking the boundaries of what sketch comedy can be, not for black women, but for comedians and for comedy, period,” she told Shadow and Act.
Thede added “anybody who watches this season and isn’t impressed has no humor in their body. We explore so many things and it’s our densest season. Between the four core cast members, we’re playing over 100 characters, well over 100 characters, in six episodes which is so dense and fun.”
All three seasons of “A Black Lady Sketch Show” are available to stream on HBO Max.