Shane Gillis' SNL monologue meets 'dead silent' crowd but one joke pulled through

February 05, 2024

Shane Gillis appeared to struggle during his SNL monologue over the weekend, but some Saturday Night Live fans weren’t that fussed.

Not only did some of his jokes fall flat, but Shane Gillis was fired from SNL five years ago – so that’s awkward enough really isn’t it. He was fired from the cast following backlash over transphobic and racist jokes, and mentioned him leaving Saturday Night Live in his monologue. The celebrity joked to the crowd: “If you don’t know who I am, please don’t Google that”. So he was aware what his appearance on the comedy TV series would bring. But he seemed uncomfortable in front of the camera, which was definitely picked up by viewers.

Shane Gillis’ knew crowd wasn’t enjoying his SNL monologue

After getting over the initial hump, he joked “every little boy is just their mom’s gay best friend” and said people with Down syndrome, including relatives, are the happiest people he’s ever met. But he joked he “dodged” Down syndrome, saying it “nicked him” instead. And when he used the word “r******e” in another quip it didn’t really get a response.

It appeared to get awkward, and he mentioned it as well.

Shane Gillis then made a comment about the SNL lighting: “This place is extremely well-lit. I can see everyone not enjoying it”.

He also claimed he didn’t have “any material that can be on TV” and he was “trying” his best. But it still wasn’t hitting.

Now, a clip showing a musician in the background has gone viral, as she sits straight-faced behind the comedian.

It’s seen more than 300,000 views since it was uploaded, and looks like she’s not happy with Shane.

One said: “She was unreasonably salty,” and another added: “That head angle and smirk is perfection…”

There was one joke people seemed to like

Perhaps the fact Shane Gillis was fired from SNL only days after being announced as a cast member was too much for audiences to bear.

One thing, it seems the mom joke hit home with fans on YouTube though. But they also felt the awkwardness as well.

One viewer said: “The little hand wave at the end seals it too lolol. Like he’s looking at his parents like “ehhh””

A second said: “That mom joke hit home more than any joke I’ve ever heard in my life”

And someone else wrote: “The moms little gay best friend joke – hits home and wish she was still here so I could show her the joke. Brought a happy tear to my eye.”

While a fourth penned: “I don’t know if I’ve ever watched a monologue where the band WASN’T laughing. Dead inside. Woof. hahaha”