The Internet's Favorite Comedian

Social media has given rise to a number of flourishing comedy careers in recent years. Although shaky at first, none have had the steep trajectory quite like Shane Gillis. Let's dive into why he's so popular, and just what makes him so funny.
All Music/Sound FX licensed via Motion Array

[@jasonotto9126]

Shane is a bro. The bro that just wants to have a laugh. The world needs more bros like this

[@highlybaked8417]

Shane Gillis and Matt McCusker are the bros the world needs to feed the dawgz. Bless those 2 kings

[@randommf3549]

Yup

[@dakotaolivier3609]

fr bro

[@timmian85]

That is true, but its very gay to say it out loud.

[@jasonotto9126]

@timmian85 yeah I know 😂 I'm a pretty gay bro

[@witchbvrner]

"You can say dark or offensive things without parading yourself as a martyr. Your jokes just have to be funny." My man is COOKING.

[@twelvecatsinatrenchcoat]

That's wrong btw. The problem with that is, if you actually listen to comedians explain their process, it takes time to make a joke funny. Jokes often have to start unfunny before they become funny with time and refinement. And in this culture there is no space for that.

[@ObviousMalcolm]

@@twelvecatsinatrenchcoat i have to agree. the issue is people dont understand comics may develop a character the same way actors do. and comedy gigs are their dojo, where they practiced. getting booed when you bomb is good feedback. getting your livelihood taken away is not. Shane was lucky to have a plan B. but multiple comedians have lost their chance to do comedy to never do it again. We always hear about the successful cases, not the hundreds of failed ones...

[@chpgmr1372]

@@twelvecatsinatrenchcoat There is plenty of space to do it. Just dont do it on Twitter or at an award show.

[@chpgmr1372]

@@ObviousMalcolm Seems like many of comedians dont understand that and thats why they failed.

[@twelvecatsinatrenchcoat]

@@chpgmr1372 Some comedians have started mandating faraday bags at their private shows because people film them working on jokes and post them to twitter. And bad-faith activists who pretend to be "journalists" will go to comedy shows and write articles the next day trying to cancel the comedian.

[@tatemcmillan4660]

I worked with Shane on a sketch in the second Gilly and Keeves special and the dude was without a doubt the funniest person I’ve ever been around. I’ve worked as an actor for a while and I’ve never seen someone so skilled at improv (I fucked up several takes because I couldn’t hold it together). He was also super friendly. Told him I was a huge fan of his standup at the end of our workday which turned into us speaking for a few minutes. He asked all about me and my background and actually seemed genuinely interested. Fuckin love the guys work, he deserves every bit of success he’s had thus far

[@Renzy_YT]

That’s so rad!

[@tatemcmillan4660]

@@Renzy_YT you also did a great job putting this together man. Keep it up

[@Renzy_YT]

@@tatemcmillan4660 Will do!

[@FlaccidFella]

Imagine how funny Theo Von is. Shane is my favorite comedian but on Theo Von's podcast Shane literally told Theo "man I can't help it everything you say is making me laugh"

[@randommf3549]

Nice

[@gorddihiryn444]

that last shot seeing Shane amongst the legends did something to me. I know i'm not the only one cause pretty much everyone loves him but his comedy both in his stand up and his podcasts just connects because he's simply just himself, really think he'll make it as one of the greats one day.

[@IAmTheRealHim]

He already is😊 We love our muscle daddy😊 Absolute power god (tier 2[Red])😊

[@merrittboydston7569]

He looks up to the greats and reveres them for who they are. It’s evident in the way he speaks about Patrice.

[@highlybaked8417]

Matt and Shane, 2 beautiful kings to nourish us dawgz

[@dnch]

yeah, where is Louis CK?

[@DrSpaceman69]

@@dnch holy shit you're right

[@alx8856]

Honestly thought this video was gonna be predictable and boring but was actually pretty well crafted and gave a nuanced opinion. Nice

[@For0489]

I second this. Was ready to kind of bash it as just another "we hate Rogan and friends" video but you made good points and it was more about lifting Shane up. Well done

[@doubledoc4397]

Agreed! I don’t comment much but super refreshing video

[@viggo8213]

The way you talk about the dangers of public outrage, without screaming about "cancel culture" is really awesome to see. Hope the discourse becomes more like this.

