Tires is back for a second season on Netflix, and if you thought the first season was wild, buckle up. Will and Shane are still navigating the chaotic world of Valley Forge Automotive Center, and things are getting even crazier. You might expect some questionable business decisions, a whole lot of immature shenanigans, and probably a few moments where you wonder how these guys even manage to keep the lights on. It’s the kind of workplace comedy that makes your own job look like a corporate paradise.
This season promises to take our favorite misfit mechanics to new heights of absurdity. With Will still trying to prove himself to his dad and Shane just… well, being Shane, you can bet there’ll be plenty of friction, bad ideas, and maybe, just maybe, a tiny glimmer of actual progress. But don’t hold your breath. Expect more of the same delightfully unhinged humor and a cast of characters who are almost too real. So grab your popcorn, clear your schedule, and prepare for another dose of garage-based hilarity.
Review
Tires Season 2 delivers on the promise of its first season, only bigger and arguably better. It’s still got that raw, unapologetic humor that fans of Shane Gillis and his crew have come to love, but this time, it feels like they’ve really stepped on the gas (pun intended!). The stakes feel a little higher, the situations are more elaborate, and the characters, as dysfunctional as they are, actually get a bit more depth.
The core dynamic between Will and Shane remains the comedic engine of the show. Will, played by the perpetually anxious Steve Gerben, is trying his best to be a responsible manager and make his father proud, which usually involves him being the punching bag for Shane’s (Shane Gillis) relentless antics. Gillis as Shane is just… Shane. He embodies that perfectly irreverent, slightly antagonistic, but ultimately endearing slacker who secretly might have a heart of gold (very, very secretly). The comedy often comes from the sheer audacity of Shane’s schemes and Will’s increasingly desperate attempts to keep things from completely derailing.
This season broadens the scope beyond just the garage, taking us to a tire expo and introducing new characters that add more flavor to the Tires universe. It’s still delightfully low-budget and grounded in its setting, which adds to its charm. While the humor can be pretty crude and definitely not for everyone, it’s undeniably effective for its target audience. There are moments where you might wince at some of the jokes, but even then, it’s usually followed by something so genuinely funny that you can’t help but laugh. The show isn’t afraid to lean into its “edgy” reputation, and for the most part, it pays off.
One minor critique is that, at times, some of the jokes or character interactions can feel a bit repetitive, especially given the increased episode count. However, the new plotlines and guest stars keep things fresh enough to prevent it from truly dragging. And while the show often leans into toxic masculinity for laughs, it also subtly (sometimes not-so-subtly) shows the downsides of that kind of behavior, particularly with Shane’s personal growth (or lack thereof) and his relationship with Kelly.
Stars:
- Shane Gillis as Shane: The co-creator and star, Gillis continues to dominate the screen with his laid-back, chaotic energy. He’s the heart and soul (and sometimes the unwashed armpit) of the show.
- Steve Gerben as Will: Also a co-creator, Gerben is the perfect straight man to Gillis’s wild card. His exasperation is palpable and endlessly relatable.
- Chris O’Connor as Cal: A quiet but effective presence, Cal often serves as the bemused observer to the madness.
- Kilah Fox as Kilah: The lone female employee at the garage, Kilah is constantly (and rightfully) repulsed by the guys’ antics, providing a necessary grounding force and some great reactions.
- Stavros Halkias as Dave: Dave is back and just as much of a menace, constantly trying to assert his dominance and usually failing spectacularly. He’s hilariously pathetic.
- Thomas Haden Church as Phil (Guest Star): A fantastic addition this season, Church plays Shane’s wealthy but incredibly immature father. He’s like an older, more established version of Shane, and their interactions are gold.
- Vince Vaughn (Guest Star): Vaughn makes a fun cameo, adding a touch of established comedic presence to the chaos.
- Jon Lovitz (Guest Star): Another recognizable face, Lovitz brings his unique comedic style to a guest role.
Synopsis and Plot Breakdown
Tires Season 2 picks up six months after the first season, with Valley Forge Automotive Center having seen an unexpected, albeit precarious, uptick in sales. This success is largely thanks to Will’s (Steve Gerben) “genius” idea to sell tires at cost, which, while boosting volume, doesn’t exactly leave them rolling in profit. The season largely follows Will’s continued desperate attempts to legitimize and expand the business, often against the backdrop of Shane’s (Shane Gillis) chaotic influence and the general dysfunction of the garage.
The financial struggles are still very real for Valley Forge. Will, empowered by the slight increase in sales, becomes ambitious and tries to secure a bank loan to expand. This brings him into more direct conflict with his long-suffering father, the owner of the auto-repair chain, who is naturally hesitant about Will’s unconventional business strategies. Will even attempts a loan pitch to the bank, which, as you might expect from this crew, goes disastrously due to the employees’ blatant insensitivity and lack of professionalism. Despite the setback, Will remains energized by the possibility of the loan, believing it’s their ticket to bigger things.
