Gillis' SNL Return Sparks Backlash Over 'Hitler' Jokes and Live Swearing

Key points

• Gillis delivered a monologue referencing his weight, gym culture, and a receding hairline, culminating in the line 'You're either gay or you're Hitler.'
• The studio audience reacted with audible groans to jokes about women's workout clothes and muted responses to the Hitler punchline.
• Gillis accidentally swore on live television during a sketch, later apologizing in his closing remarks.
• The episode followed previous controversies, including his 2019 firing and recent backlash from the Netflix Roast of Kevin Hart.
• Rosalía served as the musical guest, performing two songs from her album 'Lux'.

Background

Gillis was fired from SNL in 2019 after offensive podcast clips resurfaced, but returned to host in 2024 and 2025. His recent appearance at the Netflix Roast of Kevin Hart also drew criticism for jokes regarding suicide and Zionism. This latest episode is part of a broader pattern of mixed reception for his hosting stints, with previous monologues also failing to land with audiences.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Complex emphasized the audience's negative reaction, noting groans and muted laughter, and framed the event as another instance of Gillis failing to connect with the SNL crowd. The Guardian offered a more nuanced view, suggesting the monologue was a watered-down version of his stand-up material designed to appeal to his fanbase while avoiding more offensive topics, and noted that the audience was largely with him until the end. The Hollywood Reporter focused on the live swearing gaffe and the specific jokes, including the 'gas station egg' nickname from Joe Rogan and Theo Von, without explicitly commenting on the audience's reception. Some viewers in the comments section defended the monologue as hilarious, while others criticized it as misogynistic and unfunny.

Why it matters

The episode highlights the ongoing tension between SNL's commitment to edgy comedy and the boundaries of audience comfort, particularly regarding jokes that touch on gender, sexuality, and historical figures. It also underscores the challenges faced by comedians with controversial pasts in navigating mainstream platforms, and the potential impact of live gaffes on a performer's reputation.

What to watch

Gillis is expected to continue his stand-up career and Netflix projects, while SNL will move on to its next host, Inde Navarrette, for the Halloween episode. The episode's reception may influence future decisions about hosting controversial talent on the show.