JSIS! (Jake Shane in Syracuse!)
Article By Maria E. Dominguez, University Union Productions Board Writer | Photo By Vivian Porter
Jake Shane, better known as @octopusslover8, is a comedian and social media personality. He became extremely popular in 2023, starting his social media career in 2021, reviewing octopuses.
Today, he has 2.6 million followers on TikTok and made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list earlier this week. His videos slowly evolved from food and octopus reviews to “Pussy PSAS” to recreations of historical events. His lighthearted comedy has created an online community that feels tight-knit due to the inside joke nature of his content.
Jake Shane made his Syracuse University debut on Dec. 1 with a very successful sold-out show. The line wrapped around the Schine Student Center an hour before the show. When asked why she came to the show early, Junior Riley O’Toole said, “I got here because I knew there’d be so many people, and I really wanted a stuffed octopus.” Aside from Jake, one of the main attractions for the show was the complimentary stuffed octopuses.
Presented by Allie D’Angelo, Shane came out on stage energetically as students waved their stuffed animals in the air. The conversation was engaging and encouraged audience participation. Shane made the auditorium feel like a huge group of friends hanging out.
Photo By Clara Neville
Shane’s unfiltered answers contributed to his authentic personality, making him popular among his audience. When asked if he prepared for his viral TikTok where he impersonates Bill Clinton denying his relationship with Monica Lewinsky, he said, “Of course not!”
His skits are a fan favorite, and his preparation to make the videos is, “I smoke, and then I get comfortable, and then I GTC (go through comments).” Shane stated that some of his favorite skits are about the Hunger Games because he just watched the latest movie in the series, The Ballad of Songbirds and snakes.
Shane is known to be one of Taylor Swift’s biggest fans, and he discussed his experience attending the Eras Tour four times. He told fans about his outfits and some of his favorite songs. When a fan asked him how it felt to be voted one of People’s Sexiest Swifties, he answered, “That felt crazier than Forbes.”
During the show, he made very exciting announcements for the upcoming year, like his attendance at the Tokyo Eras Tour and the announcement of his new podcast, Therapuss, where fans can submit their problems, and he will give his advice on the podcast with his friends who are also loved by fans.
Photo By Vivian Porter
Shane’s roommates and college friends are often featured in his videos, and he tells many stories of memorable times with his friends, ending with, “College beats you up and spits you out, but it’s so fun.”
Having a large following on social media can be difficult, and Shane’s advice is, “What I’ve learned is that everyone forgets about everything.”
His encouragement to be unapologetically oneself is refreshing in a space where it can be difficult to feel accepted when not conforming to trends.
Syracuse students enjoyed speaking with Jake Shane, who continues to be himself and make fans laugh on and off the stage.
Photo By Clara Neville