[@lduff155]

I think my favorite part of Shane Gillis is the fact that he doesn't try too hard on any bit. He doesn't need to. He is just extremely naturally funny without trying which is not a quality that every comedian has. He will go down as one of the all time greats.

[@animegopher]

Exactly. There are guys like him, Dave Chappelle, and Bill Burr that are funny guys that do stand up, and THEN there are comedians. I think there's a difference. Andrew Schultz is a comedian. His specials are good and written well. But overall, I don't think he's that naturally funny. A lot of his humor is being rude and crass. Which does have it's place, but that's his ONLY way of joking on his podcast. Whereas, Shane Gillis is a naturally funny guy who does stand up. He does good stand up, but on TOP of that, he's hilarious in a casual setting, too. Think of an Andrew Schultz compilation... It's ALL scripted stuff, like his stand up jokes with set punch lines, or even his Will Smith monologue (which is great, but still a bit and scripted). But Shane Gillis compilations have his stand up, random moments on podcasts and shows, he even has a moment where DAVE CHAPPELLE called him on stage to tell his audience one of his favorite jokes. And he killed.

[@bbbbbbb51]

​@@animegopherpersonally, I'd add Patrice and Theo into that category too.

[@animegopher]

@@bbbbbbb51 Oh yeah, for sure. And even though he's kind of hated, Kevin Hart is up there, I'd say Kam (the black guy who likes rocks), Adam Sandler (I know 98% of his movies are bad, but he's one of the naturally funny people), there are quite a few of these guys that are naturally funny that do standup. I think Shane is just one of those guys near the top. Kind of in a league of his own as his specials AND his invites on shows and podcasts feel like he's just a good friend joking around.

[@bbbbbbb51]

​@@animegopherpeople shit on Sandler a lot, and I'll never fully grasp why. I obviously understand that his movies aren't gutwrenchingly hilarious like Caddyshack or Blazing Saddles, but for family oriented comedies with a positive message at the end, they're more than serviceable imo. There's the occasional one that's just eh all around, but most I've seen haven't been bad. I guess I just hate seeing him get shat on too considering he's a truly decent guy and found a way to make money for himself instead of going through traditional channels where he wouldn't have control of his work. I respect that quite a lot. I hold that same respect for The Rock despite not caring for his acting or movies at all.

[@zerotoxiciti3831]

@@bbbbbbb51 On top of being a funny guy, Sandler is also a great actor. Check out some of his drama movies. They're a real charm to watch. Will never understand why people hate on him so much.

[@begonethot4869]

Shane has also done what many comedians don't, which is be offensive but not feel cynical. He punches down on himself, even in his bits about downs syndrome, hes still the butt of the joke. Everything he says is so naturally funny that he doesn't need to talk shit on minority populations like some comedians do with trans people or women. He just says stuff and its either true or hilarious and hes still the butt of the joke in all of his jokes

[@ryanm6004]

He makes jokes about all that stuff but the difference with him is that he makes the jokes with clear respect and admiration for those people and always turns the joke back on himself. It's something that some other comedians don't get that makes their jokes feel like they are in bad taste where Shane's don't.

[@hegertlulaj7801]

Great to see a small shout out to Nick Mullen. Also I'm gay

[@butcherboyy4473]

Tf??

[@carlitosway471]

Comedy!

[@bioof4]

Sure hope this doesn't become the top comment

[@stefanharris659]

I'm also gay

[@NahNahNahNoWay]

This comment rules

[@R3848]

He takes comedy fans back to late 1990s-early 2000s, when it was about making people laugh. Simple. Reason why most hall of fame comedians are from that era.

[@Gumbocinno]

Norm Macdonald was something truly special. The bits he did are bits him and only him can do. It's so damn unique, and it worked so well for him. If other comedians tried to imitate his style, it would fall flat right away. He almost past away on 9/11 too. I miss that man every day.

[@bbbbbbb51]

He really is my all time favorite. I enjoy a lot of comedy, but Norm was truly one of a kind with his humor, wit, and mind. I wish we had more, but I'm grateful for the Norm Macdonald Live episodes we did get.