Shane, meanwhile, is still coasting at work, taking advantage of the cheap tire scheme without much concern for the long-term viability of the business. However, he faces his own personal growth challenges (or lack thereof) as he tries to pursue a relationship with Kelly (Veronika Slowikowska), a local catering employee. His immature and sometimes aggressive behavior often threatens to sabotage this budding romance. The arrival of his wealthy but equally immature father, Phil (Thomas Haden Church), further complicates Shane’s life, showing us a glimpse into why Shane might be the way he is. Phil’s presence often eggs Shane on, leading to even more ridiculous situations.
A significant plot point this season involves the main trio – Will, Shane, and now Phil (who becomes increasingly involved in trying to “save” the business) – having to make drastic decisions when their primary tire supplier, True Thread Tires, cuts ties with them. This move by True Thread is to prevent larger industry players from being displeased by Valley Forge’s “selling at cost” tactic, plunging the garage into deep financial trouble. The sales plummet, and the future of Valley Forge looks bleak.
Will goes on a frantic “sales calling spree,” dialing every tire seller he can find in the area, desperately trying to secure a new supplier. His persistence eventually pays off, and he manages to land a deal with a new manufacturer, though the terms are slightly less favorable than before. Shane also gets in on the action, striking a deal with Tommy (Tommy Pope) from the neighboring Andiamo Auto Sales, convincing him to trade a prized vintage car for cheaper servicing of their entire fleet.
Phil, on the other hand, takes a more ruthless approach, advised by his financial consultant. He decides that firing less productive, highly-paid workers is the way to save the company. This puts Dave (Stavros Halkias), the often-bullying supervisor, on the chopping block. We see a more vulnerable side to Dave this season, as his personal life and marriage are in shambles, making his potential firing even more impactful. Interestingly, Will’s initial animosity towards Dave softens as the season progresses, and in one scene, Will even defends Dave’s honor against an insult, showing a slight shift in their dynamic.
By the season’s end, despite the new deals and desperate measures, Valley Forge Automotive Center is still on shaky ground. However, there’s a renewed sense of resolve among the trio. Phil makes a solemn vow to Will and Shane that he will not sell Valley Forge, regardless of the future, and commits to being a part of the company’s journey. The season concludes with Will, Shane, and Phil determined to find new ways to keep the business afloat, hinting at continued struggles and hilarious attempts to survive in the next season. The season also weaves in subplots and guest appearances that add to the comedic chaos and flesh out the world of the auto shop.
Trailer
Episode Descriptions & Ratings
Tires Season 2 episodes, complete with a quick description and a totally unscientific star rating based on my humble comedic opinion.
Episode 1: “Bonus Money”
Will’s got big plans for expansion now that business is “booming,” but Shane’s latest questionable purchase (probably something involving a large animal or a very rusty go-kart) throws the whole shop into chaos. You know it’s going to be a messy start.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Episode 2: “HR”
A mandatory HR training session sounds like a snooze, but not when Shane is involved. He hijacks the curriculum, and then an unwelcome guest crashes the party. Expect politically incorrect jokes and Will looking like he’s about to have a nervous breakdown.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Episode 3: “Inspection”
Oh boy, a health hazard in the garage? That’s just asking for trouble with these guys. An inspection sends the whole crew into a tailspin, and Will sees something he’ll never be able to unsee. Probably involving Dave.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Episode 4: “Shiny New Thing”
Will’s got a new look and finds unexpected common ground with a rookie sales rep. Meanwhile, a tense lunch with a relative brings up old grudges for Shane. This is where Thomas Haden Church probably makes his grand entrance, bringing even more dysfunctional family dynamics.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Episode 5: “Record High”
The search for a new manager takes a wild turn when Will hires someone who shatters sales records… but also raises some serious red flags. Could be too good to be true, or just too good for this place.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Episode 6: “The Tri-State Mid Market Tire Expo”
Our heroes venture out of the garage and into the exciting (read: hilariously boring) world of a tire industry expo. Will takes a risk on a new business proposition, while Shane is just trying to hustle tickets to a sold-out event. Classic Shane.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Episode 7: “Free Fries”
A secret meeting could change everything for Will, if he doesn’t let some serious day-drinking tank it first. Shane, ever the responsible employee, wrangles two teenagers into doing some dirty work at the shop. What could go wrong?
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Episode 8: “Retirement”
At a retirement party (whose, we wonder?), Shane decides it’s the perfect time to challenge corporate direction, while Dave faces the consequences of his questionable actions. Get ready for some awkward speeches and probably a few too many beers.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Episode 9: “The Radio Ad”
Valley Forge gets a radio ad! But of course, it goes completely off the rails when the morning show hosts decide to dig up some embarrassing dirt on Will during a live broadcast. Public humiliation at its finest.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Episode 10: “Patriots and Traitors”
There’s a victory party relaunch, and Will and Shane are dazzling in their costumes (probably Revolutionary War themed, knowing them). But an emerging crisis threatens to ruin the whole celebration. Because nothing can ever be easy.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Episode 11: “Misery Has Company”
Things are looking grim for Valley Forge, and the crew is feeling the pressure. This episode probably leans into the darker side of their struggles, but still finds ways to inject humor into their collective misery.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Episode 12: “At What Cost”
The season finale! The chickens come home to roost for Valley Forge. Will, Shane, and Phil have to confront the ultimate price of their chaotic business practices. Expect a mix of desperation, unexpected ingenuity, and a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.
Rating: 4/5 stars
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