The History of Sketch Comedy

From the beginning of time, there have been many important questions that have perplexed the human race, such as: Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? and Who’s on first? Two of these questions might be above their pay grade, but the last one, Elle Key and Keegan-Michael Key both actually know a thing or two about.

Expanding on their Webby-Award-winning podcast, The History of Sketch Comedy is their engaging literary debut. The Keys take you on an illuminating journey through all facets of comedy, from the stock characters of commedia dell’arte in the sixteenth century, the rise of vaudeville and burlesque, and the golden age of television—to the ascension of comedy films and TV specials and even a look at the future of sketch on social media platforms.

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. With original 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 read for fans of comedy and all who aspire to comic greatness.

About the Authors

KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning actor, writer, and producer. Keegan is perhaps best known for starring alongside Jordan Peele in their multiple-award-winning show Key & Peele. His other credits include Apple TV+'s Emmy-nominated Schmigadoon!, Netflix's The Prom, the Critic's Choice-nominated Reboot on Hulu, and starring alongside Timothee Chalamet in the Warner Brother's feature Wonka.

ELLE KEY is an award-winning film, television, and commercial director, writer, and producer. She was born in New York City and spent her early years working off-Broadway with theater companies such as Malaparte, Naked Angels, and the Atlantic. Early in her career she produced a number of independent feature films including Nanette Burstein's Sundance award-winning documentary American Teen, August with Josh Hartnett, Naomi Harris, and David Bowie, and was a second unit producer on Doug Liman's Fair Game with Sean Penn and Naomi Watts.