Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Episode Summary – Keegan-Michael Key

Host: Dax Shepard
Guest: Keegan-Michael Key
Duration: Approximately 93 minutes

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, host Dax Shepard sits down with the multifaceted comedian, actor, producer, and writer Keegan-Michael Key. The conversation delves deep into Keegan's journey in the world of comedy, his formative years, his collaboration with Jordan Peele, and his insights into the evolving landscape of comedy and entertainment.

Early Life and Background

Keegan-Michael Key shares anecdotes from his childhood in Southfield, a suburb of Detroit, highlighting the unique cultural and social dynamics of the area.

• [12:17] Keegan-Michael Key: "I was born in Southfield... which is a suburb of Detroit. Growing up in the city, you encounter people who say they're from Detroit, and it's always like, 'But where exactly?'"

Keegan discusses his immersion in the local scene, attending performances and being exposed to diverse cultural influences.

Path to Comedy and Education

Keegan recounts his high school experiences, where a pivotal moment led him into the performing arts.

• [24:14] Keegan-Michael Key: "I got cast as Jesus in Godspell. That was when the click happened."

He details his time at the University of Detroit Mercy, emphasizing the unique approach to theater there, including casting actual adults for adult roles, which provided a high-quality theatrical experience.

• [40:17] Keegan-Michael Key: "At U of D, we often auditioned grownups for roles. It was a small theater town connected to the university, ensuring high-quality plays."

Improv and Second City Detroit

Keegan discusses founding the Planet Ant, an improv troupe, and his involvement with Second City Detroit. He highlights the importance of improvisation in shaping his comedic style and fostering collaborations.

• [44:11] Keegan-Michael Key: "We started doing short-form improv shows, which laid the foundation for our future work."

His collaboration with Jordan Peele is explored, detailing how their shared experiences and dedication to refining their craft led to the creation of Key & Peele.

Key & Peele: Evolution and Success

The conversation shifts to the inception and development of Key & Peele, discussing their initial approach to writing and the balance between structured sketches and improvisation.

• [73:10] Keegan-Michael Key: "In the second season, we experimented with pieces that allowed for interpretation, blending strong writing with improv."

They reflect on the virality of their sketches on platforms like YouTube, which significantly amplified their reach and popularity beyond traditional television audiences.

• [75:35] Keegan-Michael Key: "Our sketches started gaining millions of views on YouTube. It was a surprise but a game-changer."

Philosophy on Comedy and Storytelling

Keegan shares his thoughts on the role of comedy in society, emphasizing the blend of humor with social commentary.

• [46:14] Keegan-Michael Key: "Our aim was to make people laugh while also making them think about deeper societal issues."

He discusses the importance of writing evergreen content that stands the test of time, allowing their work to remain relevant and impactful.

• [48:47] Keegan-Michael Key: "We focused on creating timeless sketches that our grandchildren could watch and still find humorous."

Insights into the Entertainment Industry

The duo explores the challenges and dynamics of the entertainment industry, including the competitive nature of comedy, the significance of residencies in blockbuster movies, and the impact of modern platforms like TikTok on comedy's reach.

• [74:36] Dax Shepard: "You're like, I discovered this. I'm in on this. I'm sharing this."
• [75:21] Keegan-Michael Key: "Our sketches became like a viral phenomenon, with 25 million hits on certain sketches."

Transformers Movie and Voice Acting

Keegan discusses his role in the animated Transformers movie, highlighting the creative process behind voice acting and the importance of character development.

• [85:21] Keegan-Michael Key: "The movie explores a primal story of power and brotherhood, aiming to connect with audiences on a deeper level."

He emphasizes the balance between maintaining the nostalgic elements of the Transformers franchise while introducing fresh narratives and character arcs.

Personal Reflections and Closing Remarks

Towards the end of the episode, Dax and Keegan share personal anecdotes about their friendships, experiences at events like Comic-Con, and their perspectives on maintaining authenticity in their work. They reflect on the importance of passion, resilience, and continuous growth in the creative fields.

• [57:39] Dax Shepard: "You and I should do like a 20 part history channel."
• [73:10] Keegan-Michael Key: "Comedians need to keep hustling, adapting, and pushing boundaries to stay relevant."

Notable Quotes

• [07:33] Keegan-Michael Key: "They hate small talk. It's because it's too laborious."
• [46:14] Keegan-Michael Key: "Our aim was to make people laugh while also making them think about deeper societal issues."
• [85:27] Dax Shepard: "People would go, 'I discovered this. I'm in on this. I'm sharing this.'"

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Keegan-Michael Key's journey, his creative philosophies, and his contributions to modern comedy. Through candid discussions and insightful reflections, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of comedic storytelling and the dedication required to excel in the entertainment industry.

For those interested in exploring more about Keegan-Michael Key's work and his adaptation in the Transformers universe, be sure to watch the new animated movie and check out previous episodes of Armchair Expert featuring other notable guests.