Get ready for conspiracy theories, the best spy in the world, a new take on the Last Supper, and cameos galore. “A Black Lady Sketch Show” is finally back. Created by Robin Thede, the beloved sketch series is written, directed, and toplined entirely by Black women.
The second season builds on what made the first so wonderful: the specificity, the goofiness, the joy, and the amazingly talented cast. In fact, the only bummer about Season 2 is that Quinta Brunson isn’t in it due to scheduling conflicts. On the bright side, Laci Mosley and Skye Townsend have joined the cast and they more than keep up with original cast members Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, and Gabrielle Dennis.
The element of surprise is vital to comedy, especially sketch comedy, so won’t give too much away. I will say that Dr. Hadassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman, pre Ph.D., is still spewing her nonsense, Trinity is still invisible and excellent at her job, and there is another celebratory courtroom scene to look forward to. And Issa Rae (who exec produces) and Gabrielle Union are among the many familiar faces who stop by for a skit or two.
Besides being hilarious and well-done in its own right, the show’s return feels especially welcome at this moment, when depictions of Black pain versus joy are the subject of much debate. The characters of “A Black Lady Sketch Show” aren’t always happy and their lives aren’t always easy, but the series itself is imbued with an impossible-to-resist sunniness. Thede and Co. are sensitive to the real-life hardships of Black people, and Black women in particular, yet they’re just as sensitive to their humanity and humor. (See Trinity, a full-figured Black woman who is routinely overlooked and ignored, which is infuriating but is also why she’s a fantastic spy.) “A Black Lady Sketch Show” is not a wrenching watch, but it’s not apolitical either. Instead it’s testament to funny, creative Black women — and an implicit call for more of their stories.
Season 2 of “A Black Lady Sketch Show” premieres at 11 p.m. EST tonight on HBO and HBO Max.
