A Black Lady Sketch Show: Season 1

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Universal acclaim based on 8 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 39 Ratings

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5.6

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5.6	Your Score
5.6	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 39 Ratings

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A Black Lady Sketch Show: Invisible Spy Part 1

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Season Details & Credits

HBO | Season Premiere Date: August 2, 2019

Summary: Ashley Nicole Black, Quinta Brunson, Gabrielle Dennis, Robin Thede are some of the core cast of this comedy sketch series from Thede.

Creator: Robin Thede

Genre(s): Comedy

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Season 1 Episodes

tbd
S1:E9. A Black Lady Sketch Show 08
Air Date: April 30, 2021
tbd
S1:E8. But the Tilapias Are Fine Though, Right?
Air Date: April 23, 2021
tbd
S1:E7. But the Tilapias Are Fine Though, Right?
Air Date: April 23, 2021

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Ali Barthwell

Aug 2, 2019

A Black Lady Sketch Show’s political impact is allowing for a unique and compelling set of Black women to center their voices and create a fun and sprawling universe to hang out in. Read full review

LaToya Ferguson

Aug 5, 2019

In A Black Lady Sketch Show, all four stars get a chance to shine throughout the season, each having their own moments as the MVP of a sketch. ... It’s probably also worth noting that it accomplishes its goal of actually being funny. Read full review

IndieWire Tambay Obenson

Oct 18, 2019

Robin Thede's history-making series is a welcome respite from other late-night shows that tend to overlook black women's narratives. Read full review

Dan Fienberg

Aug 1, 2019

Thede's superb new series A Black Lady Sketch Show, a funny, provocative, consistently high-energy offering. Read full review

Kelly Lawler

Aug 1, 2019

A hilarious and witty comedy series that has a lot of jokes other comedians may not think of. The lightning-fast sketches manage to be universal and specific, enjoyable by more than just its obvious target demographic, but also serving an audience long ignored by Hollywood or thought of as "not ready" or "not funny." Read full review

Mekeisha Madden Toby

Aug 1, 2019

Funny, irreverent, subversive and self-aware. ... Every episode (HBO previewed the first six for critics) has at least three noteworthy sketches that will make viewers revel, ruminate and post. ... While the show won’t make everyone laugh – What sketch comedy offering does? – or even appeal to all black women it will resonate with those seeking refuge from the endless cycle of internet outrage. Read full review

Rachelle Hampton

Aug 6, 2019

As with all sketch shows, some of the sketches work better than others. ... There is often a feeling when watching a show or a movie with a predominately black cast, that something is being explained or translated to a presumed white audience, and thus a sense of intimacy, of accuracy is lost. In not even attempting to translate, A Black Lady Sketch Show only gains. Read full review

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5.6

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User Reviews

dernspirit

Aug 30, 2019

Loved the generic, loved the sketchs and topics, loved the characters (Dr. Hadassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman, Pre-PhD).

There is so much quality in this TV show. It treats of cultural, historical, political, day to day life situation. It should be normal to get that kind of TV, but as ofLoved the generic, loved the sketchs and topics, loved the characters (Dr. Hadassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman, Pre-PhD).

There is so much quality in this TV show. It treats of cultural, historical, political, day to day life situation. It should be normal to get that kind of TV, but as of today it is still rare. What has accomplished Robin Thede and her team is beautiful.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All_ButTrU4

Dec 22, 2021

funny, endlessly relatable sketch show that whilst being versatile and dynamic keeps a narrative thread based in a surrealistic apocalyptic group hang.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

JonnyDean

Oct 30, 2019

Very hilarious sketches, but the "trapped in a house" thing was puzzling to me.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

notor12

Dec 13, 2019

Confusing because in many ways this show is very well executed, particularly in the characters, their relationships, and the sketch narratives. But the fatal flaw seems to be the show is consistently lacking a real punchline in virtually every sketch.

From what I've seen so far it justConfusing because in many ways this show is very well executed, particularly in the characters, their relationships, and the sketch narratives. But the fatal flaw seems to be the show is consistently lacking a real punchline in virtually every sketch.

From what I've seen so far it just doesn't make me laugh. I'm often left scratching my head about where the joke was supposed to be in a sketch.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

pamev

Aug 26, 2019

Perfect in every sense except one. Well-shot, engaging performances, ambitious ideas, messages worth messaging . . .
just not funny

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

yiven35836

Oct 30, 2019

Several sketches show impressive narrative and comedic acrobatics, but not one manages to land on its feet.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11