Shane Gillis has been on quite the journey since his controversial exit from Saturday Night Live. His latest project, Tires, signals a fresh chapter in his career. Premiering on May 23, the show has already garnered enough enthusiasm to be renewed for a second season before its debut.
In Tires, Gillis crafts a comedic world centered on an auto repair chain going through a leadership change. Created by stand-up comedian Shane Gillis, ‘Tires’ follows the heads of an auto repair chain store during a change in leadership in a comedic setting across a six-episode fictional story.
The role of Will, the heir to the family’s business, is brought to life by Steven Gerben, who adds depth and humor to the narrative.
It’s interesting to note that Gerben’s portrayal comes with its challenges. In an interview, he revealed how his visible hand disorder, stemming from severe arthritis compounded by COVID-19, added authenticity and serendipity to particular scenes. This raises the show’s relatable factor as it embeds subtle layers beneath its comedic surface.
The show doesn’t shy away from ruffling feathers or leaning into juvenile humor. One memorable scene involves a bikini car wash that emphasizes its irreverent tone without crossing into edginess. It’s part of Gillis’s larger attempt to retain the spirit of his stand-up within the sitcom format.
Gillis’s trajectory since his brief SNL stint has been remarkable, focusing more on stand-up tours and specials like Beautiful Dogs, which premiered last year. While his knack for attracting attention is undeniable—as highlighted by his return to host SNL earlier this year—after talking with Shane Gillis, we have decided that he will not be joining SNL
, as confirmed by a spokesperson back then.
The comedy industry has clearly evolved since the classic comedy-to-sitcom success stories of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Shows like Tires cater more specifically to niche audiences rather than trying to capture broad mainstream appeal. This strategic shift reflects current media consumption trends where streaming services provide platforms for diverse content likings.
Netflix continues its tradition of championing various comedic voices, even those courting controversy. By supporting specials from figures like Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais—both known for their contentious material—the streaming giant aims to offer something for everyone while letting viewers decide what’s suitable for them.
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