21st Century Sketch Comedy: An Essential Guide!

The 21st Century has been home to plenty of sketch comedy series, seeing the platform take giant steps in concept, tone, and versatility along the way. With countless examples of programs that have taken the world by storm in the last 20 years, here is an essential guide to the modern day sketch show, featuring programs that have defined the medium since 2000!

1. "I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson"

You can’t talk about contemporary comedy without mentioning Tim Robinson’s "I Think You Should Leave". A collection of absurd premises, blatantly aggressive characters, and a portfolio of rejected "SNL" sketches from Robinson’s time on the show, this Netflix installation has had a chokehold on the world of comedy since its 2019 arrival. Robinson’s style and humor has informed a whole generation of comedy lovers, with viral memes and insanely quotable moments. A classic example of the show's insane tone and zany premises is the “Hotdog Car” sketch, which you can watch below. (Stream on Netflix)

2. "Always Friday TV"

While not quite as well known as Tim Robinson’s show, "Always Friday TV" is a project from the Almost Friday media company that can be found on YouTube. Often spoofing contemporary concepts, internet tropes, and other modern-day media staples, "Always Friday TV" is a hidden gem that is months away from being the most popular sketch platform in entertainment. With premises from scrolling the Netflix top 10 and AirBnb commercials to dropping the phrase "Do You Know Who My Dad Is?", the creativity and familiarity of this series is unmatched. (Stream on YouTube) 

3. "The Eric Andre Show"

While not your traditional sketch show in regard to format, "The Eric Andre Show" has enough pre-meditated intention and improvising to label it as such. Headed by Eric Andre and his sidekick, Hannibal Burress, this Adult Swim staple takes absurdity to the next level. Often blending reality and fiction, Andre’s public pranks and ridiculous interview antics are truly one-of-a-kind. This show has pushed the limits of television in every sense, with Andre being naked on the regular, posing as a fake police officer, and kicking Flavor Flav in the face. (Stream on Hulu)

4. "Key and Peele"

Another show that informed an entire generation of comedians and audiences is "Key and Peele". With a scorching 5-season run, Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key took sketch comedy to the next level in regard to social commentary, contemporary humor, and incredible character acting. With viral sketches like "Substitute Teacher" and "East West Bowl", you will be hard pressed to find a fan of comedy who hasn’t seen their fair share of "Key and Peele" sketches. (Stream on Paramount+ and Pluto TV)

5. "Portlandia"

Though "Portlandia" did not inform the Millennial generation of its humor, it in fact had an inverse relationship, parodying and presenting the humor of this generation throughout its run. Anchoring itself in the epitomical hub of Millennial culture in Portland, Oregon, Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armison created sketches and recurring characters that encapsulate the attitudes and sense of humor of Gen-Y. Expertly satirizing the hipster culture, Armisen and Brownstein also killed viewers with their remarkable chemistry, featured in sketches like "Colin the Chicken". (Stream on Netflix)