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Stand-up comedy sensation Shane Gillis is making headlines once more as he prepares to host the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live for the second time. This return comes despite his controversial exit from the program back in 2019.
NBC confirmed on Tuesday that Gillis will take the stage as the celebrity host on March 1. The upcoming episode will feature musical guest Tate McRae, adding to the excitement of the night.
Gillis previously hosted Saturday Night Live in February 2024, marking a significant milestone in his career. His journey through the comedy scene has been remarkable, demonstrating his resilience, especially after losing his initial chance on the show due to his past remarks.
The Controversial Past
The controversy surrounding Gillis rose to prominence shortly after his casting in 2019. SNL creator Lorne Michaels later expressed that he was unaware of the offensive comments made by Gillis in a podcast. Michaels denounced these remarks as offensive, hurtful, and unacceptable.
During his first appearance on SNL, Gillis addressed the elephant in the room during his opening monologue. He humorously acknowledged the audience’s unfamiliarity with him, jokingly suggesting they avoid searching for details about his exit from the show. His self-deprecating humor continued with a light-hearted plea: “Please don’t Google that.”
A Flourishing Comedy Career
Despite this rocky start, Gillis’ career has soared. His 2023 Netflix special titled Beautiful Dogs achieved remarkable success, entering the Top 10 list in five countries, and maintaining its position in the U.S. Top 10 for two weeks.
Moreover, his 2024 arena tour broke numerous records, particularly at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. There, he set a record for the most tickets sold for a live event. His performances in Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center also made history, becoming the most attended comedy event ever in the venue’s history.
Recent Endeavors
Gillis continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, most notably starring alongside music superstar Post Malone and NFL icon Peyton Manning in Bud Light’s 2025 Super Bowl advertisement. The ad, praised for its star power, garnered immense viewership, ranking sixth in gameday views globally. According to USA Today’s AdMeter, it also emerged as one of Bud Light’s most successful campaigns to date.
Additionally, Gillis is set to see his scripted comedy series Tires return for a second season on Netflix later this year. The show premiered to great acclaim, debuting in Netflix’s Top 10 and featuring a star-studded cast that includes comedy legends like Jon Lovitz, Vince Vaughn, and Ron White.
Expanding his media presence, Gillis co-hosts Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast with fellow comedian Matt McCusker. The podcast has emerged as the No. 1 Patreon podcast worldwide, accumulating over 5.5 million downloads each month.
Worldwide Tour
Currently, Gillis is on his international Shane Gillis Live stand-up tour, which has captivated audiences everywhere. Upcoming performances will be taking place in major cities, including Washington, D.C., Salt Lake City, and across the UK, further expanding his reach and enhancing his international reputation.
Observing the Evolution
Shane Gillis’ rise, marked by both challenges and triumphs, illustrates the fierce resilience of artists in the entertainment landscape. His return to Saturday Night Live symbolizes not only a personal comeback but also serves as a reflection of the current cultural climate that allows for redemption and growth.
As Gillis prepares for another stint on the iconic comedy stage, fans and critics alike will undoubtedly be watching closely. Will he bring fresh material that continues to captivate audiences in the wake of past controversies? One thing is for certain; Shane Gillis is not backing down, and his nearly meteoric rise in the comedy world promises an engaging performance on SNL once more.
