By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — One of the most innovative and edgy comedies on broadcast, cable TV or streaming services will be back next season. HBO announced this week that Robin Thede’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show” would receive a third season. Thede, the creator, showrunner, executive producer, writer and star of the Emmy-nominated narrative comedy show, told Variety.com that making the show has been a dream come true. “I’m honored to continue our incredible series and wonderful partnership with HBO, Issa Rae, JAX Media and our entire producing team,” she added in a statement.
The first season debuted in August 2019. It ultimately earned three Primetime Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Variety Sketch Series, Directing for a Variety series and Guest actress in a Comedy Series (Angela Bassett). The second season, which recently premiered, continued its practice of having a core cast of Black women featured in surprising and entertaining experiences.
“Robin continues to break new ground in the world of sketch comedy. She delivered a hilariously sharp second season, and we’re looking forward to seeing where Robin, Issa Rae and the “A Black Lady Sketch Show” team take us in Season 3,” Amy Gravitt, EVP of HBO Comedy Programming said.
“I can’t wait to push the show even further in Season 3 and to keep delivering the laugh out loud content our audience loves to see,” Thede added. “I see this show as a budding comedy institution, where Black women can play fully-realized, non-stereotypical characters and I am so grateful for the opportunity TSU stories to continue to create that space for today’s premiere comedians.”
Besides Thede, other executive producers include Issa Rae for Hoorae; Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry for 3 Arts Entertainment; and Tony Hernandez and Brooke Posch for JAX Media. Lauren Ashley Smith serves as head writer and co-executive producer, and Deniese Davis and Montreal McKay produce for Hoorae. John Skidmore produces for JAX Media.
The second season finale airs Friday night. All episodes are also currently available to stream on HBO Max.
