The second season of Tires premieres June 5 on Netflix.
By Elazar Abrahams
After a rocky start, Tires seems to have found its footing.
The second season of Shane Gillis’ blue-collar Netflix comedy is a clear step up from the show’s rough-around-the-edges debut. Doubling its episode count to a full dozen, Season 2 expands the world of Valley Forge Tire while tightening the jokes, deepening character arcs, and building an actual storyline about keeping the struggling business afloat. It’s still not prestige TV, but it’s undeniably a rockin’ good time.
Tires isn’t trying to win awards for social commentary. This is a proudly politically incorrect, rough-and-tumble hangout comedy built around Gillis’ specific brand of humor: irreverent, off-color, and not remotely interested in class. That said, nothing here truly crosses the line. If you can handle a few “did they really just say that?” moments, you’ll probably find yourself laughing more often than not.
Season 1 left a lot to be desired, and even fans would admit it felt more like a web series than a fully-formed show. Season 2, by contrast, gives its ensemble room to breathe. Each episode has a clear hook, and the writers smartly weave in an overarching business plotline that gives the season a welcome sense of momentum. The recurring cast gels better this time around, and we finally get to know the characters beyond their punchlines.
Shane Gillis is back as the crass but oddly lovable Shane, with Steve Gerben continuing to play the anxious, hapless Will, whose attempts to save the business still form the show’s spine. Supporting turns from Chris O’Connor and Kilah Fox add flavor, and Andrew Schulz returns in a recurring role that fans of the first season will appreciate. A real highlight this year is Veronika Slowikowska, the Instagram-famous comedian who joins as a new love interest for Gillis’ character. She’s in just a few scenes, but brings a fresh and welcome energy.
Is Tires for everyone? Absolutely not. But if you’re into Gillis’ comedy or just in the mood for something loose, silly, and a little unfiltered, it’s worth a spin.
I give Tires’ Season 2 a B.
TV and City 