Key and Peele weigh in on SNL's lack of black female cast members

Comedians Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele have become popular for their controversial comedy sketches on Comedy Central. The two recently voiced their opinions on the lack of black female cast members on NBC's Saturday Night Live.

In September, one of the show's cast members, Jay Pharaoh, said the show needed to "pay attention" to this issue and "follow up" on their efforts to pursue black women for the show.

Other cast members like Keenan Thompson said black women just aren't "ready" during auditions.

Key had a differing opinion saying, "It's clearly apparent that it's lacking [diversity]. It seems to me that that would be to your detriment because there's another whole part of the mosaic that could be woven into your show and explored. And if you don't do it, then it's like your neglecting an avenue that could reap benefits for you."

Peele agreed. He added that the two know of black women who are as "ready as anybody" to be on SNL.

"Granted, sketch and improv is a white-male dominated field," Peele said. "At the same time, we know a lot of black females that we would consider ready - as ready as anybody."

Maya Rudolph was the last black female cast member on the show. She left SNL back in 2007.

SNL chief Lorne Michaels has announced that the network will back a new primetime variety series starring Rudolph. The show is slated to premiere as a special after the Winter Olympics.

The show will be executive produced by Rudolph and Michaels alongside Erin David and Dave Becky.