Shane Gillis Returns to Host SNL – Comedy’s Biggest Star Right Now

Posted: Mar 1st, 2025

Shane Gillis Returns to Host SNL Amid Meteoric Rise in Comedy

Shane Gillis Hosts SNL for the Second Time in 13 Months

Shane Gillis is back to host Saturday Night Live for the second time in just over a year. His return marks a major moment in his career, as he continues his rapid ascent to becoming one of the biggest stand-up comedians in the world. From selling out massive venues to launching a successful Netflix sitcom (Tires), Gillis has proven that his comedy resonates with audiences everywhere.

In the new SNL promo, Gillis and musical guest Tate McRae joke about their names rhyming, setting the tone for what’s likely to be another entertaining episode. Fans of Gillis—many of whom have been skeptical of SNL in the past—will likely tune in to see how he brings his unique style to the iconic late-night show.

Shane Gillis’ Unstoppable Success in Stand-Up

Gillis’ rise in the comedy world has been nothing short of phenomenal. He’s selling out arenas the same day tickets go on sale—venues as big as the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, where the Clippers play. Few comedians in history have reached this level of demand so quickly, and his success has drawn comparisons to Dane Cook’s early 2000s dominance.

Comedians like Theo Von and Ari Shaffir have acknowledged Gillis as the biggest comic in the world right now. “I don’t even know who to compare him to,” Shaffir said. “He’s like Dane Cook was back in the day.” The sentiment is echoed across the comedy scene, as fellow comics discuss how Gillis’ unique appeal has set him apart.

From Cancellation to Comedy Icon

Gillis’ career took an unexpected turn in 2019 when he was hired—and quickly fired—from SNL due to resurfaced controversial jokes. At the time, it seemed like a devastating setback. But instead of fading away, he doubled down on stand-up, launched Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast, and built a fanbase that now rivals some of the biggest names in entertainment.

His return to SNL as a host is ironic considering how things played out years ago. Comedians have joked that Lorne Michaels’ relationship with Gillis is like a guy who got caught cheating on his wife but still tries to stay in touch with the mistress. Whether that’s true or not, the fact that SNL brought him back shows just how big he’s become.

Why Shane Gillis’ Fans Love Him

One of the most fascinating aspects of Gillis’ success is how he bridges different audiences. He has a “red state” appeal, yet he plays to packed crowds in liberal cities like New York. Even skeptical audiences often end up loving his material once they hear him perform.

His ability to win over crowds—even those initially unsure about him—is a testament to his comedic talent. As his friend and fellow comedian Dan Soder put it, “He never really changed. He’s just himself, and people love it.”

Will SNL Embrace Shane’s Style?

Gillis’ return to SNL will be interesting to watch. Some of his best comedy comes from unscripted, off-the-cuff moments, as seen in his live podcast recordings and stand-up sets. Traditional SNL sketches are much more structured, so it remains to be seen whether the show will let him fully unleash his comedic instincts.

Regardless, one thing is certain—Gillis’ hosting gig is another sign that he’s reached a new level of mainstream success. Whether his hardcore fans tune in live or just watch the clips on YouTube, his presence on SNL will be a big moment for comedy.