[@urbiodad]

@@bbbbbbb51don’t be sad it’s over, smile because it happened :)

[@adamcarolan5884]

It’s crazy when you know norm was battling cancer and gambling addiction at the same time, and he was still so brilliantly funny. The man owned all the trials life threw at him and was an actual genius. Norm could’ve taken that place he was given doing a maths degree and used his wonderfully gifted mind to study maths, but instead used it for comedy. And that is why I think Norm is a once in a lifetime comedian, truly the G.O.A.T

[@ok9908]

At least there was no broomstick involved

[@vivsavagex]

@@adamcarolan5884a genius? Was he like really good at math or something?

[@rickytafolla]

this made me so happy. i think i've seen his austin special about eight times. the dude is extremely talented and i'm so glad he's getting the recognition he deserves.

[@Courtesyflush52]

8:08 I also think it’s important to note that his stories are normal. He has experiences that a normal person would realistically have, like consuming media, or touring historical sites, family drama, etc A lot of comedians have wacky stories from their escapades that nobody can relate to

[@Rendaime]

He made a surprise appearance at a Helium club in Philly while I was there and after his set, he just hung out at the bar with everyone. Got to actually sit and have a nice conversation with Shane. Not only is he hysterical in person but unbelievably nice and humble. I truly believe Shane is and will go down as one of the greatest comedians in the history books.

[@goobyaluob]

Sam Morril, Mark Normand, and Shane Gillis have blown up lately and they’re so fucking deserving, freakin hilarious trio

[@vegemitebilly369]

Shane Gillis, Sam Morril and Nick Mullen (personal friend) are straight killers on stage. This video was fire man, well put together. ❤

[@ActuallyNoah]

Shane and Sam are my two absolute favorites and seeing them get respect warms my heart

[@scottgarber8046]

Complete side note - just that one 2-second clip of James Acaster made me so excited. I guess he is still one of my favorite comedians lol

[@Pete_Finch]

Damn dude, you've got great comedic taste. You even threw Jeselnik in here, much respect. Keep it up with these video essays and your channel will be huge

[@Wombraider744]

Jeselnik is a hacky woke comedian, he was one of the ones cancelling Shane and saying mad shit about him

[@Pete_Finch]

@@Wombraider744 yeah Anthony's hot takes on Shane just after his SNL firing and without knowing him were way over the top. To be fair, he's recently said that Shane's got serious comedy chops after actually seeing his stuff (which admittedly would've been good to do right off the bat). Anyway, I don't really care about politics at all as long as a comedian makes me laugh and both guys do for me with very different styles

[@kja6336]

@@Pete_Finchyeah I think he has good timing, and I also like dead pan, but him as a person is enough to have made me not like him. Mark Norman is better than him at the same type of deadpan comedy and Norm Macdonald is 10x better at heel turns. His content isnt enough to overlook how shit he is as a human imo and he’s not even close to the best at his own type of comedy

[@martinsanchez4827]

​​@@Pete_FinchJeselnik is contradicting hack that allows politics to influence who he likes and dislikes. I could care less what side a comedian is on, but people like Jeselnik feed into the culture war where he pontificates about everything. He probably discredits Norm's comedy now for the sake that Norm held ideals he doesn't agree on.

[@NotAfraid280]

Jeselnik went after Shane for being too edgy lol he’s a hack

[@damboulton]

The fact that this guy had stand-up Stav in with the lames and Mullen in there with the good comics, you know this guys gets funny 😂👍 Hell yeah dude, great video.

[@Renzy_YT]

Of course, he’s my close personal best friend

[@damboulton]

@@Renzy_YT you're awesome bro 🤣

[@Sinic818]

this guy gets it!@@Renzy_YT

[@pkiely29]

Stav stinks

[@NotAfraid280]

Stav is funny fuck u guys lol

[@seanmonaghan4693]

dude that was like a fuckin really sweet and kind breakdown of who shane gillis is lmao this is such a wholesome video. good shit.

[@MrBlakeleyden]

You nailed it with his humility and being himself. He also is one of those comedians that can laugh at the joke along with the crowd. It's not a well done act that gets laughs. That's how he is on a day-to-day basis. It comes across like a friend.

[@georgefranklin8513]

I love that you showed Nick Mullen. Hes a great comedian

[@AGfrom83]

He's a personal friend of mine. Good joke guy.

