Robin Thede is making a return to television with the help of Issa Rae. Variety reports that the comedienne will be starring in and executive producing A Black Lady Sketch Show for HBO. Rae will serve as a co-executive producer for the series.
Thede took to Instagram to announce the show, writing that she was “excited.”
“I created this show out of pure passion for all the amazing funny black women I am blessed to work with everyday. WE ARE HERE AND WE ARE READY. I can’t wait to share this show with the world,” she wrote.The show will feature a variety of celebrity guests, but it is expected to explore new territory in sketch comedy. It plans on upending the traditionally white and male space by not only presenting a central cast of smart and funny Black women, but also utilizing them as writers and directors.
Thede’s previous show BET’s The Rundown with Robin Thede relied heavily on a female production staff as well. Lauren Ashley Smith, who served as the head writer for that show, will also head the writing staff for A Black Lady Sketch Show.
“Oh and let’s be clear — it’s not a team ‘predominately of Black women,'” Thede said about the decision. “It’s ALLLLLLLLLLLL BLACK WOMEN. LET’S MAKE HISTORY.” =
Thede’s partnership with HBO appears to be evidence that the channel is tripling down on its commitment to Black girl magic. The network aired Amanda Seales’ debut comedy special, I Be Knowin’,and renewed Rae’s ode to all things young, Black, and gifted, Insecure, for a fourth season of the glow up. We can’t wait to see what Thede and Rae are cooking up!
