Jordan Peele’s rise from sketch comedian to renowned horror filmmaker may seem surprising, but his background in comedy deeply influenced his later work. Known for hits like Get Out, Us, and Nope, Peele’s journey began with comedy troupes and television sketch shows, shaping the unique style that defines his films. His transition from comedy to horror blends his skills in humor and social commentary, making his storytelling both sharp and thought-provoking.
The Early Comedy Career That Almost Led to Saturday Night Live
Before becoming a celebrated horror director, Jordan Peele first made a name for himself in sketch comedy, especially on MADtv, where he worked alongside Keegan-Michael Key. Initially, Peele and Key auditioned for the same role, but producers quickly recognized their chemistry and hired them as a duo. MADtv was known for its edgier, often more controversial content compared to Saturday Night Live, which has a polished and mainstream feel.
On MADtv, Peele gained attention for his memorable impressions of public figures like Al Roker and a darkly humorous take on O.J. Simpson following his murder trial. One standout creation was the parody music video “Sad Fitty Cent,” portraying a morose version of rapper 50 Cent reflecting on his hardships, which earned the show a nomination for Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics at the 2008 Emmy Awards.
While MADtv’s brand of humor was daring and frequently pushed boundaries, it often relied on stereotypes and sharp-edged satire that would be considered unacceptable today. Sketches included racially insensitive portrayals such as Alex Borstein’s Miss Swan character and satirical bits that made fun of issues like suicide and fatphobia. Though the comedy aimed to be “edgy,” it sometimes crossed into uncomfortable territory.
Peele’s experience on MADtv ended contentiously. Although he was offered a position on Saturday Night Live, MADtv refused to release him from his contract, effectively blocking the opportunity. This frustration with lack of creative control inspired Peele to shift his focus toward producing. He departed MADtv in 2008 after five seasons, while Key stayed until the show’s conclusion in 2009.
Key & Peele: Redefining Sketch Comedy with Sharp Insight and Social Humor
In 2012, Peele and Key reunited to create the hit comedy series Key & Peele on Comedy Central. Unlike their MADtv days, where the humor often relied on caricatures, this show delivered more nuanced and clever sketches that poked fun at everyday oddities and social dynamics. A notable example includes a sketch on chaotic airline boarding groups, while others highlighted absurd football player names or President Obama’s calm demeanor contrasted with his heated “anger translator” Luther, a bit so popular it was performed at the 2015 White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Key & Peele also addressed race and politics but in a fresh way. Sketches like “Das Negros,” influenced by Inglourious Basterds, had the pair donning “white face” to escape a Nazi colonel targeting Black people, turning the racial satire on its head. Another sketch humorously exposed slavery auctions by depicting two unsellable slaves rejected for their flaws.
This show marked an important shift for Peele. Whereas MADtv leaned into exaggerated Black stereotypes — criminals, vagrants, or perverted figures — Key & Peele showcased a broad spectrum of Black life, including teachers, nerds, and workers. They invited audiences to laugh with the characters rather than at them, presenting a more respectful and multidimensional portrayal of African Americans.
The creators concluded the show after five successful seasons in 2015, motivated by the desire to explore other opportunities. Peele said he wanted to
focus on writing, directing, and producing.
This decision paved the way for Peele’s transition into a new creative landscape, beginning with the release of Get Out in 2017, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
How Comedy Skits Hinted at Jordan Peele’s Future in Horror Filmmaking
Although many viewers saw Get Out as a sudden genre shift, Peele’s comedic work, especially with Key & Peele, revealed his fascination with horror elements. Several sketches contained motifs and themes that would later appear in his films. For example, the sketch “Alien Imposters” (Season 4, Episode 1) explored trust and prejudice amid a post-apocalyptic alien invasion, mirroring Peele’s interest in social tension and paranoia.
Other sketches such as “Psycho Clown” (Season 3, Episode 7) portrayed a disturbing, Saw-inspired torture scenario, though comically undercut by the captives’ strange optimism. The “Hall of Mirrors” sketch (Season 4, Episode 6) featured carnival mirrors and identity confusion, foreshadowing the similar concepts Peele later explored in Us, including themes of duality and unsettling reflections.
Current projects deepen Peele’s engagement with genre fiction. He is producing Him, a horror film directed by Justin Tipping that combines football culture with supernatural horror. The story follows a promising athlete entangled in a cult-like spiral marked by power and violence, reflecting real-world intensity around college football obsessions.
Through MADtv, Peele developed a raw comedic voice, while Key & Peele refined it into a subtler and more layered form. This careful balance of humor and insight is what makes his horror work distinctive. His films embed social critique beneath entertaining narratives, packed with genre references and layered meanings that invite audience engagement long after viewing. Peele’s work uniquely blends humor, discomfort, and social awareness in ways few directors have achieved.
Notable Cast Members from Jordan Peele’s Comedy Career
Throughout his early career in sketch comedy, Jordan Peele worked alongside several accomplished performers who contributed to the shows’ success:
- Aries Spears – A frequent collaborator and key MADtv cast member known for his sharp impressions and comedic versatility.
- Mo Collins – Another prominent MADtv cast member, appreciated for her wide range of characters and comedic timing.
- Nicole Sullivan – Recognized for her work on MADtv, she played a variety of memorable roles and contributed significantly to the show’s humor.
- Will Sasso – Noted for his physical comedy and character work on MADtv, Sasso appeared in numerous sketches alongside Peele.