[@GameyRaccoon]

Im so gay

[@maxsmith8196]

He is extremely funny on the spot, but his new special just didn’t do it for me, it was alright though

[@mbiggs9821]

as a former Shane Gillis detractor, thank you for illustrating this. Information is everything.

[@Pete_Finch]

I too wouldn't give him a chance for years after the SNL firing, and I didn't even really know what happened back then. One day I was randomly watching something with Pete Davidson in it where Pete said Shane Gillis was currently the best in the business and I said fine, I'll give him a shot. Been on the Shane Train ever since

[@RoshDroz]

Sad to see how most of those iconic comics you listed are dead. Freaking bummer dude. Bernie, Patrice, Norm

[@daveb4mv]

dude, you knocked this out the park! Amazing summary of not only Shane's popularity but the comedy scene as a whole these days.

[@clipsdaily101]

hes what comedy needed. it became a performance for the cameras for a few years and its nice to see a bro become top level

[@idontlikethis980]

As a gay man, I appreciate the small shout-out to Nick Mullen.

[@jameslucena1020]

Fellow gay here. This ^^ x 1000

[@FaydsterTV]

Honestly if SNL hadn’t fired Shane, they would actually be worth watching nowadays. Shane is one of my favorite comedians.

[@californiarollwithramensea8220]

We're in another golden age of comedy. Yes theres a ton of trash but the cream always rises to the top and we got some incredible comedians at the top rn.

[@joshuadugan1701]

Shocked at the quality given that this is the START, thumbnails are on point and your commentary is well written

[@Renzy_YT]

Thanks Josh!

[@olivernicholds]

What a great video! You’re easily one of my favourite commentary channels. Keep up the great work. Cheers

[@drew425]

I’ve also been thinking recently how he’s such a refreshing comic and that he’s one of the best right now. I haven’t even watched one whole, but every time I get a clip of one of his specials it has me rolling.

[@sticksandknives]

it feels like such a privilege getting to watch this guy’s career grow. he absolutely deserves his success and much more.

[@menwithven8114]

Of every single comedian out there Shane is the one i truly feel like i could sit with and have beers for 4 hours and be completely normal without pulling a camera or doing a bit for social media and having normal conversations.

[@MrPixelMonster]

Was enjoying 3 of ur videos back to back before I saw the sub count. Under 10k is criminal, I love ur script & delivery combined with the clips. U obvs put alot of research into this, u got my sub dude. Keep it up u gon get there

[@Renzy_YT]

Thank you bossman, I appreciate the kind feedback :)

[@chaninja001]

Totally agree, Gillis is the most relatable comedian I know and so gut bustingly hilarious!

[@MartinMcfly85]

100% one of my favorite comedians within the last 1- years. also great video , got a sub from me!

[@slaqasdq8787]

It's so sad knowing that there will truly never be people like Norm again. People like him, Pryor, Carson, Rickles, etc. really shaped the comedy world into something totally different. And you hit the nose on the button with how frustratingly difficult it can be to combine successful and good comics in today's society. We cannot take somebody like Shane Gillis for granted. Him, Bill Burr, Conan, they are some of the very few left. I hope more will come but it seems we have less and less now than ever before.

[@juderogers4826]

Amazing video, the editing was great and all the points were fire

[@Ryan0123ify]

Glad i stumbled on this video, Shane Gillis will only go up from here. All the best to your channel!

[@WillHest]

So pleased to see Shane doing well. Was surprised to see his style of comedy being so well received. Reminded me of some UK, Irish, Aussie comedians that never took off in the US. Shane will do very well internationally

[@clipsdaily101]

in the past two years he blew up. i hope he holds onto who he is and doesnt let the fame inflate his ego. hes doing great so far

[@Pr0toPoTaT0]

Great video dude!!!!! Your extra commentary is great!

[@thecritic231]

Great video dude! Shane is my favorite comic right now

[@sunfish9341]

great choice of clips lol every one of these are great bits

[@nicktofpik3429]

Im glad I got recommended this video, I had no idea about shane before his fame!

