The History of Sketch Comedy

A Journey Through the Art and Craft of Humor

De: Keegan-Michael Key, Elle Key

Narrado por: Keegan-Michael Key

Authors Keegan-Michael Key and Elle Key build on the popularity of their 2022 Webby Award-winning podcast and delve deeper into the world of sketch, helped along with new essays created expressly for the book by comedy greats.

The History of Sketch Comedy will appeal to all kinds of comedy fans as well as fans of Keegan-Michael Key, whether they know him from his Emmy and Peabody-winning work on Key & Peele; his roles in Fargo, The Prom, Schmigadoon!, The Bubble, and Wonka; voiceover work in The Lion King; or as President Barack Obama's anger translator, Luther.

With epic personal tangents and hilarious asides, the Keys take you on an illuminating journey through all facets of comedy from the stock characters of commedia del arte in the 16th century, to the rise of vaudeville and burlesque, the golden age of television comedy, the influence of the most well-known comedy schools, and the ascension of comedy films and TV specials—all the way through to a look at the future of sketch on social media platforms. Along the way, we hear tales of Keegan's childhood, his comedy influences, and the vicissitudes of his career path. As the New York Times said in its review of their podcast, "this comedy nerd history is filtered through memoir, with Key relating stories of his budding fandom, training and rise from improv comic to television sketch artist."

Part memoir, part masterclass, and hilariously embellished with priceless commentary, The History of Sketch Comedy highlights the essential building blocks of sketch comedy while interweaving Keegan's personal career journey and the influence of his comedy heroes. The text includes exclusive essays compiled from conversations with influential performers, sketch writers, and uber comedy fans including Mel Brooks, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mike Myers, Chris Rock, John Oliver, Tracy Morgan, Carol Burnett, Jim Carrey, Jordan Peele, and many more. This book is as entertaining as it is enlightening—a must-hear for fans of comedy and all who aspire to comic greatness.

Expanding the hit podcast: With content from the number one trending, NAACP-award-nominated and Webby-Award-winning Audible podcast, and featuring new-for-the-book material as well as never-before-heard stories and essays, this book will be a hit for newcomers and avid listeners of the podcast alike.

Master of the medium: Keegan-Michael Key is a bona fide maestro of comedy, with the chops, experience, and love for the history of the medium that make him the perfect expert on all things sketch. As co-writer Elle Key likes to say, "If Keegan-Michael Key was a guest lecturer at NYU teaching a course called 'The History of Sketch Comedy,' it would be a very popular class."

Exclusive essays: Keegan and Elle interviewed more than a dozen comedy legends exclusively for this book and got their takes on topics ranging from the influence of Saturday Night Live, to women in comedy, to the mathematics of sketch. Hear, in their own words, from Mel Brooks, Mike Myers, Jordan Peele, Julia-Louis Dreyfus, John Oliver, Tracy Morgan, Stephen Colbert, Carol Burnett, Chris Rock, Bob Odenkirk, Mike Birbiglia, Matt Lucas, Ken Jeong, Christopher Guest, Gary Oldman, Kevin Nealon, Laraine Newman, and Jim Carrey.

Giftable volume of comedy gold: The perfect gift for comedy fans of all ages as well as anyone aspiring to write, perform, or produce comedic art.

Perfect for:

• Comedy lovers of all kinds
• Fans of Key & Peele
• Fans of improv, sketch, stand-up, and shows like SNL, MadTV, Monty Python, and Mr. Show
• Gift giving or self-purchase for established and aspiring comedians
• Fans of such best sellers as Bossypants, Yes Please, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Born Standing Up, and Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama

©2023 Keegan-Michael Key and Elle Key (P)2025 Audible, Inc.

Great book

I loved Keegan’s enthusiasm while reading. I can feel his love for sketch comedy as I was listening

A comedy nerds must have!

A comedy nerds must have! Keegan is so funny! Take notes! Have a great listen! Great Stuff!

Hilarious AND Enlightening

I'm grateful that Key performed his own book. I can't imagine any other way to get through it. But I don't understand why Rowan and Martin's Laugh-in wasn't included- perhaps I missed it?

What genius looks like when it is worn lightly like it's easy or something

The genius of the writing, the incredible insight into comedy, the sheer intelligence shown in the analysis, and the pitch perfect performance of the book

Do NOT listen to this, unless...

...unless you can drive, walk, or even sit while holding your sides as you double over in laughter! This. Is. My. JAM!

Sketch Comedy by two of the best creators of Sketch Comedy

The author manages to explain many examples and types of humor related to sketch comedy, without draining the humor from it. It was interesting, and witty, and I loved every moment of the book. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about sketch humor while laughing all the way through.

Keegan Does A Decent Keegan Impression

This is a very entertaining look back at the history of sketch narrated by one of the medium's living legends. Keegan's Keegan impression is decent, but his Tracy Morgan and Arnold Schwarzenegger are pretty darn hilarious.

Interesting but not my cup of tea

Great facts, just found the attempted humor and bits from his reading distracting, and more about Keegan than the history. I love the honoring of comedy and its origins the book talks about!