After celebrating its 50th anniversary, Saturday Night Live (SNL) returned to television with excitement, featuring Shane Gillis as the host for the final episode of February 2025. This marked Gillis's second time hosting the iconic show, subsequent to his controversial termination before Season 45.
Witty and enjoyable, the episode included the standout sketch "Coupla Beers," which quickly made waves as fans drew uncanny comparisons between Gillis and the late comedian John Candy. Known for classics like The Great Outdoors and Uncle Buck, Candy was beloved for his jovial personality and unique charm.
During the sketch, Gillis portrayed a proud father rooting for his son at baseball games, dressed sharply, though with some comedic flair typical of SNL's outrageous product spoofs. Many viewers could not help but notice Gillis’s physical resemblance to Candy, especially following nostalgic reflections stirred by the sketch. With this comparison sparking interest, fans took to social media to express their thoughts on the resemblance.
One user, @Tedbrogan23, shared a side-by-side photo comparison of Gillis and Candy, which garnered significant attention. This visual analysis showcased the similarities between the two, prompting laughter and joy among fans reminiscing about Candy. Another user, @AmazingPopPod, echoed similar sentiments by sharing their own comparison, reinforcing the notion of Gillis's resemblance to the comedic icon.
Beyond mere looks, user @maniacspodcast humorously claimed, “Shane looks like John Candy’s love child.” This quirky take served to highlight not only Gillis's appearance but also the comedic legacy he seems to be part of, whether intentionally or not.
Interestingly, fans have begun to speculate on possible casting if there were ever to be a John Candy biopic. User @Tim_D_Morrill suggested, “Could Shane Gillis play John Candy in a biopic?” This playful discussion about Gillis potentially embodying the beloved character of Candy reflects the high regard Candy still holds within the comedic community and the audiences alike.
While it’s currently unknown whether Gillis purposely channeled John Candy during his performance, the consensus seems to indicate fans are delighted at the resemblance. Even if Gillis may not replicate the impact Candy had on comedy, he has captured the attention and affection of SNL fans who appreciate his talent and the nostalgia his appearance has invoked.
The sketch itself can be watched on platforms such as YouTube, with full episodes streaming via Peacock subscriptions, allowing audiences to relive the comedic moment and draw their own conclusions about Gillis’s likeness to Candy.
With its stellar 50th season still underway, viewers can look forward to more engaging content as Saturday Night Live continues to welcome esteemed musical guests and hosts. Given Gillis's recent performance, one wonders if he might take on Candy as inspiration the next time he returns to SNL.