‘Tires’ (2024) Netflix Series Review - A Comedy that Struggles to Get Rolling

Picture this: Netflix, a brand synonymous with groundbreaking content, gives us "Tires," a comedy series that seems to have taken the term 'flat tire' a bit too literally. Released on May 23, 2024, this show stars Shane Gillis and Steven Gerben in a venture that feels like it was conceived during a particularly uncreative lunch break. Let’s dive into this six-episode first season, a bizarre mix of promise and sheer bewilderment.

The premise of "Tires" revolves around Will (Steven Gerben), the stereotypical anxious heir to his father's auto repair business. Will is as inexperienced as they come, trying to breathe life into a dying business while fending off the relentless antics of his cousin, Shane (Shane Gillis). If you've ever wondered what it’s like to watch a grown man be perpetually bullied by a relative in a setting that's as thrilling as waiting for your car's oil change, this show has got you covered.

First, let’s give credit where credit is due. Shane Gillis brings a certain rough charm to his role. His portrayal of Shane, the tormenting cousin, is spot on – he’s obnoxious, crude, and exactly the kind of person you hope not to meet in real life. His performance, much like a junkyard dog, is raw and unfiltered, and it occasionally sparks genuine laughter. Similarly, Chris O'Connor and Kilah Fox provide decent support, though their characters are as flat as the tires the shop deals with.

Now, for the other 70% – the part where "Tires" finds itself careening off the road. The plot is as predictable as a Hallmark movie but without the guilty pleasure. Will’s attempts to save the business are riddled with clichés, from the obligatory montage of failure to the forced moments of self-realization. We get it, he’s an underdog. But when the underdog trope feels more tired than triumphant, you’re left watching the clock rather than the screen.

The humor, which should be the lifeblood of any comedy series, often misses the mark. Sure, there are moments where Gillis’ dark humor lands, but more often than not, it feels forced. The show seems to be trying too hard to be edgy and ends up being awkward. Jokes about car parts and dysfunctional families can only go so far before they start to rust.

The show’s direction, courtesy of John McKeever, lacks the spark needed to keep viewers engaged. The pacing drags, making six episodes feel like a marathon. The ensemble cast, including a guest appearance by Andrew Schulz, does their best to keep things afloat, but there’s only so much they can do with a script that feels like it was written on autopilot. The characters are underdeveloped, and their interactions feel as mechanical as the cars they’re supposed to be fixing.

One of the show's most significant misfires is its attempt to blend dark humor with heartfelt moments. The tonal shifts are jarring, leaving viewers confused about whether they should laugh or cringe. For instance, a scene where Will confronts his father’s legacy could have been poignant, but it’s undercut by Shane’s incessant need to turn everything into a joke. It’s like watching a stand-up routine in the middle of a funeral – uncomfortable and inappropriate.

The series is based on a pilot episode available on YouTube, which, in hindsight, should have stayed a pilot. Expanding it into a full-fledged series was a gamble that didn’t pay off. Despite the early renewal for a second season, one has to wonder if Netflix is just hedging its bets on Gillis' future stand-up special rather than the actual merits of "Tires."

Visually, the show does nothing to stand out. The auto shop setting, while authentic, becomes repetitive and dull. There are only so many times you can watch characters bumble around a garage before you start yearning for a change of scenery. The cinematography is functional but uninspired, much like the writing.

"Tires" is part of a larger deal between Netflix and Gillis, which includes a stand-up special set to debut in 2025. One can only hope that Gillis fares better on stage than in this series. His stand-up routines, known for their biting humor and sharp observations, are a stark contrast to the floundering comedy in "Tires."

In conclusion, "Tires" is a series that seems to have lost its way before it even got started. While there are glimmers of potential, particularly in Gillis’ performance, the overall execution falls flat. The show struggles to find a balance between comedy and heart, resulting in a muddled mess that leaves viewers more exasperated than entertained. If you’re a fan of Gillis, you might find some redeeming qualities here, but for the rest of us, "Tires" is a ride best avoided. Here’s hoping the second season can find some much-needed traction.

Final Score- [3/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times