New York, NY – After five years, comedian Shane Gillis made a controversial return to the Saturday Night Live (SNL) stage, facing mixed reactions from the audience. Gillis, a former cast member who was fired in 2019 for making racist and homophobic remarks, attempted to win back viewers with his performance on the long-running comedy show.
While some of Gillis’ humor received a lukewarm response, with some jokes falling flat, he did manage to elicit a few laughs from the audience. The sketches throughout the show seemed to tone down his usual white-bro comedy style, finding a balance that resonated better with the audience. Despite visible signs of nervousness during his monologue and difficulties transitioning to new topics, Gillis put in a commendable effort.
One of the highlights of the show was a spoof ad where Gillis promoted a betting platform called Rock Bottom Kings, offering users the chance to bet on how low their friends’ lives could sink. Additionally, a mock movie trailer featured Gillis as a character who receives a Trump-like hair-do and an unusual relationship with the truth after receiving a pair of golden high-tops from the former president.
In a sketch on a game show called “The Floor,” Gillis struggles to name famous Black historical figures as their faces appear on a screen, showcasing his comedic talent. However, some sketches tended to drag on for too long, such as one that focused on HR and workplace dating, causing the humor to wear thin.
Musical guest 21 Savage performed his single “redrum” on the show, but failed to fully captivate the audience. Overall, Gillis’ return to SNL was met with mixed reviews, with some praising his effort while others found certain aspects of his performance lacking.
Despite the ups and downs of his return, Gillis’ comeback signifies a significant moment in his career, as he attempts to redeem himself in the eyes of viewers and make a lasting impression on the comedy scene. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how Gillis will navigate the challenges of being back in the spotlight and whether he can successfully rebuild his reputation in the industry.