The best cameos on A Black Lady Sketch Show, season 1

The sketch comedy's all-star guest cast delivers big laughs!

By Alamin Yohannes
Published on April 22, 2021 01:00PM EDT

A Black Lady Sketch Show's guest cast is top notch!

From The Patti LaBelle to The Angela Bassett, each episode is full of iconic talent that viewers know and love. They show up in sketches and have viewers rolling on the floor with laughter. Created by Robin Thede, A Black Lady Sketch Show has created many opportunities for Black people to feel represented in its series of hilarious sketches. Here's a look back at the first season's best cameos.

Angela Bassett

Who wouldn't go to a support group led by Angela Bassett? In "Bad Bitch Support Group," the actress played the leader of a support group of women committed to maintaining their life as a "bad bitch," and she played her part to perfection. The hilarious sketch also featured Love & Hip Hop Miami star Amara La Negra and Laverne Cox.

Nicole Byer & Gina Torres

Nicole Byer went up against Ashley Nicole Black's legendary spy Trinity in "Invisible Spy." Taking the idea of people with "regular faces" being ignored to hilarious heights, the two comedians faced off in a great espionage showdown. In addition to Byer, Kelly Rowland and Gina Torres made appearances in the sketch. Of the cameos, Torres stands out as the person who gives Trinity her mission, especially after hearing the phrases "Pew Pew Pew" and "Skrrt" come out of her mouth.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine's wedding officiant is all of us in "Chris and Lachel: Altar Falter." Chris and Lachel could not seem to say the words "I do" and "in sickness and in health," and Devine's reactions were hilarious not only because of her excellent timing, but she seemed to be channeling the audience's reactions to the marriage itself.

Issa Rae

A Black Lady Sketch Show executive producer Issa Rae made several appearances during the first season, but "Negro League Groupies" was her best, and a prime example of what the HBO show brings to the sketch-comedy landscape. The sketch brought together the Negro League Baseball and the contemporary idea of groupies. Playing with Black history is something this talented group of women did effortlessly.

Jackée Harry and Marla Gibbs

The "227: The Reboot" sketch honored the characters and stars behind the iconic comedy series. The actors embodying the characters were fantastic, specifically Thede channeling Jackée Harry's Sandra Clark. The original actresses' appearances, including Harry and Marla Gibbs, were just the icing on an already deliciously hilarious cake.

Tyler James Williams

The HBO series brought Romeo & Juliet and stan culture together in "Rome and Julissa." Tyler James Williams' Barb was an excellent partner for Quinta Brunson's Cardi B-loving Juliet. Delivering lines about the two devoted coalitions in iambic pentameter was truly a standout of the season.

Patti LaBelle

In "On My Own," Patti LaBelle came in to sing every time Denise (Black) was broken up with. Who wouldn't want LaBelle to sing for them? Well, Denise, that's who. The back-and-forth between Black and LaBelle was comedy gold. Plus, LaBelle singing? This sketch was a hit!

Bresha Webb & Yvette Nicole Brown

What's a great way to end a season of A Black Lady Sketch Show? A Black lady courtroom! "Courtroom Kiki" brought together most of the cast, Rae, Bresha Webb, and Yvette Nicole Brown. A fitting celebration for a fantastic season of sketches by celebrating Black girl magic with this group of comedy powerhouses.

Related content: