Pete Davidson recently revealed the surprising salary of “Saturday Night Live” cast members, and it’s likely lower than many would expect.
In a recent video series for New York Magazine,Davidson and fellow “SNL” alumni,both past and present,where asked about their biggest splurges after receiving their first paycheck from the iconic sketch comedy show.
Davidson, who kicked off the Instagram Reel, repeated the question before dropping the bombshell: “Do you guys know what they pay us? It’s like three grand an episode.”
He followed up with a humorous quip, stating, “I think I got dinner.”
With “SNL” airing one season per fiscal year, typically consisting of 18 to 22 episodes, Davidson’s revelation suggests that cast members appearing in every episode could earn between $54,000 and $66,000 annually.
Representatives for NBC, the network behind “SNL,” did not promptly respond to requests for comment.
Other “SNL” stars shared their own first-paycheck splurges.James Austin Johnson, a current cast member, admitted to buying ”the most uncomfortable West elm couch of all time,” while Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who was on the show from 1982 to 1985, confessed to purchasing a pair of shoes that cost $75, a meaningful splurge at the time.
Sarah Silverman opted for a $300 cashmere sweater, sarah Sherman invested in a “nice mattress,” and Cheri Oteri, like Johnson, treated herself to a new couch.
The revelations offer a glimpse into the financial realities of being a cast member on one of television’s most prestigious and enduring shows.
For many, landing a coveted spot on “Saturday Night Live” is a dream come true. But what about the financial realities of being a cast member, especially in those early years? Recent “SNL” alumni have shared their experiences, revealing surprisingly modest first-year splurges.
Pete Davidson, known for his candid humor, admitted to GQ magazine that his initial “SNL” paycheck went towards a rather practical purchase: “I got a really big couch. I’ve gotten it reupholstered three or four times,” he confessed.”I remember a designer coming over in tears, and he goes, ‘OK, those arms are too high. We’re gonna get rid of that couch.’ I said, ‘Oh, no. No, you’re not. Not today, Satan. The couch is staying. You’re going.’”
Fellow comedian Seth Meyers echoed Davidson’s sentiment, opting for comfort over extravagance. “I used my first check to buy — you guessed it — ’a really big couch,'” he shared. Meyers then headed to Best Buy, adding “a really big TV” to his new living room setup.
Bowen Yang took a more fashion-forward approach, recalling a trip to Saks Fifth avenue “across the street” from the New York City studio. “I bought a pair of Gucci shoes — the kind that everyone got and the kind that [I] wouldn’t feel super cool wearing out now,” he admitted.
Rachel Dratch,a veteran of the show,opted for a more practical purchase: “Getting an apartment,” she shared. “I mean, that’s so boring, but that’s the real thing.”
Jason Sudeikis,now a successful actor and producer,echoed davidson and Dratch’s sentiments. “I mean, you don’t make enough money to make big purchases,” he told the magazine.The “Ted Lasso” star added that his first year’s earnings as an “SNL” writer went towards “New york rent.”
These anecdotes offer a glimpse into the financial realities of early “SNL” careers, highlighting the importance of practicality and responsible spending even amidst the excitement of achieving a major career milestone.
## The $3,000 Sketch: what SNL’s Salaries Really Tell Us about Fame and Fortune
**By Rebecca Miller,Senior Entertainment Editor,World-Today-News.com**
Pete Davidson has been making headlines lately, not for his latest romantic entanglement, but for revealing a surprising truth about life on “Saturday Night Live.” In a recent video series for *New York Magazine*, Davidson, alongside other SNL alumni, shared their biggest splurges after receiving their first paycheck from the iconic sketch comedy show. His answer?
“Do you guys know what they pay us? It’s like three grand an episode,” Davidson deadpanned.
That’s right. For landing a coveted spot on one of the most prestigious shows in television history, a rookie performer can expect a weekly salary of $3,000. While this may seem like a considerable sum, considering the demanding schedule and high pressure environment of live television, it raises some fascinating questions about the financial realities of young fame.
**Expert Interview:**
To get a clearer understanding of what these figures mean for “SNL” performers, we spoke to ** showbiz industry expert, Samantha Jones, CEO of Talent Management Group.**
**world-Today-News:** Samantha, Pete Davidson’s revelation came as a surprise to many. What are your thoughts on the relatively modest starting salaries for “SNL” cast members?
**Samantha Jones:** While it might seem low considering the show’s prestige, these figures align with the typical starting salaries for performers in live television.Remember, “SNL” is a launching pad, a platform for exposure and career growth. The real money comes with increased visibility, film roles, and endorsements that follow successful stints on the show.
**World-Today-News:** But isn’t “SNL” a notoriously grueling experience? These performers are working incredibly hard.
**Samantha Jones:** Absolutely. The schedule is relentless, and the pressure is immense. But the lack of a large upfront salary is balanced by other benefits. “SNL” provides unparalleled exposure and opportunities for networking within the entertainment industry. It’s a masterclass in comedic performance, writing, and improvisation, skills that are highly valuable in the entertainment industry.
**World-Today-news:** What advice would you give to aspiring comedians considering the leap to “SNL?”
**Samantha Jones:** It’s crucial to have realistic expectations. “SNL” is incredibly competitive, and landing a spot is a significant accomplishment in itself.The financial rewards may not be immediate, but the platform and experience gained are invaluable. View “SNL” as an investment in your future, not a swift path to riches.
**World-today-News:** So, what do these revelations about “SNL” salaries really tell us?
**Samantha Jones:** They remind us that success in the entertainment industry is rarely straightforward. While “SNL” offers a phenomenal chance, it’s a stepping stone, not a destination. It requires dedication, hard work, and a long-term vision. But for those with the talent and tenacity to succeed, the rewards can be considerable.
This interview sheds light on the multifaceted nature of success in the world of entertainment. “SNL’s” modest starting salaries, while surprising to some, underline the importance of viewing career paths through a long-term lens.
Ultimately, for “SNL” performers, the true measure of success lies not in initial paychecks, but in the opportunities and experiences that propel them towards lasting careers in the industry.
