How to Write a Comedy Sketch

Alan Nafzger

How to Write a Comedy Sketch That Kills Every Time

Comedy sketches are the bread and butter of shows like Saturday Night Live, Key & Peele, and Monty Python. But what separates a forgettable sketch from one that goes viral? It’s not just about being funny—it’s about structure, timing, and surprise.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

The essential elements of a killer comedy sketch
How to write a tight, joke-packed script
Why most amateur sketches fail (and how to avoid those mistakes)
Tips from professional TV comedy writers

By the end, you’ll be ready to write sketches that get laughs—not groans.

What Makes a Great Comedy Sketch?

Before you start writing, you need to understand the core mechanics of successful sketches.

1. The "Game" of the Sketch

Every great sketch has a central comedic idea—what pros call "the game." This is the absurd premise that drives the humor.

Example: In SNL’s "More Cowbell," the game is: What if a mediocre cowbell player thought he was the most important member of Blue Öyster Cult?
Your Job: Find one funny idea and heighten it throughout the sketch.

2. Strong, Clear Structure

Most sketches follow a three-act structure:

Set-Up (10-20 seconds) – Introduce the characters and the "game."
Escalation (30-60 seconds) – Raise the stakes, add twists.
Payoff (10-20 seconds) – End on the biggest laugh.

Common Mistake: Amateur sketches drag out the premise instead of escalating.

3. Memorable Characters

The best sketches feature characters with clear, exaggerated traits.

Key & Peele’s "Substitute Teacher" works because Mr. Garvey mispronounces every name—a simple, repeatable joke.
Tip: Give your character one defining quirk and milk it.

How to Write Your Sketch (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Start With a Funny Premise

Ask yourself:

What’s the weirdest/funniest version of this situation?
What if [normal thing] was taken to an extreme?

Example:

Normal: A job interview.
Funny: A job interview where the interviewer only speaks in corporate buzzwords.

Step 2: Outline the Beats

Before writing dialogue, map out the joke progression:

Opening – Establish the game fast.
First Escalation – Add a twist.
Second Escalation – Make it even crazier.
Final Punchline – End on the biggest laugh.

Pro Tip: Many SNL sketches follow this exact formula.

Step 3: Write Punchy, Fast-Paced Dialogue

Cut unnecessary words – Comedy thrives on efficiency.
Use callbacks – Bring back earlier jokes for a bigger payoff.
Avoid explaining the joke – Trust the audience to get it.

Bad Line: "This is ridiculous! Why are you acting so weird?"

Better Line: "Sir, this is a Wendy’s."

Why Most Comedy Sketches Fail (And How to Fix Yours)

Mistake #1: The Sketch Doesn’t Escalate

Problem: The joke stays at the same level the whole time.
Fix: Make each beat bigger and weirder than the last.

Mistake #2: It’s Too Long

Problem: A 3-minute idea stretched to 5 minutes.
Fix: Cut anything that doesn’t serve the "game."

Mistake #3: The Ending Falls Flat

Problem: The sketch just… stops.
Fix: End on the biggest, most surprising laugh.

Where to Go From Here

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to write, test, and refine.

Want more? Check out our full guide: How to Write a Comedy Sketch

Final Tip: Watch (and Steal From) the Pros

Study sketches from:

SNL (for character-driven humor)
Key & Peele (for sharp social satire)
Monty Python (for absurdist brilliance)

The more you analyze, the faster you’ll improve.

Now go write something hilarious.