Sketch Comedy

Sketch comedy is a form of pre-written, rehearsed comedy made up of short scenes - or "sketches" — each with its own mini world, characters, and comic premise. Think of it as the sitcom’s chaotic cousin: quick, varied, and built for big laughs.

Each sketch is like a comedy firework - it sets up a situation, builds the tension, and then releases it with a punchline, twist or absurd escalation. Sketches can be realistic or surreal, wordy or physical, character-driven or idea-based. There’s no one right way - just a commitment to exploring a premise to its funniest (and often weirdest) conclusion.

Sketch shows can be performed live or filmed, and often feature a cast of versatile performers switching roles and costumes at speed.

Key features

Pre-written and rehearsed scenes
Sketches are usually 2–5 minutes long, though they can vary
Performed by small ensembles, often playing multiple characters
Scenes are usually contained worlds, but some sketches return as recurring characters or formats
Often relies on heightening — repeating an idea and pushing it further each time

Common structures

Straight/absurd dynamic: One grounded character, one chaotic force
Game of the sketch: A central comic idea explored and escalated
Parody: Spoofing genres, public figures, or social trends
List sketches: One idea repeated in different ways (e.g. “Types of People at the Gym”)
Runner: A sketch that appears multiple times in a show, evolving each time

How it's different from...

Improv: Sketch is written and rehearsed, improv is spontaneous.
Stand-up: Stand-up is direct audience address, sketch is performed in scenes.
Character Comedy: Sketch characters appear briefly or in scenes with others; character comedy usually involves one person performing a whole act as a single persona.
Clown: Clown often relies on live audience connection and real-time play. Sketch is usually more structured and less dependent on audience energy.

Examples

Monty Python’s “Dead Parrot” or “Ministry of Silly Walks”
Key & Peele’s “Substitute Teacher”
French & Saunders, SNL, Smack the Pony, The Catherine Tate Show
Live sketch nights like The Pin, Lazy Susan, or any number of comedy group revues