The Top 20 Hilarious Key & Peele Sketches, Ranked

Article Overview

"Key and Peele" pushed boundaries with its adult-based humor, tackling social awareness, race relations, ethnic stereotypes, and pop culture references.

The show brought forth unforgettable characters including Luther, Obama's rage interpreter, as well as Meegan and Andre, the uncomfortable couple. The skits were a blend of comedy and introspection, tackling important topics such as bullying, child abuse, and homophobia, all while ensuring audiences remained thoroughly entertained.

The Key and Peele skits on cable television took a bolder approach to current events than those on shows like Saturday Night Live. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, who previously worked on Mad TV, brought a more mature brand of humor to their show, addressing social awareness, race relations, ethnic stereotypes, and pop culture. This resulted in five seasons, 53 episodes, and 298 unique sketches before the series ended in 2015.

Key and Peele episodes introduced audiences to a variety of memorable characters who made regular appearances. These included Luther, the anger translator for former President Barack Obama, the awkward couple Meegan and Andre, The Valets with their passionate love for movies, and many more. They also put their own spin on real-life figures, particularly in sketches featuring their interpretation of President Obama. With such a wealth of exceptional sketches to choose from, Key and Peele's finest skits stand among the best on television.

20. Gremlins 2 Brainstorm

Season 5, Episode 9

In season 5, Jordan Peele portrayed Star Magic Jackson Jr., a self-proclaimed sequel doctor. His job was to ensure that whenever a studio released a lackluster movie, he would step in to make it a success. In one memorable scene, he joined a meeting of the writing team working on Gremlins 2. Jackson Jr. walked around the table and asked each person for their craziest ideas for new Gremlins, with each suggestion becoming increasingly absurd (including a suggestion for a Hulk Hogan cameo). To everyone's surprise, all of the outlandish ideas he approved actually made it into the final version of Gremlins 2, regardless of how ridiculous they seemed.

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19. Laron Can’t Laugh

Season 4, Episode 5

In one of the most peculiar skits by Key and Peele, Peele takes on the role of Laron, a man completely unfamiliar with the concept of laughter. The sketch revolves around a group of friends gathered in an apartment, sharing hilarious anecdotes. As everyone bursts into fits of laughter, Laron inexplicably begins to twitch and convulse, emitting no sound whatsoever. Perplexed, the others remain clueless about his actions, but he confesses that this is his unique way of expressing amusement. As the situation escalates, Laron's convulsions intensify, turning into a chaotic frenzy as he wreaks havoc throughout the apartment. The ultimate punchline unveils the reason behind his aversion to laughter, delivering the comedic climax that defines the entire skit.

18. Video Game Sensors

Season 2, Episode 7

"Video Game Sensors" is a comedic skit by Key and Peele that initially evokes sadness but gradually transitions into a disturbing portrayal. A circle of friends engages in video game play, witnessing one member's emotional breakdown following a recent breakup. In a moment of vulnerability, he retreats to his bedroom without removing his gaming sensor, unknowingly allowing his friends to monitor his breakdown through his on-screen avatar. When he discovers a photograph of his ex-girlfriend, he returns to the game, unaware of his audience, leading to an uncomfortable scene where his friends gather around the television to observe his avatar mimicking his intimate actions. The cleverly crafted sense of awkwardness adds to the skit's brilliance.

17. Obama’s Anger Translator: Meet Luther

Season 1, Episode 1

Jordan Peele demonstrated his mastery of President Barack Obama's mannerisms and dialect. However, the highlight of the Presidential sketches was when Key took on the role of Obama's anger translator, Luther. The comedy stemmed from the perception that Obama was too unflappable and lacked display of genuine emotions. To address this, he enlisted Luther to express the unfiltered thoughts Obama might have had while delivering measured and politically correct responses to questions. This sketch was adored by many, to the extent that President Obama himself invited Key to reprise his role at the 2015 White House Correspondents' Dinner.

16. Manly Tears

Season 2, Episode 9

"Manly Tears" was an understated skit that had a resounding impact at its conclusion. The key to its success hinged on the buildup towards that final punchline. Peele portrayed a tough character who had recently lost his closest friend. Key played a member of the group, eagerly insisting that everyone listen to what he had to say. As Peele began reminiscing about their childhood game of "floor is lava" and their shared love for Care Bears, Key struggled to keep a straight face throughout. The surprising punchline revealed that Key's battle to suppress laughter was all part of the skit, culminating in a brilliant twist and a memorable one-liner that brought the joke to a satisfying close.

15. School Bully

Season 2, Episode 7

14. Insult Comic

This sketch is exceptional as it tackles various significant issues, such as bullying, child abuse, and the education system, in a brilliantly humorous manner. It delves into the underlying psychological complexities of different mindsets within a high school environment, leaving you both fascinated by the exploration of multiple perspectives and experiencing fits of laughter. Undoubtedly, it stands as one of the most emotionally captivating and amusing sketches in Key and Peele's history. Additionally, it earns extra commendation for featuring Andre Royo, known as Bubbles from The Wire, in the role of the bully's father.

Season 3, Episode 6

Season 3 of Key And Peele introduced Keegan-Michael Key as an insult comic at a comedy club who starts his performance by ridiculing the audience members. However, his confidence quickly fades when he encounters Jordan Peele's character, who bears noticeable burn injuries. Attempting to move on, the comic is unexpectedly challenged by Peele's character, who insists on being subjected to the same comedic roasting as the rest of the crowd. The sketch becomes increasingly uncomfortable as the jokes fall flat, highlighting Peele's discomfort, pain, and expressions of distress through his electrolarynx. This not only adds a darkly humorous twist but also explores the dilemma of making appropriate comedy choices.

13. Text Message Confusion

Season 4, Episode 3

In most of their sketches, Key and Peele portray either friends or foes. Their remarkable chemistry allows them to embody characters who are either deeply fond of each other or filled with animosity. However, in this particular sketch, it seems as though Peele is assuming the role of a friendly character, while Key takes on the part of a contentious character. The two find themselves in the same sketch due to a misinterpretation of a text message, leading to hilarious consequences. It's a relatable scenario that people encounter on a daily basis – albeit without the presence of a baseball bat adorned with protruding nails.

12. Gay Wedding Advice

Season 4, Episode 1

Key and Peele have a knack for utilizing the "straight man" trope in sketch comedy. However, in an ironic twist, the "straight man" in this scenario is actually the only gay individual present. Peele portrays a mildly homophobic character who has a gay co-worker and a gay cousin preparing for marriage. In an effort to educate his homophobic family, he enlists the help of Key's gay co-worker to explain the intricacies of a gay wedding. Essentially, they emphasize that it is no different from any other wedding, but the family persistently asks foolish questions like, "When do we get to sing 'It's Raining Men'?" This sketch brilliantly highlights the absurdity of homophobia.

11. Wendell's Pizza Order

Season 2, Episode 5

In a popular recurring sketch from Key & Peele, Jordan Peele portrays the character Wendell, a fan of pop-culture who happens to be obese. Wendell first appeared in the "Pizza Order" sketch during the show's second season. In this sketch, he attempts to hide his intention of ordering a large amount of food just for himself when questioned by Carlos, the order-taker played by Keegan-Michael Key.

The hilarity ensues as Wendell frantically moves around his room filled with collectibles, using the names of different characters as players in his made-up story. However, the sketch takes a dark and unexpected turn when Carlos shows interest in one of Wendell's action figures.

Wendell continues to make appearances in the show, finding himself in uncomfortably humorous situations such as a fantasy-heavy music video and a meeting for sex addicts.

10. The Andre & Meegan Saga

Various Sketches

Choosing just one Andre and Meegan sketch is impossible due to the characters' seamless adaptability to every scenario. Furthermore, their evolving relationship spans multiple sketches, warranting recognition of their entire comedic romance. From their initial date to the infamous jacket debacle to the numerous beatings endured by Andre as a result of Meegan's sharp tongue, Andre and Meegan represent a particular archetype of couple that resonates with us all – the ones who seemingly shouldn't be together, yet cannot envision life without each other. Their adeptness in capturing the essence of their characters through flawless vocal range and mannerisms is truly commendable.

9. East/West College Bowl

Season 2, Episode 2

Describing the magic behind this sketch is nearly impossible, but it's undeniably effective. The football players' names in this Key and Peele skit progressively become more outrageous, ranging from hyphenated surnames to biblical references, bilingual combinations, and even sound effects. The colleges they claim to represent also adopt increasingly peculiar names. The comedic brilliance lies in the writing structure, delivering one punchline after another. It follows a pattern of setting up the East Coast scenario, delivering around 30 punchlines, then shifting to the West Coast setup with another 30 punchlines. The ultimate punchline arrives in the form of a white individual named Dan Smith, whose name is hilariously ordinary.

8. Obama Meet and Greet

Season 4, Episode 1

According to Barack Obama, Jordan Peele does the best celebrity impression of himself. Peele portrayed Obama in various sketches, portraying him from his college days to teaching Malia how to drive, and even hiring an anger translator. Among these skits, "Obama Meet and Greet" stands out as the most amusing. In this sketch, Peele depicts Obama as reserved and professional when interacting with white people, but informal and affectionate when interacting with black people. When he encounters Key, he is uncertain how to respond until an aide informs him that Key is one-eighth black. Obama then greets Key with a humorous remark, saying, "Afternoon, my octoroon!"

7. Valet Movie Fans

Various Episodes

Key & Peele's passionate fans of hardcore action films made frequent appearances in sketches where they enthusiastically discussed their favorite movies and actors, such as "Liam Neesons" and "Bruce Willys." These fans worked as hotel valets, occasionally crossing paths with their celebrity heroes. The sketch humorously exaggerated the typical conversations between friends at the water cooler, taking it to the extreme Key & Peele style. Every subsequent appearance of the Valet Movie Fans escalated to new heights, mirroring the intense passion they had for the films they loved discussing.

6. A Cappella

Season 5, Episode 2

The brilliance of "A Cappella" lies in its lighthearted exploration of a genuine racial issue. Both characters are aware that, inexplicably, the group of white individuals can only allow a single black member, thus leading to a Highlander-esque struggle for that coveted role. Every element of this sketch has been meticulously crafted. The moment the white individuals exit, the vibrant color palette seamlessly transitions to a somber, grittier one. The characters' voices adopt a deeper, more foreboding tone. Moreover, they conform to stereotypes in their quest to appease white individuals.

5. Alien Imposters

Season 4, Episode 1

The film "Alien Imposters" skillfully incorporates a common premise found in countless sci-fi action movies - the concealing of alien invaders within the human population - to highlight the issues of racism and microaggressions. With post-apocalyptic debris and graffiti scattered throughout the set, accompanied by the cautionary message "Trust no one," the cinematography and color grading of the shots resemble those of high-budget Hollywood blockbusters. Additionally, the impressive special effects create the illusion of an authentic film. This approach effectively enhances the satire on racism by immersing the viewers in a genuine movie experience, while cleverly delivering humorous moments.

4. Continental Breakfast

Season 3, Episode 7

Jordan Peele delivered a standout performance as a hotel guest brimming with enthusiasm, relishing in the newly offered lavish complimentary breakfast. This sketch expertly blended elements of unconventional humor from the series, leaving audiences in fits of laughter as Peele's reactions to the abundant choices were nothing short of comedic gold. His character's hilariously misguided assumptions about pastries and peculiar fruit-eating techniques, coupled with his animated enjoyment shared with fellow hotel guests, created a memorable scene. Notably, the clever nod to The Shining further solidifies this sketch as one of the finest in the series.

3. "I Said, B**********."

Season 1, Episode 1

Playing the roles of two married friends, Key and Peele embarked on a joint house tour with their respective wives. However, once separated, the men engaged in a lighthearted conversation that revolved around common grievances in their marriages, all centered around a specific phrase. They hilariously kickstarted every complaint with the phrase "I said, b****," going to increasing lengths to keep their wives from overhearing. This relatable scenario resonated with many fans who appreciate the camaraderie of guy talk and the desire to evade potential trouble.

2. Substitute Teacher

Season 2, Episode 4

The popularity of this sketch led to interest in adapting it into a full-length movie featuring Key's character, Mr. Garvey, in various school-based scenarios. On the surface, it may appear to be a lighthearted sketch where a substitute teacher mispronounces students' names and becomes frustrated when corrected. However, it cleverly satirizes race-swapping, portraying a no-nonsense black substitute teacher with 20 years of experience in inner-city schools arriving at a predominantly white student body and struggling to pronounce the names of the white students.

1. Aerobics Meltdown

Season 4, Episode 9

The Key & Peele sketches that excel are the ones that adopt a cinematic approach in their filming and editing, accompanied by compelling acting and captivating writing. “Aerobics Meltdown” serves as a perfect exemplar of this, presenting a dark interpretation of one of the most shamelessly cheesy subcultures that gained popularity. The segments depicting the aerobics video are reminiscent of ‘80s VHS recordings, from the quality of the imagery to the flawless embodiment of the tacky dancers from that era by the actors. In contrast, the behind-the-scenes moments resemble a poignant narrative seen in a movie that aims for an Oscar, akin to the style associated with Ron Howard; interestingly, Ron's brother Clint Howard portrays the individual holding the signs off-camera.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I grew up watching Key & Peele and their hilarious sketches. Their unique blend of humor and social commentary made them stand out from other comedy shows at the time. Key & Peele were not afraid to tackle tough subjects like race, politics, and pop culture, but they always managed to do it in a way that was funny and accessible.

One of my favorite Key & Peele sketches is "The Continental Breakfast." In this sketch, Keegan-Michael Key plays a man who is trying to get a continental breakfast at a hotel. However, the hotel's breakfast options are extremely limited, and Key's character becomes increasingly frustrated as he tries to find something to eat. This sketch is hilarious because it perfectly captures the frustration of trying to find a good breakfast at a hotel.

Another one of my favorite Key & Peele sketches is "The Substitute Teacher." In this sketch, Jordan Peele plays a substitute teacher who is trying to teach a class of unruly students. However, the students are not interested in learning, and they constantly interrupt Peele's character. This sketch is hilarious because it perfectly captures the challenges of being a teacher.