Comedian Shane Gillis has struck a deal with Netflix despite receiving criticism over the monologue he delivered during an appearance on “Saturday Night Live.”
According to Variety, an independent sitcom produced by Gillis titled “Tires” has been acquired by the streaming giant.
The scripted comedy, consisting of six episodes, will premiere on May 23.
Additionally, Netflix will produce a new stand-up special with Gillis along with the comedy series, per Variety.
The outlet notes that Gillis is also a writer and co-creator of “Tires,” staring Steven Gerben as the character Will.
The character is described as “the nervous and unqualified heir to an auto repair chain. Will attempts to turn his father’s business around despite constant torture from his cousin and now employee, Shane (Shane Gillis).”
Netflix’s deal with Gillis comes just days after he appeared on “Saturday Night Live” over the weekend, delivering a monologue that received its fair share of criticism.
Opening the monologue, Gillis addressed the fact that he was fired from the show in 2019.
“Yeah, I’m here,” Gillis said.
He added, “Most of you probably have no idea who I am. I was actually — I was fired from this show a while ago. But if, you know, don’t look that up, please, if you don’t know who I am. Please, don’t Google that. It’s fine. Don’t even worry about it.”
Gillis went on to reflect on the relationship he had with his mother in high school.
“I was gay for my mom,” Gillis said.
He continued, “She would pick me up from school, I would hop in the van. I would be like, ‘Girl, tell me about your day.’”
Watch his monologue below:
Gillis went on to discuss having family members with Down syndrome.
“It almost got me. I dodged it, but it nicked me. It nicked me,” the comedian joked.
The monologue sparked criticism among writers including Tom Smyth of Vulture who labeled it “Cringey.”
Kevin Dolak of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, “Gillis made a strong effort in his return to Studio 8H on Saturday night, but he struggled throughout his monologue and was visibly anxious as he pivoted to new topics.”
Eric Deggans of NPR claims Gillis “struggles in a ‘Saturday Night Live’ monologue that avoids the obvious.”
However, it was not all criticism.
Several took to X to express their approval of the monologue.
One user wrote, “He crushed it!! Every Comedian should bow to Shane Gillis. He just threw Cancel Culture in the dumpster! Comedy is back.”
He crushed it!! Every Comedian should bow to Shane Gillis. He just threw Cancel Culture in the dumpster! Comedy is back. https://t.co/sndE1MEtFY
— Opie Radio podcast (@OpieRadio) February 25, 2024
Another added, “Just a perfect return to SNL. Too good.”
Just a perfect return to SNL
— Football (@BostonConnr) February 25, 2024
Too good https://t.co/kTZbHXzdTx
See more reactions below:
Life has to be absolutely miserable for the people who were upset by this. https://t.co/lu3hetHCQ0
— Vito (@VitoTheFinsFan) February 25, 2024
Shane crushed per usual
— Joe Pop (@JoePops_) February 25, 2024
First funny thing on SNL since Dave Chappelle.
— Samuel Urban
Glad you Broken Clocks finally got another thing right for once.
Shane Gillis should run your whole show.(@ill_Scholar) February 25, 2024
That was the best monologue on SNL in over 20 years. It’s not even a debate.
— DAUER America (@DauerNews) February 25, 2024
At the time of his firing in 2019, a spokesperson released a statement on behalf of “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels explaining the reason behind the decision.
“After talking with Shane Gillis, we have decided that he will not be joining SNL,” the statement explained.
It continues, “We want SNL to have a variety of voices and points of view within the show … The language he used is offensive, hurtful and unacceptable. We are sorry that we did not see these clips earlier, and that our vetting process was not up to our standard.”
The statement came as a response to a viral video featuring an excerpt from “Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast” which Gillis co-hosts with comedian Matt McCusker.
As NPR previously reported, Gillis “uses a racist slur and makes fun of Chinese accents during a discussion about Chinatown.”
