Shane Gillis Returns to SNL Amid Controversial Jokes

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Comedian Shane Gillis made a notable return to Saturday Night Live (SNL) on March 1, 2025, for his second time as host.

The episode opened with a cold open featuring James Austin Johnson in a sketch that spoofed former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The segment set a comedic tone for the evening.

Following the sketch, Gillis delivered his monologue filled with political humor and cultural commentary. He drew laughter and some hesitation from the audience as he made light of both Trump and current President Joe Biden, likening liberals to the Sith, villains from the Star Wars saga. “You guys are pretty liberal here. Look, I understand being liberal, dude, it feels good. It’s powerful. It’s too powerful, dude. It’s like the Sith. You, like, lose yourself,” he quipped.

Gillis continued with a series of jokes touching on various topics, including the awkwardness of white men questioning their female partners about past relationships, referencing Tinder as a modern context.

In a more controversial moment, he commented on his fondness for historical documentaries, specifically Ken Burns’ Civil War, stating, “It’s 900 hours long. No one on Earth has ever finished it. It’s kryptonite to women. If you put that on, they will fall asleep immediately. That’s a little Cosby tip for you, actually.” His remark alluded to the convicted Bill Cosby, whose 2018 sexual assault conviction was overturned in 2021, drawing mixed reactions from the audience and critics alike.

Gillis’s return to SNL is particularly significant as it comes five years after his previous stint ended abruptly following the surfacing of past racist, homophobic, and misogynistic remarks. His latest performance has reignited discussions over the boundaries of comedy, with defenders praising his unfiltered style, while detractors deem his jokes tone-deaf and inappropriate.

The mixed reception to his monologue reflects ongoing cultural debates on what constitutes acceptable humor in today’s society, particularly in light of his contentious history and the current socio-political climate.