Since I first wrote this post back in June 2025, Tires has only gotten better and better. Season 1 was good. Season 2 was great. Season 3 dropped August 13th and absolutely delivered more of the same. If you haven’t watched it yet, now’s the time. And if you’re wondering who Steve Gerben is and why he’s worth paying attention to, keep reading.
If you’ve been scrolling through Netflix lately, looking for a laugh, you might have stumbled upon Tires. At the heart of this comedy series is Steve Gerben, not just as an actor, but also as one of the creators. So, who is Steve Gerben, and why is his show worth watching? Let’s check under the hood.
Who is Steve Gerben?
Steve Gerben is an American comedian, writer, and actor best known for co-creating and starring in the Netflix series, Tires. In the show, Gerben plays Will, the hapless manager of his family’s struggling auto-repair shop, Valley Forge Automotive Center. He strives to improve customer service and drive profits while dealing with his troublemaking cousin, Shane.
Gerben’s involvement goes beyond acting; he is one of the key creative forces behind the show, writing and producing alongside Shane Gillis and John McKeever. His character, Will, provides the perfect launching pad for comedic antics.
Career Highlights and Notable Roles
Steve Gerben’s career is highlighted by his work on Tires:
Tires: As Will, Gerben portrays a character constantly undermined by his cousin Shane (played by Shane Gillis). The show premiered on Netflix on May 23, 2024, and was quickly renewed for a second season, which premiered on June 5, 2025. Season 3 came out on August 13, 2026.
Besides his starring and co-creating role in Tires, Steve Gerben has appeared in several other comedy projects, particularly those connected to the Philadelphia-based comedy scene:
Gilly and Keeves (2020-2021): Gerben was a recurring actor in this sketch comedy series created by Shane Gillis and John McKeever. He played various roles, including Steven, White Quarterback, and Glenn, across three episodes.
Gilly and Keeves: The Special (2022): He appeared in this comedy special, again collaborating with Gillis and McKeever.
Delco Proper (2016): Gerben played the character Gordy in three episodes of this TV series, which focused on blue-collar life in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
Holly and the Hot Chocolate (2022): He appeared as Mayor Steve in this holiday TV movie.
These credits highlight Gerben’s background in sketch and character-driven comedy, often working alongside the same creative team that produced Tires.
What Makes Steve Gerben Stand Out?
What makes Gerben stand out is his ability to portray ineptness and innocence, which serves as a perfect setup for the comedic chaos created by Shane Gillis’ character. Gerben’s real-life connection to the auto-repair business (his father owns a tire shop where Tires is filmed) adds an authentic layer to the show.
Why You Should Care
As a dad who enjoys unwinding with some TV, Tires offers a mix of cringeworthy comedy and relatable workplace situations. Plus, knowing that Gerben’s character is dealing with family business drama adds an extra layer of connection for anyone who juggles family and work.
Described as a “fresh face in the industry,” Gerben stands out by bringing new energy and a distinct comedic sensibility to his projects. For me, he is actually the best part of Tires, and I think that is what makes Season 2 in particular, above-average TV. Shane Gillis is a powerhouse of laughs, but without Steve as his comedy wingman, the show would just be a stealth stand-up of Gillis.
I even ranked Tires #15 on my favourite TV shows of 2025, calling it “stupid in a very intentional way.”
What’s Next for Steve Gerben? Tires Season 3
Season 3 dropped on August 13, 2026, and based on everything we know so far, it looks like the show is swinging bigger. The full core cast is back: Gillis as Shane, Gerben as Will, Chris O’Connor as Cal, Kilah Fox as Kilah, and Stavros Halkias as Dave. The guest star list for Season 3 is stacked, with names like Jamie Lynn Sigler, Billy Magnussen, Bobby Lee, Dan Soder, and Matt Walsh. That’s a meaningful step up from what Season 2 brought in.
Season 2 and Season 3 expanded to 12 episodes and landed strong episode-level ratings on IMDb, with several episodes clearing 8.5 or above. The critical reception also jumped significantly, going from 40% to 71% on Rotten Tomatoes. The show found its footing, and Netflix clearly noticed.
In Season 3, Will and Shane are still grinding to keep Valley Forge Automotive Center from going under. Season 2 ended with some momentum for the business, which sets up an interesting dynamic: what happens when the shop actually starts working, but the people running it still can’t get out of their own way? If the writers stay true to what made Season 2 click, that tension between the business stabilizing and the characters staying exactly who they are is probably where the best material comes from.
If you want the full breakdown of what’s coming to Netflix this summer, I’ve got the 2026 TV show release dates covered.
Full disclosure, I did enjoy parts of Season 1 of Tires, but it wasn’t great. Season 2, however, was laugh-out-loud funny for me. It’s clear they figured it out and Season 3 goes to the next level.
