In a shocking turn of events, comedian Shane Gillis is set to host the esteemed late-night series, Saturday Night Live (SNL), almost four and a half years after being fired from the show for his use of a racial slur in a 2018 YouTube video. The announcement was made recently during SNL’s episode hosted by Ayo Edebiri, and the episode featuring Gillis is scheduled to air on February 24. Joining him on the show will be the musical guest, 21 Savage.
Shane Gillis, known for his edgy and sometimes controversial comedy, has gained significant popularity in recent years. His comedy special, “Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs,” premiered on Netflix in September last year and quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the platform’s top 10 TV shows in the English language category. Additionally, Gillis’s debut special, “Shane Gillis: Live in Austin,” garnered over 16 million views on YouTube since its release in 2021.
However, Gillis’s road to success has not been without its bumps. Before he was set to join SNL as a featured player, a video resurfaced in which he used a racial slur against Asians, sparking public outrage. Lorne Michaels, the creator of SNL, issued a statement on behalf of the show, expressing their regret for not vetting Gillis properly. They emphasized the importance of having diverse voices and points of view on the show but acknowledged that Gillis’s language and remarks were offensive, hurtful, and unacceptable.
As news of his firing by NBC spread like wildfire, Gillis turned to social media to share his thoughts. In a humorous manner, he tweeted that he was “always a Mad TV guy anyway,” indirectly referencing his disappointment with SNL’s decision. However, he later posted an apology on Instagram, stating that he never intended to harm or offend anyone with his comedy but acknowledged that taking risks is an inherent part of being a stand-up comedian.
Despite the setback, SNL continued its search for fresh talent and eventually hired Bowen Yang and Chloe Fineman as new cast members for that season. Yang, in particular, became a breakout star and the show’s first fully East Asian cast member. While Gillis’s absence undoubtedly made room for these rising stars, it is clear that his controversial comments left a lasting impact on his career.
A Multifaceted Entertainer
Apart from his stand-up comedy career, Gillis is also involved in various other entertainment ventures. He co-hosts the highly popular podcast “Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast” with his friend Matt McCusker. The podcast consistently ranks among the top podcasts on Apple’s chart and holds the No. 1 overall spot on Patreon. Gillis is also known for co-creating and co-writing the sketch series, “Gilly & Keeves,” which can be found on YouTube.
A Second Chance for Redemption?
Now, with his return to SNL, Shane Gillis has been given a second chance to prove himself and redeem his controversial past. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to navigate the fine line between pushing boundaries and offending others. Comedy has always been a medium that challenges social norms and can be polarizing, but it is crucial for comedians to maintain sensitivity and awareness in their craft. Only time will tell if Gillis can successfully manage the delicate balance between edgy humor and maintaining a respectful discourse.