Shane Gillis to Host SNL Again After Comeback Success

Posted: Feb 19th, 2025

Shane Gillis Hosts SNL for the Second Time in a Year

Fresh off SNL's massive 50th anniversary special, Shane Gillis will return to host the show on March 1st. This marks his second time hosting in just over a year, an impressive feat for any comedian—let alone one who was famously fired from SNL before ever making it to air.

Gillis, known for his laid-back yet sharp comedic style, joked about his firing during his first monologue, telling the audience, “If you don’t know who I am, don’t Google it.” That performance was met with excitement from fans and fellow comedians, though media coverage was split between praising his return and criticizing the show's decision to bring him back.

This time, Gillis comes in without the weight of a redemption narrative. Instead, he has a chance to simply host as a comedian at the top of his game.


Media Controversy Over His First Hosting Gig

When SNL first announced Gillis as a host last year, media outlets quickly resurfaced the 2019 podcast clip that led to his firing. Some speculated that it was an attempt to reignite controversy, while others saw it as opportunistic clickbait.

Despite this, his SNL debut was widely viewed as a success. His monologue landed well, and he shined in sketches—especially a standout scene involving a sex doll, where his chemistry with cast member Chloe Fineman was undeniable.

However, some outlets had pre-written negative reviews, with The Daily Beast publishing an article claiming he "bombed" before the episode had even ended. Gillis later joked about seeing the headline while still watching the live broadcast, knowing full well that he had done well.

With that first hosting gig behind him, this second appearance will likely have a different tone—less about proving himself and more about just having fun.


Why Gillis Is the Perfect Fit for SNL Right Now

Shane Gillis' rise over the last few years has been undeniable. Between selling out arena shows, appearing on ESPN’s College GameDay, starring in Bud Light’s Super Bowl campaign, and headlining Netflix’s Tires, he’s more recognizable to mainstream audiences than ever before.

Hosting SNL again not only cements his status in comedy but also signals that the show is willing to embrace edgier comics. His decision to decline playing Trump last season—choosing instead to perform at Skankfest—showed that he’s not eager to be used as a political pawn, which might explain why SNL is now more comfortable bringing him back on his own terms.


What to Expect from His Second SNL Hosting Gig

Without the burden of a comeback narrative, this time around should feel more natural for Gillis. Fans can expect another strong monologue, likely with self-deprecating humor about his journey. In the sketches, he’ll have the chance to settle into the SNL format even better, much like other comedians who have hosted multiple times, such as Bill Burr and Dave Chappelle.

Additionally, his return to SNL could hint at more big projects on the horizon. Rumors suggest that Tires Season 2 may be on the way, and this hosting gig could serve as the perfect promotional push, much like his first appearance helped announce Season 1.

Regardless of the headlines that follow, Shane Gillis is proving that he’s here to stay. And this time, it’s just about the comedy.