Key & Peele
Key & Peele
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Key & Peele

7.7
Yr 2012
Rt 20m
Status Ended
Comedy
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Series Brief

Overview

Key & Peele is an American sketch comedy television show. It stars Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, both former cast members of MADtv. Each episode of the show consists of several pre-taped sketches starring the two actors, introduced by Key and Peele in front of a live studio audience.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 85 /100

Key & Peele received positive critical acclaim for its sharp, modern approach to sketch comedy. Critics frequently praised the duo for their ability to navigate complex themes like race and cultural stereotypes with humor and intelligence.

The show is widely regarded as a standout addition to the sketch comedy genre. While some reviewers noted it serves as a distinct entry rather than a direct replacement for classic predecessors, the overall consensus highlights it as a clever and highly entertaining series.

“Witty sketch comedy series takes on race, stereotypes.”

“A pretty good sketch show.”

Why fans love it

Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key utilize the sketch format to dissect social dynamics and cultural tropes with surgical precision. By pairing sharp writing with high-end production values, the show elevates simple premises into complex, cinematic scenarios. The chemistry between the leads allows for seamless transitions between absurdist characters and biting cultural satire.

Instead of relying solely on recurring catchphrases, the series often pushes scripts until they reach a point of complete comedic collapse. These sketches frequently blur the line between traditional comedy and psychological tension. The inclusion of performers like Paul Walter Hauser adds layers of unpredictability to the performances, helping the show maintain a consistent edge through its 2012 premiere and beyond.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 2
Longest run 53 eps
Keegan-Michael Key
Keegan-Michael Key
as Various Characters
53 episodes
Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele
as Various Characters
53 episodes
Sarah Baker
Sarah Baker
as Barista
1 episode
Yassir Lester
Yassir Lester
as Laron's Friend #1
1 episode
Paul Walter Hauser
Paul Walter Hauser
as Overweight Guy
2 episodes
Lloyd Ahlquist
Lloyd Ahlquist
as Rap Battle Host
1 episode
Jordan Black
Jordan Black
as Pegasus Fan
2 episodes
Jerry Minor
Jerry Minor
as Pegasus Fan
2 episodes
Show 67 more
Cedric Yarbrough as Ruben Ramirez 2 episodes Malcolm Barrett as Harrassed Passenger 2 episodes Zac Oyama as Telemarketer 2 episodes Jeff Sloniker as Writer #5 2 episodes Ty Burrell as Colonel Hans Muller 2 episodes Omar Nazel as Teammate 3 episodes Danielle Nicolet as Wife #2 3 episodes Josh Fadem as Person at People Park #1 2 episodes Hal Rudnick as Writer #1 2 episodes Satya Bhabha as Food Truck Worker 2 episodes Mekia Cox as Michelle Obama 3 episodes Justin Hires as Laron's Friend #2 4 episodes Janet Varney as White Woman #1 2 episodes Larry Joe Campbell as Prayer Leader 3 episodes Marc Evan Jackson as Director 2 episodes Luis Moncada as Roberto 2 episodes Phil Augusta Jackson as Bystander #3 2 episodes Charles Robinson as Dying Father 2 episodes Ithamar Enriquez as Principal Martell 2 episodes Jeremy Rowley as Man 2 episodes Reggie Watkins as Leo 2 episodes Heather Anne Campbell as Math Teacher 2 episodes Michelle Buteau as Wife 2 episodes Daniele Gaither as Real Instructor 3 episodes Damion Poitier as The Police Alien 2 episodes Cale Hartmann as Writer #2 3 episodes Rob Delaney as Campaign Advisor 3 episodes Matt Wheeler as Cop 5 episodes Metta Sandiford-Artest as Self 9 episodes Matt Corboy as SWAT Team Officer 2 episodes Trevor Ware as Bassist 2 episodes Gary Anthony Williams as Johnson Family Member 3 episodes Jason Ishmael Echols as Mr. Lewis' Posse 2 episodes Nic Wegener as Writer #4 2 episodes Melissa Stephens as Jiu Jitsu Woman 3 episodes Rebecca Drysdale as Madame Thénardier 2 episodes Adolphus Ward as Old Man at Bar #1 2 episodes Eric Price as Tommy 2 episodes Courtney Pauroso as Emily 2 episodes Alex Fernie as D 2 episodes Reggie De Leon as Ricardo 2 episodes Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Dad #3 2 episodes Brendan Hunt as Suspect 5 episodes Lindsay Ames as Marvel Employee #1 2 episodes Bill Seward as Geoff Worthing 3 episodes Eugene Cordero as Baseball Player 2 episodes Nyima Funk as Real Instructor 4 episodes Joshua Funk as DJ Simon Says (voice) 5 episodes Cynthia Blaise as Adoption Agency Worker 4 episodes Ronnie Adrian as Guy 2 episodes James Pumphrey as Guy at Party 3 episodes Charlie Sanders as Cop 4 episodes Madison Mason as Right Wing Senator 3 episodes Colton Dunn as Negrotown Cab Driver 4 episodes Todd Christian Hunter as Destructo 2 episodes Ian Roberts as Crazed Spectator 2 episodes Frank Caeti as Party Guest 2 episodes Brett Johnson as Dan Smith 2 episodes Brian Shortall as Rick Nickelsby 3 episodes Shelby Fero as Denise 2 episodes Mars Crain as Prisoner 2 episodes Zack Pearlman as Aaron 2 episodes Nicole Randall Johnson as Rap Video Mom 2 episodes Julian Sergi as Blake 2 episodes Carlson Young as Jacquelin 2 episodes Julian Gant as Man 2 episodes Edward Fordham, Jr. as Bus Driver 3 episodes
Production Board

Crew

Editor
Nicholas Monsour
Line Producer
Linda Morel
Producer
Ian Roberts
Set Production Assistant
Elliot Gannon
Signal Match

Similarity

Where Key & Peele overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

sketch comedy
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
January 31, 2012
Status
Ended
Episode Runtime
20 minutes
Origin
US
TMDB Votes
232