6 Skits That Perfectly Showcase the Genius of HBO's A Black Lady Sketch Show
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There's only been one season of HBO's A Black Lady Sketch Show so far, but it's definitely been memorable. The Emmy-nominated comedy sketch series debuted on Aug. 2 with a core cast made up of comedic geniuses Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis, and Quinta Brunson, and boasts the first black woman director and black woman head writer of a sketch comedy show ever.
Skits like "Bad B*tch Support Group" and "Rome and Julissa" not only include an impressive array of guest stars like Angela Bassett, Patti LaBelle, Laverne Cox, Nicole Byer, and executive producer Issa Rae, but they also provide viewers with a brand-new experience: a black woman's take on sketch comedy. Some of ABLSS's skits explicitly address race and gender (like the recurring "Hertep," who is not invited to any weddings in the future), while others are just pure fun and showcase the wide range of talent that the core cast of actresses possess. I mean, how many actresses can pull off a mix of Shakespearean iambic pentameter and internet chat-speak to illustrate the Nicki Minaj/Cardi B stan culture?
If you haven't caught A Black Lady Sketch Show on HBO yet, you're in luck — the series has been renewed for a second season, and I'm here to help you catch up on what you've missed. Check out some of the highlights from the series's freshman season and catch ABLSS for yourself, on HBO.
"Hertep Homecoming"
If you're new to the politics of "Hoteps" and "Herteps," let ABLSS introduce you the ridiculousness of it all. Haley, or Dr. Hadassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman, Pre-PhD, is one of the best recurring characters in the show, and as she spits her "world-renowned philosophizer" wisdom, you'll realize you've definitely met someone like her before — though probably only on Twitter, thankfully. Even though I wholeheartedly agree with her daddy that Haley needs to sit her "5 percent ass, 100 percent of the way down," I also can't wait for her next appearance.
"Bad B*tch Support Group"
There is no universe where a skit featuring Angela Bassett and Laverne Cox wouldn't be ranked near the top of any list. Especially one where it's all about being a "bad b*tch," which is obviously a life goal for us all. Are you an aspiring "OK b*tch" trying to take deep breaths? Don't be scared — there's a support group for you. ("As long as you're not a basic b*tch!")
"The Basic Ball"
Speaking of basics, despite my desire to rise to the tier of "Bad B*tch," I'm really the exhausted child of House Tired. This "Basic Ball" sketch is serving me POSE for the everyday trivialities that makes the world go round. It's flashy, yet funny, and everyone can get into it whether or not they actually understand ball culture or not.
"227: The Reboot"
We love a classic comeback! This nostalgic parody of the '80s sitcom 227 is a perfect example of what makes ABLSS so important and unique — who else has ever thought to, or even could bring back such an iconic show? Everyone nails their impressions to a T, but Thede does such an accurate mimicry of Jackée's Sandra that it's almost eerie. And then, to have 227's cast appear for the ending? It's such a beautiful homage to the classic sitcom, and no one could have done it better.
"Rome and Julissa"
I'm not going to lie to you folks, the Shakespeare nerd in me jumped out with this sketch. So many worlds collide in the very best possible way: Shakespeare, niche dance parties, conversations about female rappers, and troubled teen romances! Brunson is at her peak in this skit, and Everybody Hates Chris's Tyler James Williams reminded me that he is, indeed, a grown man now.
Not only is the sketch funny, it's also just really clever. Addressing the absurdity of stan culture by using the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet is so damn good, especially combined with the use of Black English. It reminded me of my favorite episode of Disney Channel's The Proud Family, "Romeo Must Wed." Which basically means we need a hip-hop version of Romeo and Juliet, ASAP.
"Courtroom Kiki"
Honestly, this sketch is just pure perfection. If you don't have "Black Lady Courtroom," stuck in your head, you are lying!