[@SDHC-ub7rp]

Shane has the potential to be a legend in comedy, hope to see what comes from him soon

[@MAVJ]

"Live from Austin" I think is my legitimate favorite comedy special of all time. It's not overbearing, it's not over produced, it's just an hour nonstop jokes that never miss. Couldn't be happier for the guys success and hope he keeps up the quality over the years

[@menwithven8114]

Yeah it's probably top 3. Eddie Murphy Delirious as a young child may always have first lol

[@sheliedalldaylong]

Clair de lune as Andrew Yang Talks about Shane Gillis in not something I ever expected or wanted but tbh it slaps and I'm here for it

[@wickstar345]

I saw Shane's Austin show randomly - instantly loved him. His delivery, his laughs, his humour..... He can become one of the greatest, even tho 'beautiful dogs' wasn't on par with the first. Best of luck to him, he seems like a great guy.

[@oskarnormansson3765]

Not sure how I got recommended this but I enjoyed it. Well made video my guy

[@gaspartiznado6418]

When Sandra Oh started praising Shane’s expulsion from SNL, I knew there was something good about this guy. That’s when I started looking him up. And I’ve been a fan ever since.

[@darkovski15]

Amazing homage man. I love Shane and I can't wait for his next material, I fucking hate that I can't be around this stand up scene, it's so exciting. I am not from USA apparently, nor I can travel there to go for comedy shows, but I follow his podcast with Matt and I've watched all his specials several times. Thanks for this video and keep it up.

[@shquankinket8068]

His live an Austin special is one of the funniest things I’ve ever watched. Each of his jokes has punch lines weaved in between every sentence

[@aliwheel5238]

You're going to be big, these few videos you have are excellent 👏👏👏

[@SPREET5454]

Going to see him in March. Cannot wait. Dude is hilarious and man we gotta just laugh these days. the 2020's have been a rough time for all of us.

[@Jack-uy7ie]

I think the key to being the legend or just another comedian is the intent. My favourite quote from Norm is "Its one thing to make the audience laugh but another to make them smile".

[@fogpatrol]

Matt and Shane secret podcast as become one of my favorite podcast. Mostly because it's just friends talking shit and its very relatable.

[@nickscope27]

a fellow dawg come for shane, stay for matt eventually cum for both

[@L0wSkiller]

You my DAWG, Dawg!

[@stevenolan267]

Great video! I have often heard the late great Norm Macdonald referred to as "a comedians' comedian" and I believe the same can be said about Shane Gillis from much of what you pointed out in your video! He almost always is the high light of whatever podcast he is on with other comedians and he often has them all in stitches the entire time.

[@Differenshit]

he is a stand up that actually makes me laugh

[@chufucachoo]

Here before the blow up - very talented.

[@Eldor-117]

Best 2023 special is Shane Gillis Beautiful Dogs special, easily a rewatchable special, and watching a comedy special again, while knowing every punchline to the jokes, is the very definition of a very good comedy special.

[@kinglouiethethird]

thank you for doing this man justice... a truly hilarious dude. also, if anyone hasn't watched Tires yet go do so right now!

[@MrFruityBanana]

Great choice in background music. I thought I was listening to my own playlist when a few song came on. Cool video as well. My all time favorite bit that Shane does is the Abu don't cry. Guy is an absolute gem in this world of dark dirty wannabe diamond show boys.

[@israelen]

Shane is extremely funny. So glad to see him rise

[@DunceCapSyndrome]

This was a great video essay.

[@JackStavris]

I had no clue who Shane Gillis was before the SNL drama, but then I got recommended his skit channel Gilly and Keeves on KZbin one day and discovered him, I checked out his standup specials and now I’m a massive fan. He has potential to be up there with the greats like Dave Chapelle, Louis C.K and George Carlin.

[@gdn86]

I think the funniest story he has was about the intervention with his cousin, where he took her to Six Flags before hand and it ruined the whole point.

[@check4v]

It was his sister.

[@smith9157]

Shane is loved by the people the comedy fans and his also got the acclaim of the comedy greats. When your a comics comic and have a huge audience mainstream and comedy fans alike you become one of the greats.

[@prashil3k594]

such a well done video! I'm Subbing

[@safespacebear]

Im always hesitant to give a new comedian a chance bc most cant crack jokes as good as me and my friends shooting the shit (and we aint all that). Shane is for real tho. He can make you hurt from laughing too hard. Glad to see him having a moment. Well deserved

[@giraffenuzZ]

great video dude, keep it up!

