Shane Gillis' ESPYs monologue gets mixed reviews

Shane Gillis had at least one celebrity in stitches last week during his ESPYs monologue, which was delivered to a mixed reception from audience members.

Shane Gillis receives mixed reactions for his ESPYs performance

Shane Gillis took the stage at the ESPYs last week, where his opening monologue received a varied response from the audience. Notably, Busta Rhymes was one of the few who found the comedian's jokes amusing. Gillis shared on his podcast that seeing Rhymes react positively was a highlight amid quieter responses from the rest of the crowd. During the nearly 10-minute segment, he made jokes about sports personalities including Caitlin Clark and Aaron Rodgers, which sparked mixed reactions. One particular joke involved tricking the audience into applauding for a fictitious WNBA player, which drew criticism from former ESPN personalities. Despite this backlash, ESPN seems to have supported Gillis, possibly hoping to attract a new audience despite a reported 22 percent drop in viewership from the previous year.

Gillis’ performance has stirred conversations about what comedy can and should address in sports. The juxtaposition of his humor against traditional sports award shows highlights an evolving landscape in entertainment. As comedy becomes a central feature of these events, the reception of such acts can vary dramatically from audience to audience. With the 22 percent drop in viewership, one must question if humor that alienates certain demographics could be detrimental to overall engagement. Gillis’ controversial style may not appeal to everyone, but it demonstrates a willingness to challenge norms in a space often constrained by mainstream expectations.

Highlights

ESPN's decision to support Gillis may reflect a broader strategy in reshaping its brand.