Shane Gillis Bombs on Return to ‘Saturday Night Live

Introduction

Shane Gillis’s return to “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) on March 1, 2025, was a highly anticipated event, marking his first appearance since his controversial firing in 2019. Expectations were high, but the episode received mixed reviews, with critiques focusing on the quality of the monologue and sketches.

Background: Gillis’s History with SNL

In 2019, Shane Gillis was briefly hired as a cast member on SNL but was dismissed before appearing on the show due to the resurfacing of past podcast episodes containing offensive remarks. His return as a host in 2025 was seen by some as a chance for redemption and by others as a controversial decision by the show’s producers.

The Monologue: Missed Opportunities

Gillis’s opening monologue attempted to tackle political topics, including references to Donald Trump and Joe Biden. However, critics noted that the monologue lacked cohesion and failed to deliver impactful humor. One reviewer described it as “muddled and lacked impact,” highlighting the challenges Gillis faced in connecting with the audience during this segment.

Sketch Performances: A Mixed Bag

“Mid-Day News 2”

This sketch was noted as a highlight of the episode, featuring strong performances and effective humor. Critics praised its pacing and the chemistry among cast members

“Dad’s House” and “CouplaBeers”

Other sketches, such as “Dad’s House” and “CouplaBeers,” received mixed reviews. While some appreciated the concepts, others felt that the execution fell flat and relied too heavily on clichéd humor. One critic mentioned that the episode “allowed Gillis’ dumb middle-school-level humor to take the lead” .

Audience Reception and Ratings

The episode’s reception among viewers was divided. Some fans appreciated Gillis’s return and found the episode entertaining, while others criticized the quality of the sketches and the monologue. Online discussions reflected this split, with comments ranging from praise for specific sketches to disappointment in the overall performance.

Conclusion

Shane Gillis’s return to SNL was a significant moment, given his past with the show. While there were moments of effective humor, particularly in certain sketches, the episode as a whole received mixed reviews. The monologue, in particular, was seen as a missed opportunity to address past controversies with nuance and humor. As SNL continues to evolve, the decision to bring back Gillis will remain a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike.