The Blue-Collar Workplace Comedy Dominating Netflix Features A Rising Stand-Up Star
The new workplace sitcom, Tires, recently debuted as the number-one show on Netflix. Created by and starring the controversial stand-up comedian Shane Gillils, it’s unsurprising that people are flocking to the show, despite its mixed reviews. The show’s strong debut is good news for Gillis who self-funded the show as a passion project.
Valley Forge Tires
Tires is a straightforward workplace comedy set in an auto repair shop. The show centers on Will, who runs the struggling Valley Forge Tires, which he inherited, and his cousin Shane, who serves as a comically incompetent foil.
The sitcom follows the relationship between the cousins and their co-worker’s attempts to keep the family company afloat.
The Cast
Shane Gillis is the only star in Tires, with most of the cast being lesser-known comedians and podcasters. Shane’s co-lead is series co-creator Steve Gerben who plays Will.
The main cast is rounded out by Chris O’Connor, Kilha Fox, and Stravos Halikas, with recurring roles for comedians Andrew Schulz and Tommy Pope.
The 2019 Pilot
While Tires premiered on Netflix earlier this month, Gillis has been trying to get the show made since 2019. The comedian self-funded a pilot which he posted on his personal YouTube page while trying to get the show picked up.
When the pilot failed to get the series made, he self-funded the entire first season.
Controversy
The popularity of Shane Gillis is likely why Tires debuted as the top show on Netflix, as he’s a controversial name in the comedy world. He made a name for himself as a stand-up in the 2010s being named an upcoming star at multiple festivals.
He became a controversial figure in the industry after his hiring and immediate firing at Saturday Night Live which involved the surfacing of racist, misogynistic, and homophobic comments and slurs made on his podcast.
While Tires has a strong debut, it has received a mixed response from critics. The show currently has a score of 50 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with many calling the show unremarkable and generic.
While critics found the show mediocre, it has a 92 percent audience score.
Nothing To Set It Apart
The biggest problem for Tires seems to be that it lacks anything to set it apart from other workplace comedies, aside from the notoriety of its star. Following a struggling business with annoying co-workers and quirky customers describes practically every workplace comedy from The Office to Superstore.
Without a twist on the premise or unique stylistic choice, it fails to stand out within the genre based on its premise, making it a tough sell for anyone who’s not already a fan of Gillis.
While Shane Gillis became a cultural lightning rod, it’s interesting to see a self-funded project that’s been in development for five years finally see the light of day.
The sitcom had a strong debut, but its momentum may be hurt by underwhelming reviews and a lack of noteworthy stars in its cast. Tires is streaming on Netflix, where it received a renewal for season two even before its strong debut.
