Shane Gillis has experienced a significant career arc over the past few years. After his abrupt departure from Saturday Night Live in 2019, he returned triumphantly to host the show, reflecting his progress and how far his stand-up career has come.
Gillis’ new series, Tires, mirrors a common path for upcoming comedians—transitioning to a TV show built around their persona. Co-created by Gillis, Tires offers a unique look into contemporary comedy compared to the transition trends of the 1980s and ’90s.
Showcasing Stream-Catered Appeal
Tires serves the niche audience already familiar with Gillis’s style. Unlike household names like Jerry Seinfeld or Tim Allen who broadened their fan bases through TV, Tires doesn’t aim for mass appeal but instead leans into its particular comedic flavor.
A Brief Walkthrough of Tires
The series spans six episodes and features Gillis as a goofy cousin to Will (Steven Gerben), who runs an auto-repair shop struggling for business. The show’s juvenile tone mirrors Gillis’ stand-up material, featuring antics like drinking at work and bikini car washes. While naughty, it isn’t particularly groundbreaking.
Netflix’s Comedy Scope
Netflix continues to position itself as a hub for all types of comedy, including controversial material. By providing platforms for shows like Tires and specials from Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais, Netflix affirms its support for diverse comedic voices. According to their cultural statement, Not everyone will like—or agree with—everything on our service…We program for a diversity of audiences and tastes; and we let viewers decide what’s appropriate for them
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Tires Expands with New Season
The fact that Netflix not only bought Tires but also commissioned another stand-up special from Gillis speaks volumes about their belief in his potential. His special Beautiful Dogs raised his profile last year, showcasing his knack for navigating complex themes with humor.
This renewal is particularly validating for Gillis, especially after his public SNL saga. In his February monologue on the show, he asked viewers not to look up the circumstances surrounding his exit with the tongue-in-cheek remark: Please don’t Google that
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A Reflective Conclusion
With the recent renewal of Tires, Shane Gillis appears to be coming full circle—a fascinating journey marked by highs and lows. A deeper dive into his varied projects, such as his previous work ‘Gilly & Keeves’, illuminates his broad comedic versatility.
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