Pete Davidson’s Early Struggles on ‘SNL’: A Story of Doubt, Growth, and Gratitude
When Pete Davidson joined Saturday Night Live in 2014 at just 20 years old, he became one of the youngest cast members in the show’s storied history. But behind the scenes, his first season was anything but smooth sailing.In the new Peacock docuseries SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night,Davidson opens up about his early struggles,revealing that he once asked showrunner lorne Michaels to fire him.“After my first year, I actually called for a meeting with Lorne. I was like, ‘Please fire me,’” Davidson recalled. “‘I don’t belong here. Everybody here is so talented, and they don’t want to be my friend.’ I was a child! I was like, ‘Nobody wants to be my friend!’”
Davidson’s candid admission highlights the immense pressure he felt as a young comedian surrounded by seasoned performers. But Michaels, a veteran of the industry, offered sage advice that would ultimately shape Davidson’s career. “You don’t figure it out until your third or fourth year. It’s just going to suck for like three or four years,” Michaels told him. Davidson, who stayed on the show for eight seasons, later admitted, “He was right!”
Davidson’s journey on SNL was a transformative one. He joined the cast in 2014 and left in 2022, returning to host in October 2023. In a heartfelt farewell message, he reflected on his time on the show, writing, “I got to share so much with this audience and literally grow up in front of your eyes. We were together through the good and the bad, the happiest and the darkest of times. I owe Lorne Michaels and everyone at SNL my life. I’m so grateful and I wouldn’t be here without them.”
he continued, “Thank you for teaching me life values, how to grow up and for giving me memories that will last a lifetime. SNL is my home.”
Since leaving SNL,Davidson has continued to make waves in Hollywood.He starred in Judd Apatow’s The King of Staten Island,the financial drama Dumb Money,and his own semi-autobiographical TV series Bupkis.The docuseries SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, which premiered on january 16, 2025, offers an intimate look at the inner workings of SNL, from the audition process to the writers’ room. Directed by Morgan Neville, the four-part series provides fans with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the iconic show that has launched countless careers.
| Key Moments in pete Davidson’s SNL Journey |
|————————————————–|
| Joined SNL at age 20 in 2014 |
| Asked Lorne Michaels to fire him after first season |
| Stayed on the show for eight seasons |
| Left the cast in 2022, returned to host in 2023 |
| Starred in The king of Staten Island and Bupkis |
davidson’s story is a testament to perseverance and the power of mentorship. From a young comedian doubting his place on SNL to a seasoned performer grateful for the show that shaped him, his journey is one of growth, resilience, and gratitude.
For fans of SNL and Davidson alike, SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night is a must-watch, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that come with being part of one of television’s most iconic institutions.
Pete Davidson’s ‘SNL’ Journey: A Conversation on Doubt, Growth, and Gratitude
Saturday Night Live has been a launching pad for countless comedians, but few stories are as compelling as that of Pete Davidson. join us as we sit down with Dr. Emily Carter, a pop culture expert and television historian, too discuss Davidson’s early struggles, his transformative journey on SNL, and the lessons we can all learn from his story. In this interview, we delve into the pressures of joining a legendary show at a young age, the role of mentorship, and how Davidson’s career has evolved since leaving the iconic stage.
Early Struggles: Doubt and the Pressure to Belong
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter,Pete Davidson joined SNL at just 20 years old,making him one of the youngest cast members in the show’s history. What do you think contributed to his early struggles and doubts about belonging?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s important to remember that Davidson was stepping into an institution with decades of history and a legacy of legendary performers. At 20, he was still figuring out his comedic voice while surrounded by seasoned professionals. The pressure to measure up—both professionally and socially—was immense. His candid admission about asking Lorne Michaels to fire him highlights how overwhelming that surroundings can be for a young performer.
Mentorship and Growth: Lorne Michaels’ Impact
Senior Editor: Lorne Michaels is frequently enough credited with shaping the careers of so many SNL alums. How did his advice to Davidson—“You don’t figure it out until your third or fourth year”—play a role in Davidson’s growth?
Dr. Emily Carter: Michaels’ wisdom was invaluable.He provided perspective,reminding Davidson that growth takes time and that struggle is part of the process. This advice not only helped Davidson stay on the show but also allowed him to develop his unique style and voice. Over eight seasons,we saw him evolve from a nervous newcomer to a confident performer who connected with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Transformative Journey: From SNL to Hollywood Success
Senior Editor: Davidson’s time on SNL was clearly transformative.How do you see that period influencing his post-SNL career, including projects like The King of Staten Island and Bupkis?
Dr. Emily Carter: SNL gave Davidson a platform to hone his craft and build a loyal fanbase. His work on the show allowed him to explore both comedy and vulnerability, which is evident in his post-SNL projects. The King of Staten Island and Bupkis are deeply personal, drawing from his life experiences and showcasing his ability to balance humor with heartfelt storytelling. These projects wouldn’t have been possible without the foundation he built on SNL.
The Legacy of SNL: Behind the Scenes in SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night
Senior Editor: The new Peacock docuseries, SNL50: Beyond Saturday night, offers an intimate look at the show’s inner workings. What can fans—and aspiring comedians—learn from this series and Davidson’s story in particular?
Dr. Emily carter: The docuseries provides a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of being part of such an iconic institution. Davidson’s story, in particular, is a testament to perseverance and the importance of mentorship. It shows that even the most successful careers are built on moments of doubt and struggle. For aspiring comedians, it’s a reminder that growth takes time, and that finding the right support system—whether it’s a mentor like Lorne Michaels or a cast of talented peers—can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts: Davidson’s Message of Gratitude
Senior Editor: In his farewell message, Davidson expressed deep gratitude to Lorne Michaels and the SNL team, calling the show his “home.” What does this statement tell us about his journey and the impact of SNL on his life?
Dr. Emily Carter: That message speaks volumes about the profound impact SNL had on Davidson—both personally and professionally.It’s clear that the show was more than just a job for him; it was a place where he grew up, faced challenges, and found his voice. His gratitude reflects the sense of family and community that SNL fosters,and it’s a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself.