[@paradopx8618]

Really great summary! I wish the end had a lil more outro music and maybe a round of silent clips 👍🏼👍🏼 to take on what was being mentioned

[@SeanDaPaulSeh]

I honestly love the way his comebacks are literally like what you'd hear a 7th grader from 2007 say. "Yeah well yer fuckin.. Doctor Gay!"

[@Renzy_YT]

Him getting choked out by Rogan because he said Jiu Jitsu was for sissies 😂

[@uglyburrito_]

Good video editing, keep it up mate, million view format

[@noomade]

Your hall of fame is pretty spot on!

[@SmellsLikeEMinor]

I love Shane. He's hilarious

[@johnasimakis7970]

His "cancelation" assisted his reputation with the average fan. A guy who despite being blacklisted managed to climb up the ladder is a cool backstory.

[@poppyfrancis7338]

The thing about making jokes about marginalized groups is that we want to feel included, like we aren't different. We're not gonna cancel someone because they joke about us, we're cancelling them because their jokes aren't jokes, much less funny. The subject needs to be in on it or it ceases to even be a joke

[@Ic3h0rnEt14]

Saw him in Baltimore last month and he was great! His openers were really good too (except for the Ravens player).

[@mikeq4917]

He isn't just rubbing elbows with top comedians, he's good friends with professional athletes and regularly chills with A-list celebrities.

[@Willoops]

Honestly don’t know anyone who watches comedy that doesn’t like Shane. Great vid man.

[@Faynwulf]

With a title like this it should be a video about Nick Mullen.

[@stellathehost]

glad i stumbled across this video

[@jordantheman25]

Praise be to the dawgz, Pope McCuscker and the young bull off the cidiesss 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@lancefisher8358]

I love how you had AYG at the end there

[@RabRabNZ]

Bruh the dude is just a heavy hitter with that quick wit. Andrew Callaghan too, Druski, KamPat

[@Spencerwithahat]

He had a fan as SOON as he said “I have a relative with Down syndrome” “thankfully I dodged it but IT NICKED ME IT NICKED ME”😭😭😭bro that was just gold to me

[@shadquirk607]

So this is the thing with Shane, back me up, he's 'the bro', right? He grew up talking shit with his bros, like alot of us, and that is rare when it comes to comedians because those guys don't usually get into comedy. Some of the funniest shit i've ever heard was at a party by a nobody, I know people that kill everyone everytime we're together, they just don't get on stage to do it. Shane is finally one of the bros that decided to actually do comedy, and he's proving that the natural, conversational style of hanging out with your buddies talking shit kills.

[@morpho5539]

Shane reminds me of my friends growing up, I love his humor.

[@artOVtrolling]

Thank you for your service, Shane.

[@benattitude]

Your analysis is poetic! 🫡

[@minaboi]

Love the use of Erik Satie, well done video

[@bIIaise]

I think there’s something to be said about Shane’s comedy and how its almost the overall consensus that everyone finds him funny. Even my gf of 3 1/2 who I know for a sure fact that she does not like stand up comedy or stand up comedians in general really. She can’t help but laugh at Shane’s stand up and some of his bits. I’ve never seen her laugh at anyone else’s n I’m always showing her bits I think would make her laugh. Only ever Shane’s comedy has she found somewhat entertaining. What an awesome video n amazing story he has. Fucken love this dudes comedy n hope you continues to be prosperous in his endeavors.

[@jcxzit]

i just wish there was more content of shane, he needs another stand up special.

[@georgeholmes6254]

I'm addicted to Shane Gillis, he is my spirit comedian.

[@pudela]

wholeheartedly agree.

[@unstoppabledoris]

I saw Shane last week, great show! I haven't enjoyed myself that much at a comedy show in a while. As a college kid ahead of us said HE IS JUST A RELATABLE WHITE GUY 😅

[@thenowwhatshow4142]

4:21 I would never understand how any of them are cool with this guy after this

[@KellyJamesMitchell]

Solid video my guy, you crushed it 👌🏻

[@Renzy_YT]

Thank you for the kind words!