In an exclusive statement to Variety, Robin Thede and HBO have confirmed that the fourth season of the Emmy-winning comedy series “A Black Lady Sketch Show” will be its last. Thede, the creator, star, and showrunner of the series, expressed her gratitude to the immensely talented cast, crew, and supporters of the show, acknowledging the significant contributions of Black women and women of color in every department.
Thede stated, “Thank you to all the immensely talented cast members, guest stars, writers, directors, editors, and crew members who have made ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ an Emmy-winning success. I especially want to recognize the Black women and other women of color who excelled in every department at ABLSS. I am also eternally grateful for the support of Issa Rae and Jax Media, Amy Gravitt, Casey Bloys, and the entire team at HBO, Max, and Warner Bros. Discovery.”
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For the series’ fourth season, which premiered in April, Thede starred alongside core cast members Gabrielle Dennis and Skye Townsend, joined by featured players DaMya Gurley, Tamara Jade, and Angel Laketa Moore. Notable veterans of the series included Quinta Brunson, Ashley Nicole Black, and Laci Mosley. Throughout its run, the series received critical acclaim, earning 13 Emmy nominations and historic wins for editing and directing. Daysha Broadway, Stephanie Filo, and Jessica Hernández became the first team of women of color to win the outstanding picture editing for variety programming in 2021, and Bridget Stokes became the first Black woman to win for directing a variety series in 2022. Additionally, the show was recognized with the TCA Award for outstanding achievement in sketch/variety shows in 2020, along with multiple Black Reel Awards, an HCA Award, and two NAACP Image Award nominations.
“A Black Lady Sketch Show” presented a unique perspective through the lens of Black women, utilizing sketches that challenged traditional expectations and humorously explored relatable themes such as hair struggles, ashy skin, and the dynamics of the Black church. The show’s existence alone was impactful, even when the subject matter wasn’t directly tied to Blackness.
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HBO commended Thede as a visionary comedic talent and celebrated the show’s groundbreaking and hilarious nature. Representatives for the network stated, “For four exceptional seasons of ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show,’ we’ve been thrilled to partner with her on this groundbreaking, hilarious series. Robin, alongside Hoorae, Jax Media, and the incredible cast and crew, leave an indelible legacy not only in sketch but in television comedy, and we look forward to continued creative collaboration under her deal with us.”
Thede, who signed a three-year overall deal with HBO in 2022, remains committed to creating content for HBO, the Max streaming service, and Warner Bros. Television. Currently, she is developing a half-hour comedy series entitled “Disengagement.”
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