Every Demonic Possession sketch From “Key & Peele”
No matter how much praise Key & Peele got while it was airing on Comedy Central (2012-2015), it’s highly probable that it still did not receive its proper due and will only be truly recognized for its genius in the future. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele not only brought years of long-form improvisational comedy training to their sketch show, but they also brought a keen understanding of developing characters (from their non-improv stage work) and an extremely sharp eye for genre staples. Working with directors Peter Atencio and Payman Benz (not to mention the dozen plus writers), Key and Peele made sure to include these details to enhance the experience and, ultimately, enrich the humor.
In the compilation below of four sketches surrounding demonic possession (well, three are demonic possession and the fourth is more just a dickish child), the juxtaposition sings loudest when its grounded in the hallmarks of these tropes. The kindly priest who is called on to have the patience of a saint but finds that quickly wearing thin (shades of Pryor’s sketch from SNL decades ago); an incredibly helpful and devoted tailor who is just trying to do his job to the best of his abilities while accommodating malevolent forces from the abyss; exuberant church ladies that sublimate their passion and anger into “prayer” and righteousness; the poor sickly child who is basically Jigsaw, Jr.. They are all basically ironic turns that twist what’s expected into something more, but it’s in the telling that makes them sing.
Specific shots, wardrobe details, lighting, bits of dialogue, and more are included in Key & Peele’s set ups to key your mind into remember either horror films you’ve seen or people with whom you’ve interacted. Once the familiar is established (however unconsciously), it provides the comedic genius duo the ability to go even more over the top. And it’s just…terrific. Key & Peele featured a ton of such horror comedy sketches, and most of them are on YouTube, so be sure to seek them out.