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The History of Sketch Comedy

Written by: Elle Key, Keegan-Michael Key
Narrated by: Keegan-Michael Key
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  • Summary

  • 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
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Performing Arts
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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.
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    1 min
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  • 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.
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    33 mins
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  • 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.
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    37 mins
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What listeners say about The History of Sketch Comedy

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Profile Image for Dawn C.

laughed out loud, learned a lot

I absolutely loved this series! Keegan-Michael key performs each episode, and has you laughing throughout. I highly recommend! I have been sharing it with my friends all week!

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Profile Image for Marc Nicholson

Outstanding!

For a comedy nerd, this is just what I was hoping it would be.

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Profile Image for Alan T

i belly laughed and got smarterer

Excellent pacing, with fun asides and anecdotes It was informative, and well structured. Oh, and hella funny.

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Profile Image for edd

love his enthusiasm

his personal story interwoven with history of sketch. lots of references that I checked out on youtube

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Profile Image for Nathan Donoghue

Very enjoyable. Put many smiles on my face.

Keegan-Michael Key does a fantastic job of presenting a lot of information in a way that makes you oblivious to the fact that you are learning something. I have a list of sketches and bits to check out in my spare time, and also now have the context to understand a lot of other comedy. We learn and remember and it makes things funnier. I really enjoyed this, I think you will too.

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Profile Image for Melisa Paisley

Excellent!

This captured my attention from the very beginning and I learned so much! I loved it!!

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Profile Image for C Vedeel

A new favorite project to come from Audible

This and Neil Gaiman's release of the Sandman audio are my favorite things to come out of Audible so far and this one is free! I've been looking for something like this for years- a good and simple breakdown chronicling the grand history of skit comedy with the ever excited Keegan Michael Key.

As a kid (growing up in farm country in the late 80s early 90s) I'd also listen and memorize Abbot & Costello for fun but never dreamed it could lead to things like jobs. If Mr and Mrs Key are reading this:

a) Love your work
b) Thoughts on releasing a PG version of this for kids and teens)? I know a lot of my students who this would inspire to write more.

Cheers!
- Curtis

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Profile Image for Melissa Matthieu

Funny and Informative

I have a new respect and appreciation for sketch comedy. Keegan-Michael Key is very knowledgeable. His delivery of overall storytelling and comedy is wonderful. I very much enjoyed this audio book.

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Profile Image for TheMightyTitan

A little uninspiring, but an informative listen.

Keegan does a great job of trying to spice up the history of sketch comedy, even though the subject matter in my opinion is a little dry. I enjoyed the listen and would recommend it to anyone interested in comedy, or history.

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Profile Image for Amazon Customer

Perfection

Absolutely amazing, don't miss out on this incredibly funny and educational podcast. ...who is on first base

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