Get ready for punchlines as comedian Shane Gillis comes to Chicago for two nights of laughs

Chicago comedy fans are getting an extra dose of laughs this spring as popular comedian Shane Gillis comes to Chicago for two days of his signature brand of stand-up.

The multitalented writer, director and actor is slated to perform at the United Center on Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4, starting at 8 p.m. CDT.

Originally only scheduled for one day, the comedian added an additional show in the Windy City after his first performance sold out, according to Shane’s website.

Coming out of the new-age comic community, Gillis has become the textbook example of the contemporary comedian, rising to fame via social media and viral clips, a common trend for other funny men in the industry.

Gillis parlayed this early momentum into a prestigious selection as a repertoire player on Saturday Night Live. However, the comedian was let go from the show almost immediately after his announcement to the program caused some controversial old quotes to pop up online, driving backlash.

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Since that pivotal moment, Gillis has taken his stand-up comedy to new heights, becoming one of the biggest draws in the industry when his 2023 stand-up special “Beautiful Dogs” grew into a hit on streaming services, his website notes.

Recently, the comedian highlights on his website how he has focused on his Netflix project “Tires,” a 30-minute sitcom he writes and stars in that showcases the absurd day in the life of a Pennsylvania auto-repair shop. The show features other comedic contemporaries and has received positive reviews, with a third season being greenlit. 

In addition, Gillis hosts a weekly podcast called “Matt & Shane's Secret Podcast” while also being a frequent guest on other famous podcasts, including “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “This Past Weekend with Theo Von.”

This will mark the first time the comedian has performed at the United Center, with his last two shows in the city being at the Improv Comedy Club in 2022 and the Chicago Theatre in 2024. The increase in venue size helps to highlight Gillis’ rapid rise to stardom over the last few years. 

An abundantly funny yet controversial comedian who at times pushes the boundaries, Gillis captivates some and alienates others. However, whether a fan or not, Gillis’ sold-out shows at the United Center are an example of the regrowth in popularity of stand-up comedy in mainstream entertainment over recent years and could blaze the trail for similar acts to draw stadium-sized box office numbers in the future.

For tickets to upcoming shows and additional information on the comedian and his projects, visit Gillis’s website at shanemgillis.com.