Three Reasons to be Excited about Robin Thede and Issa Rae’s New ‘Black Lady Sketch Show’ (Hint: Making History is One of Them)

Photo: The Collaborationist/Contour by Getty Images

When Black women link up, there’s bound to be magic and when Issa Rae appears – get ready for that magic to be taken to the next level. According to The Hollywood Reporter, up next from Issa and HBO is ‘Black Lady Sketch’. The half-hour sketch comedy — featuring, as its name implies, Black women — has been picked up straight to series. And while the premiere date hasn’t been decided yet, here’s a few reasons to get excited about it.

1. Issa has teamed up with another history making Black woman, Robin Thede.

If her name sounds familiar, it’s because Robin Thede, was one leading BET’s ‘The Rundown with Robin Thede,’ which was canceled last year. An accomplished host and comedian, Robin was the first African American woman to serve as head writer for a late-night series and for the White House Correspondents Dinner. Not only did she create the show, she’ll star, write and executive produce the project alongside Issa and her production company, Issa Rae Productions.

“I created this show out of pure passion for all the amazing funny black women I am blessed to work with everyday,” Thede wrote in an Instagram post. “WE ARE HERE AND WE ARE READY.” 

She added: “Oh and let’s be clear — it’s not a team ‘predominately of Black women’ — it’s ALLLLLLLLLLLL BLACK WOMEN. LET’S MAKE HISTORY.” Which leads us to reason number two. 

Photo: Robin Thede 

2. The show itself is already making history.

The Hollywood Reporter also shared that the straight-to-series offering is considered the first sketch comedy in TV history to be written by, directed by and starring an array of Black women. 

 3. The team is dynamic.

Did we already mention that the show is written by Black women and Black women only? Lauren Ashley Smith will serve as head writer and co-exec producer on ‘Black Lady Sketch Show,’ reuniting with Thede. Smith previously served as head writer on BET’s one-and-done effort ‘The Rundown with Robin Thede.’ Her credits include Bravo’s ‘Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen and VH1’s ‘Best Week Ever.’

As we wait on ‘A Black Lady Sketch,’ we’re gearing up for Issa in the movie ‘Little‘ along starring alongside ‘Black-ish’s’ Marsai Martin.