When you think of Key and Peele, you probably picture exaggerated facial expressions, hilarious skits, and unforgettable characters that somehow always hit a little too close to home. One of their most iconic sketches is “Substitute Teacher,” a piece that not only made audiences laugh until they cried but also tapped into a shared school experience most of us know all too well. The sketch plays on the confusion that often comes when a substitute teacher tries to pronounce names that aren’t straightforward — especially names from different cultures. It’s funny, yes, but it also subtly calls attention to real-life moments many students have faced in classrooms across the country.

What’s so special about this sketch is how it blends humor with something relatable. Substitute teachers are often the wildcard of the school week — sometimes kind, sometimes strict, sometimes completely lost. And when they struggle with names, it can lead to awkward or even hurtful moments for students. Key and Peele took that moment and turned it into a brilliant comedy routine that’s still referenced today.

So, what makes “Substitute Teacher” stand out in a sea of comedy sketches? Maybe it’s the exaggerated voices, maybe it’s the way the students react, or maybe it’s the universal truth behind the joke. Either way, the sketch resonated with people across generations, and it’s still a go-to example of how comedy can highlight everyday issues with a mix of humor and heart.

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Table of Contents

• Why "Substitute Teacher" Matters in Comedy Culture
• The Sketch's Impact on Pop Culture and Education
• How Key & Peele Use Comedy for Social Commentary
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why "Substitute Teacher" Matters in Comedy Culture

Let’s face it — school can be weird. Substitute teachers often walk into a room full of students who may or may not be on their best behavior. In the “Substitute Teacher” sketch, Keegan-Michael Key plays Mr. Garvey, a white substitute who struggles to pronounce what he thinks are “hard” names like “DeShaun,” “Tyrone,” and “Terrence.”

Instead of trying to sound them out or ask for help, he assigns nicknames like “DeShawn 5,” “Ty-Rone 5,” and “Terry-ence 5” — which, of course, causes chaos in the classroom. Meanwhile, Jordan Peele’s character, the student, tries to help him out — but it’s clear Mr. Garvey isn’t going to back down from his “solution.”

This sketch works on multiple levels. First, it’s funny — really funny. The exaggerated pronunciation and the students' growing frustration make for a perfect comedic setup. But beyond the humor, it highlights something real: the way some teachers struggle with non-Western names, often without realizing the impact it has on students.

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The Sketch's Impact on Pop Culture and Education

Since it first aired on Comedy Central back in 2012, the “Substitute Teacher” sketch has become a cultural touchstone. It’s been replayed in classrooms, referenced in social media, and even used in educational discussions about inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.

What’s interesting is how the sketch has aged — or rather, how it hasn’t. Even in 2025, there are still stories of substitute teachers mispronouncing students’ names or avoiding them altogether, which can make kids feel invisible or embarrassed. The sketch’s continued relevance speaks volumes about how much work there still is to do in making schools more culturally aware and inclusive.

It’s also a great example of how comedy can be a powerful tool for conversation. By making people laugh, Key and Peele open the door to a deeper discussion about identity, respect, and the small ways in which people can make others feel seen — or not.

Why This Sketch Still Resonates Today

• Relatability: Almost everyone has had a substitute teacher who didn’t know what they were doing — or who struggled with names.
• Subtlety: The sketch doesn’t scream about injustice — it simply highlights a moment that many people experience, making it easier to digest and discuss.
• Humor as a Mirror: It uses comedy to reflect a real issue without being preachy or heavy-handed.

How Key & Peele Use Comedy for Social Commentary

Key and Peele are known for blending sharp satire with social commentary, and “Substitute Teacher” is a perfect example of that. Their sketches often use exaggeration and absurdity to point out the flaws in how people behave or how systems operate — all while making people laugh.

In this case, they take something small — mispronouncing names — and blow it up into a ridiculous scenario that still feels familiar. That’s the genius of their approach: they make the audience laugh first, then think later.

It’s also worth noting that both Key and Peele have spoken publicly about how they use their own experiences as biracial men growing up in America to shape their material. This sketch, while exaggerated, is rooted in real-life moments that many students — particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds — have faced in school.

Other Sketches That Tackle Similar Themes

“Substitute Teacher” isn’t the only sketch where Key and Peele explore identity and race through humor. Some other notable examples include:

• Obama Anger Translator: A comedic twist on how President Obama might have expressed his frustration more openly.
• Obama’s Last Name: A funny take on how people often forget or mispronounce the president’s last name.
• Black Ice: A hilarious but pointed commentary on how white people describe Black excellence.

Each of these sketches uses humor to make a point about race, identity, or social norms — and they all do it in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Key and Peele Substitute Teacher sketch about?

The sketch features Keegan-Michael Key as a substitute teacher who mispronounces students’ names and assigns them nicknames instead, leading to a hilarious classroom meltdown. It highlights the real-life issue of teachers struggling with culturally diverse names, often without realizing the impact it has on students.

Why is the Substitute Teacher sketch so popular?

It’s popular because it combines sharp satire with real-life relatability. The exaggerated scenario makes people laugh, but the underlying issue — name mispronunciation in schools — is something many students have experienced. It’s a perfect blend of humor and social commentary.

Where can I watch the Substitute Teacher sketch?

You can watch the sketch on platforms like YouTube, Comedy Central’s official website, or streaming services like Hulu and Amazon Prime. It’s one of the most-watched sketches from the show and remains a fan favorite.

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Want to explore more about how comedy can influence culture and conversation? Check out other Key and Peele sketches that tackle race, identity, and everyday life. Their humor isn’t just about making people laugh — it’s about making people think, too.

Whether you’re a fan of comedy, social commentary, or just looking for a good laugh, the “Substitute Teacher” sketch is worth revisiting. It’s a great example of how two comedians can take a small moment in a classroom and turn it into something that resonates with millions.