Shane Gillis: ESPYs, Tires, and the Unstoppable Rise of Comedy's Boldest Voice Podcast By cover art

Shane Gillis: ESPYs, Tires, and the Unstoppable Rise of Comedy's Boldest Voice

Shane Gillis: ESPYs, Tires, and the Unstoppable Rise of Comedy's Boldest Voice

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 Shane Gillis BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Shane Gillis has been in the spotlight more than ever this week, thanks to a major turn as the newly announced host of the 2025 ESPY Awards. Scheduled to emcee the show live on Wednesday, July 16, Gillis marks a bold choice for ESPN, reflecting the network’s willingness to embrace edgier comedic voices after years of safer celebrity picks. The announcement immediately set off conversation about whether Gillis would roast athletes with his signature irreverence or play it safe, with Dan Le Batard commenting on his radio show that Gillis’s affinity for sports and his friendship with many athletes might keep things cordial, though his history says he’s never been afraid to needle his own friends on stage. Social media quickly lit up with speculation over what kind of jokes to expect and a flood of viral clips from past Gillis routines began circulating, reaffirming his unpredictable reputation.

Gillis’s career momentum remains undeniable. He’s deep into a sold-out nationwide comedy tour, playing major venues like the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on July 18 and the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on July 19, with tickets vanishing fast and prices climbing, some VIP packages north of $900. Complementing his live presence, Gillis also co-created and stars in the Netflix comedy “Tires,” which just dropped its second season in June to a flood of new fans and critical adulation. In a move underscoring his status as a comedy heavyweight, Netflix recently confirmed “Tires” will return for a third season in 2026, a significant validation given the fickle landscape of streaming comedy.

Business partners are taking notice. Entertainment outlets such as Cynopsis called his ESPYs role “the biggest thing going right now in comedy.” Contests for tickets to his shows are appearing on major radio stations, and brands are jostling for partnerships. On social media, Gillis is trending not just because of his upcoming hosting gig but also due to a viral new photo making waves for how unrecognizable he looked, causing even more online chatter.

Of course, every headline comes with a shadow. The ESPYs announcement led some to rehash Gillis’s rocky history with “Saturday Night Live,” where his firing in 2019 over past insensitive remarks still sparks debate whenever his star rises. Still, the network’s decision to bring him back as SNL host twice in the past two years is seen by industry observers as a sign that times and tolerance for boundary-pushing comedy are shifting. For now, Shane Gillis stands as one of comedy’s most in-demand—and scrutinized—figures, his defiance and rapid-fire wit making every move a headline.

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