Robin Thede (born July 27, 1979, in Spencer, Iowa) is an Emmy-nominated comedian, actress, writer, and producer who has emerged as one of television’s most influential voices in modern sketch comedy and late-night programming. A graduate of Northwestern University, Thede began her career in comedy writing and performance with Chicago’s Second City before transitioning into television, where she quickly gained recognition as a writer and performer on series such as Key & Peele, In the Flow with Affion Crockett, and Difficult People, as well as appearing in films including A Haunted House (2013). She also built an extensive résumé as a comedy writer for award shows including the BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and specials featuring Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, and Mike Epps, establishing herself as a sought-after comedic voice behind the scenes.

Thede made history in 2015 when she became the first African-American woman to serve as head writer for a late-night talk show, working on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, a milestone that solidified her place as a trailblazer in television writing. She later created, executive produced, and hosted The Rundown with Robin Thede (BET, 2017–2018), making her one of the few Black women to headline a late-night talk show. Her career reached new heights when she created, executive produced, wrote, and starred in HBO’s groundbreaking sketch series A Black Lady Sketch Show (2019–2023), which became the first sketch comedy series created by, written by, directed by, and starring primarily Black women. The series was widely praised for its originality and cultural impact, earning multiple Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, among other honors.

Throughout its acclaimed run, A Black Lady Sketch Show became the centerpiece of Thede’s career and a major awards contender, helping her accumulate at least four wins and over a dozen nominations across major organizations. These include multiple Primetime Emmy nominations, a Television Critics Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sketch/Variety Shows, and Black Reel Awards recognition, including wins for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Variety, Talk or Sketch Series, as well as individual acting nominations. She also received honors such as the Variety Creative Change Award recognizing her impact on television diversity and inclusion.

In addition to her work as a creator and performer, Thede has made notable on-screen appearances in series like Insecure, contributed extensively as a writer and producer across television and award programming, and maintained a strong presence as an executive producer shaping inclusive comedy content. By the mid-2020s, she remained best known as the creative force behind A Black Lady Sketch Show, which continued to earn critical acclaim and awards recognition, including a 2024 Black Reel Award win for Outstanding Variety, Talk or Sketch Series and additional acting nominations for her performance.

As of February 2026, Robin Thede stands as one of the most accomplished and influential comedic creators of her generation, recognized for breaking barriers in late-night television, redefining sketch comedy with diverse storytelling, and establishing herself as an Emmy-nominated multi-hyphenate talent whose writing, producing, and on-screen work have reshaped the landscape for Black women in television.