Comedian Shane Gillis made a bold move during his debut as the host of Saturday Night Live, addressing his controversial firing from the show in 2019. In a self-deprecating manner, Gillis joked with the audience, “please don’t Google that.” It was a clear attempt to acknowledge his past and move forward with his comedy career.
Gillis, who was announced as an SNL host in February, had been fired shortly after his initial hiring due to controversial remarks he made during a podcast. The comedian didn’t shy away from the topic, telling the audience, “if you don’t know who I am, please don’t Google that. It’s fine. Don’t even worry about it.” It was a lighthearted way to address the elephant in the room and show that he was ready to move on.
During his monologue, Gillis continued to push boundaries with his jokes. He humorously mentioned that he shouldn’t even be on stage and that he was more suited to be a “high school football coach.” He also made a surprising comment about having family members with Down syndrome, stating, “It almost got me. I dodged it, but it nicked me.” The audience’s reaction to this particular joke seemed mixed, with some appearing uncomfortable.
It’s worth noting that Gillis acknowledged the challenges of performing on live television, stating, “Look, I don’t have any material that can be on TV, all right? I’m trying my best. Also, this place is extremely well-lit. I can see everyone not enjoying it. This is the most nervous I’ve ever been.” This candid admission showcased his vulnerability and added a layer of authenticity to his performance.
Gillis’s firing from SNL in 2019 was a result of offensive remarks he made during a podcast. The show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, stated that they were unaware of Gillis’s past remarks and deemed them “offensive, hurtful, and unacceptable.” The decision to let him go was made after a conversation with Gillis, and SNL issued an apology for not vetting him thoroughly.
Despite the controversy surrounding his past, Gillis has been making strides in his comedy career. He recently announced a partnership with Bud Light, which was met with mixed reactions. Bud Light posted a photo of Gillis on social media, expressing their excitement to be part of his 2024 tour. This collaboration indicates that Gillis is moving forward and finding support within the industry.
Shane Gillis’s debut as the host of Saturday Night Live was undoubtedly a risky move. By addressing his firing head-on and incorporating humor into the situation, he showed resilience and a willingness to learn from his mistakes. While some of his jokes may have missed the mark with the audience, it’s clear that Gillis is determined to make a comeback in the comedy world. Only time will tell if he can overcome the controversy and solidify his place in the industry.
