The History of Sketch Comedy Podcast with Keegan-Michael Key cover art

The History of Sketch Comedy

A Journey Through the Art and Craft of Humor With Keegan-Michael Key

 Preview
LIMITED TIME OFFER

3 Months Free + £10 Audible voucher

£5.99/mo after 3 months. Cancel monthly.
Get this deal
Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST.
More purchase options

The History of Sketch Comedy

By: Elle Key, Keegan-Michael Key
Narrated by: Keegan-Michael Key
Get this deal

£5.99/mo after 3 months. Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST. Cancel monthly.

From the beginning of time, there have been many monumental questions that have perplexed the human race such as: Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? And... Who’s on first?

In The History of Sketch Comedy, Emmy and Peabody-winning actor, writer and producer Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele, The Prom, Jingle Jangle) embarks listeners on an epic, insightful and utterly entertaining voyage through the annals of sketch comedy. Key takes us from the early flatulence jokes of Ancient Greece and the acting troupes of Europe in the 1500s, to the rise of The Second City in Chicago and his own comedy origins on the ball fields near Detroit’s 8 Mile. Equal parts masterclass, personal odyssey and virtuoso performance; Key's The History of Sketch Comedy dissects the landmark characters, concepts and performers that pushed the boundaries and forged new ground in the comedy pantheon, and along the way reveals his own experiences of discovering and being influenced by them.

Over the course of ten half-hour chapters, one of the most beloved voices of our time treats listeners to a private, millennia-spanning interpretation of sketch comedy history, from its humble past to its immodest present.

©2020 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC Performing Arts
Episodes
  • Episode 0: History of Sketch Audio Trailer

    Episode 0: History of Sketch Audio Trailer
    Jan 4 2021

    From the beginning of time, there have been many monumental questions that have perplexed the human race such as: Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? And... Who’s on first?

    In The History of Sketch Comedy, Emmy and Peabody-winning actor, writer and producer Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele, The Prom, Jingle Jangle) embarks listeners on an epic, insightful and utterly entertaining voyage through the annals of sketch comedy. Key takes us from the early flatulence jokes of Ancient Greece and the acting troupes of Europe in the 1500s, to the rise of The Second City in Chicago and his own comedy origins on the ball fields near Detroit’s 8 Mile. Equal parts masterclass, personal odyssey and virtuoso performance; Key dissects the landmark characters, concepts and performers that pushed the boundaries and forged new ground in the comedy pantheon, and along the way reveals his own experiences of discovering and being influenced by them.

    Over the course of ten half-hour chapters, one of the most beloved voices of our time treats listeners to a private, millennia-spanning interpretation of sketch comedy history, from its humble past to its immodest present.
    Show More Show Less
    1 min
    Try Standard free
  • Episode One: The Earth Cooled, and Then the Dinosaurs Came

    Episode One: The Earth Cooled, and Then the Dinosaurs Came
    Jan 28 2021
    Keegan covers the pre-history of sketch comedy, and dives into some of the seeds of comedy, drama and theater; which were planted by Sumerians and the Ancient Greeks. He also takes us on a personal history and explores his own career in comedy; including growing up in Detroit, and watching Saturday Night Live with his father.
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
    Try Standard free
  • Episode Two: I’m Gonna Get Medieval On Ya

    Episode Two: I’m Gonna Get Medieval On Ya
    Jan 28 2021
    We jump forward to medieval times, and the royal jesters’ politically sensitive role in court politics. Keegan moves on to describe the traveling troupes of Commedia del’Arte and their performers who forged comedy character tropes we know and love in sketch today. Keegan also shares his experiences as a performer at a Renaissance faire in Michigan… and yes he still has the full wardrobe.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
    Try Standard free
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
All stars
Most relevant
This is brilliant, listen to the first episode and you’ll be hooked. Thank you Keegan-Michael Key and Audible!

Wonderful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
While the series as a whole is great, this episode in particular really grabbed me. The history of the comedic archetypes was fascinating.

Fascinating and Funny

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I have enjoyed this because it is well researched and Mr Key clearly enjoys his subject matter. If you are on the fence then the author/narrator's enthusiasm will carry it. It's always good to listen to something done with love of the subject matter. This shines through although I agree that its a bit American (with other reviewers). To my mind however this is a plus as with this hyper level of enthusiasm you could sell me piss as vinegar LOL.

Nice to listen to someone who loves the subject

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This is a brilliant series. It's not overly funny, but that's not the point. It is a brilliant story about sketch comedy and makes you want to learn more. Keggan's love of sketch comedy is infectious. if you want to learn about the history and the games behind the most iconic sketches, this is the series for you.

brilliant

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I loved this. I had been a fan of Keegan M Key from Key and Peele, so his loose, conversational style didn't throw me. Rather, I found it compelling. This was meticulously researched and the sketches themselves, immaculately performed, so this approach made it feel less like a lecture and more like a back and forth. I also liked how eclectic and unsnobby it was, in terms of the ground it covered and as a Brit, I loved learning about sketch history from across the pond. Worked for me on every level.

Fascinating, funny and optimistic

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews