Key & Peele

Witty sketch comedy series takes on race, stereotypes.
Parents say
Based on 6 reviews
Kids say
Based on 11 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Key & Peele
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Key & Peele is a sketch comedy series that satirizes stereotypes about the African-American experience. Violence and sexual innuendo are frequent elements of the comedy sketches, though without much detail. The series alternates between intelligent and sharp commentary on African-American life and broader humor that capitalizes on violence and adult language for laughs.
Community Reviews
Its great for anyone 13+
Report this review
Hilarious but not all skits for kids
Report this review
What's the Story?
Starring comedians Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, KEY & PEELE is a sketch comedy series in which the two comics lampoon stereotypes of African-American culture. From talking "black" to attitudes toward women, the show's satirical viewpoint is both varied and astute.
Is It Any Good?
Broadly speaking, this series takes aim at stereotypes of African-American culture, not just those visited upon blacks by other races, but also those that African Americans seem to hold against each other. For instance, one sketch mocks the tendency of black men to speak in a more "black" style when they're with each other. Another plays off the tough attitude that men adopt when they're talking to each other about the women in their lives -- and the inevitable softening that occurs whenever those women are present.
When the show goes too broad, the jokes become generic. But when the satire is sharp and keenly focused, Key & Peele is comedy with real muscle behind it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the use of violence as a punchline. Is it easy to laugh at jokes that heavily involve violence?
What points does Key & Peele make about African-American stereotypes? How does this show's humor differ from other sketch comedy shows?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 31, 2012
- Cast: Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key
- Network: Comedy Central
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship
- TV rating: TV-14
- Award: Emmy
- Last updated: March 28, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love comedy
Themes & Topics
Browse titles with similar subject matter.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate