If you’ve spent any time in the corner of the internet where Shane Gillis lives, you probably knew Tires was going to be a massive hit long before Netflix did. Season 1 felt like a fever dream of suburban Pennsylvania chaos. It was short. It was loud. It was basically a home movie with a massive budget. But now that Season 2 has dropped its full 12-episode run—yeah, they doubled the length—the biggest conversation isn’t just about the jokes. It’s about the people.
The Tires Season 2 cast looks a lot different than that first six-episode sprint.
Honestly, it’s a weird mix. You’ve got the original crew from the West Chester comedy scene rubbing shoulders with literal Oscar nominees and sitcom legends. It shouldn’t work. On paper, putting Vince Vaughn in the same room as a guy who eats on camera for 80% of his screen time sounds like a disaster. But somehow, it isn't.
Who’s Back and Who’s Brand New?
The core remains the same because, well, you can't have the show without the "cousins." Steve Gerben is back as Will, the world's most stressed-out heir to a tire empire. If you didn't know, Gerben is actually a co-creator and has been doing this with Shane for years. His performance is still the anchor of the show’s cringe.
Then there’s Shane Gillis. He plays Shane. Groundbreaking, right? He’s still the primary antagonist to Will’s mental health.
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But the real meat of the season comes from the new additions. Let’s look at the heavy hitters:
- Thomas Haden Church as Phil: This was the big "wait, really?" moment. Church plays Shane’s dad, and he fits perfectly into that specific brand of hard-ass, blue-collar intensity.
- Vince Vaughn as Mike: This feels like a full-circle moment for Vince. He’s back in his fast-talking, slightly menacing but hilarious Dodgeball-era energy.
- Jon Lovitz: He shows up as an "Angry Man," and if you know Lovitz, you know nobody does "annoyed at everything" better.
- Ron White: The Tater Salad himself joins the chaos. His brand of comedy is basically the spiritual forefather of what the Tires crew does.
The Mechanic Hierarchy
The shop floor at Valley Forge Automotive Center hasn't changed much, but the stakes have. Chris O’Connor returns as Cal. He’s the "straight man" in a room full of idiots, which is a thankless job he does perfectly. Kilah Fox is back as Kilah, still the only person in the building with a functioning brain, while Stavros Halkias continues to be the human embodiment of a greasy Tuesday afternoon as Dave.
The show also brought in some high-energy guest spots. Andrew Schulz and Tommy Pope (who hosts the Stuff Island podcast with O'Connor) return as the rival shop owners. Their dynamic is basically a constant shouting match that reminds you why Philly-area comedy is so aggressive.
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Is Season 2 Better Than the First?
Kinda. It’s certainly bigger.
The main complaint about Season 1 was that it felt like a collection of sketches rather than a "show." With 12 episodes, Season 2 actually tries to have a plot. Will is trying to get a loan. He wants to be a "big league" businessman. This brings him into direct conflict with his dad (played by Peter Reeves, who is excellent).
The addition of Veronika Slowikowska as Kelly, Shane’s romantic interest, adds a layer that was totally missing before. It’s not exactly a "will they, won't they" situation—it’s more of a "how long until Shane ruins this" situation. It gives the show some breathing room between the tire-slashing and the insults.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cast
A lot of critics look at the Tires Season 2 cast and think it's just Shane hiring his buddies. I mean, it is that, but there's a reason for it. This show was born out of a self-funded pilot they shot years ago at a real shop called Tires Etc in West Chester.
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The chemistry isn't manufactured. When you see Joe DeRosa or Francis Ellis pop up, these are people who have been riffing with each other in green rooms for a decade. You can’t fake that kind of timing. Netflix was smart enough to let them keep that "neighborhood" feel even as they added A-list stars like Vaughn and Church.
Where You’ve Seen Them Before
If you’re wondering why everyone looks familiar, it’s because this cast is a "who’s who" of the modern podcasting world.
- Stavros Halkias: You probably know him from Stavvy's World or his legendary run on Cum Town.
- Andrew Schulz: One of the biggest independent comedians on the planet (Flagrant).
- Tommy Pope: A Philly legend known for Delco Proper.
- Drew Scheid: He plays Frankie in Season 2, but you might recognize him from Mare of Easttown or Halloween.
What’s Next for Valley Forge?
With Season 2 being a massive hit—reportedly pulling in over 25 million views—Netflix has already pulled the trigger on Season 3. In fact, Shane Gillis recently signed a massive overall deal with the streamer.
This means the Tires Season 2 cast isn't going anywhere. Thomas Haden Church has actually been bumped up to a series regular for the next season. It looks like the "family" at the center of the show is only going to get weirder and more crowded.
If you haven't watched yet, don't expect The Bear. This isn't a high-stress, prestige drama about the culinary arts. It’s a show about guys who forget to tighten lug nuts and spend four hours arguing about who could win in a fight against a kangaroo.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you’ve finished the season and need more, go back and watch the original 2019 pilot on YouTube. It’s raw, it’s low-budget, and it shows exactly how far this cast has come. After that, keep an eye out for Shane’s upcoming stand-up special—part of his new deal—which is set to be his biggest one yet.
Actionable Insight: If you're a fan of the cast's chemistry, check out the Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast or Stuff Island. Most of the plot points and "bits" in the show actually start as half-baked conversations on those pods months before they ever make it to a script.