Shane Gillis’ Second SNL Hosting Gig: The Truth About His Return

Posted: Mar 9th, 2025

Shane Gillis Hosts SNL Again – What’s Changed?

For the second time in 13 months, Shane Gillis hosted Saturday Night Live, marking another milestone in his career. His first hosting gig was a major moment considering his past with the show, and this time, fans were split—some excited, others questioning why he’d return.

Despite skepticism, Gillis delivered a strong episode, featuring well-crafted sketches and a monologue that reflected his style. Whether you love or hate his comedy, his influence is undeniable.


The Monologue: Familiar, Yet Different

Shane’s monologue, a crucial part of any comedian’s SNL appearance, started with slight nerves but quickly found its rhythm. The set had been tested just days earlier at Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership in Austin, giving him a chance to refine his material.

At the Mothership, the crowd was all-in, laughing at every bit. On SNL, the stakes were different—millions watching live, a mixed audience, and network restrictions. Despite these challenges, he kept his composure and delivered a solid performance.

Critics from NPR, Vanity Fair, and Paste Magazine had their takes, but online reactions proved one thing: if you liked Shane before, you probably enjoyed his set. If you didn’t, you weren’t convinced otherwise.


The Sketches: More Gillis, Less SNL

One noticeable difference from his first SNL appearance was how much the sketches reflected his comedic voice. Working alongside John McKeever, his Gilly and Keeves collaborator, the skits had a more natural fit for Shane’s style.

Top-rated sketches from the night included:

  • “A Couple of Beers” – A classic Shane setup that played well.

  • “Midday News” – A standout that showcased his delivery.

  • “Wedding Coupons” – A bit that could’ve easily been a Gilly and Keeves sketch.

The absence of a Trump skit—despite Shane’s well-known impression—was an interesting move. Whether this was SNL’s decision or Gillis’ personal choice is unclear, but it might have helped him avoid being labeled a one-trick pony.


Live vs. Pre-Recorded Comedy

One challenge with live TV is making sketches land in real-time. Some of SNL’s skits, while conceptually strong, tend to fall apart in execution due to time constraints.

Pre-recorded bits have the luxury of editing, allowing for tighter comedic timing. While breaking character in live sketches can be fun, Shane’s humor often thrives in structured setups—making his Gilly and Keeves sketches feel more complete than some of SNL’s rushed endings.


What’s Next for Shane Gillis?

With his second SNL hosting gig in the books, what’s next for Shane? His career has skyrocketed, selling out arenas across the country, and his sketch show Gilly and Keeves remains a cult favorite.

Another major project on the horizon is the release of Tires, a comedy series produced by Gillis and McKeever. While there’s no confirmed release date yet, expectations are high, and it could be another huge win for Shane’s brand of comedy.


Final Thoughts

Shane Gillis’ second time on SNL felt more natural, with sketches that fit his style better than his first appearance. While some critics weren’t fans, audience reactions were largely positive.

If anything, this episode proved that Gillis doesn’t need SNL—he’s already at the top of the comedy world. But his willingness to return, despite past controversy, shows his love for the craft.

What did you think of Shane’s SNL return? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for more comedy updates.