Shane Gillis Bombs as Host of the ESPYs: A Lacking Comedic Effort

As a comedian, there's no better test of skill than facing an audience with mixed emotions. Shane Gillis, however, proved himself to be woefully unprepared for this challenge when he took the stage at the 2023 ESPYs as host.

Gillis has long been criticized for his off-putting humor and lack of genuine connection with audiences. His politics are not for everyone, and his brand of bro-humor and racist jokes have earned him a reputation as more of a novelty act than a serious comedian. But even among those who disagree with his views, there's no denying that Gillis struggles to deliver on the most fundamental aspects of comedy: timing, confidence, and delivery.

Both of his Saturday Night Live monologues were met with lukewarm reception at best, but it was during his hosting stint at the ESPYs where Gillis truly proved himself to be a comedic disaster. His set was marked by awkward pauses, stumbles over words, and an overall lack of confidence that bordered on desperation.

One of the most striking aspects of Gillis' performance was his tendency to deflect blame for bombing jokes onto his writers or audience members. When asked about a joke that fell flat, he claimed not to have written it himself, and when faced with a room full of boos, he apologized profusely and told the crowd to "lighten up." These reactions spoke volumes about Gillis' inability to handle rejection and criticism.

In contrast to his idol, Norm MacDonald, who was known for his deadpan delivery and ability to subvert expectations, Gillis relied on a more cringeworthy brand of humor that quickly fell flat. Even when he managed to land a single decent line, it was mangled in delivery or followed up with a condescending remark that only served to further alienate the audience.

The winners of the ESPYs awards took center stage, but Gillis' own efforts were overshadowed by his inability to connect with the crowd. His attempt at humor felt forced and calculated, lacking the spontaneity and genuine enthusiasm that defines truly great comedy.

In the end, it's clear that Shane Gillis is still working on developing his comedic chops, and until he can overcome his doubts and insecurities, he'll continue to struggle in front of live audiences. As for fans of the ESPYs, we can look forward to a more polished and engaging hosting experience from a comedian who can actually deliver.

For those curious about Gillis' set, highlights from the ESPYs monologue have been compiled on YouTube. Take a look for yourself and see what you think – but be warned: it's not pretty.

Awards Winners of the 2023 ESPYs

Best Athlete - Men’s Sports: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Best Athlete - Women’s Sports: Simone Biles, Gymnast
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Ilona Maher, Rugby
Best Record-Breaking Performance: Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Best Championship Performance: Simone Biles, 2024 Olympics Women’s All-Around
Best Comeback Athlete: Suni Lee, Gymnast
Best Play: Saquon Barkley's backwards hurdle, Philadelphia Eagles
Best Team: Philadelphia Eagles, NFL
Best College Athlete - Men’s Sports: Cooper Flagg, Duke Basketball
Best College Athlete - Women’s Sports: JuJu Watkins, USC Basketball
Best Athlete with a Disability: Noah Elliott, Snowboarder
Best NFL Player: Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Best MLB Player: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers
Best NHL Player: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Best NBA Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Best WNBA Player: Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
Best Driver: Max Verstappen, F1
Best Soccer Player: Christian Pulisic, AC Milan, US