Pete Davidson Recalled Begging To Be “Fired” From “Saturday Night Live” Because He Didn’t “Belong” And “Nobody” Wanted To Be Friends With Him

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Pete joined SNL in 2014 when he was just 20 years old.

Pete Davidson is among the most successful and beloved Saturday Night Live alums of all time. However, it sounds like it took him a while to find his feet on the show.

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For context, Pete joined SNL in 2014 when he was 20 years old, making him one of the youngest cast members ever. He was on the show for eight seasons, appearing in countless sketches and segments before announcing his departure in 2022.

Two people are seated at a news desk on a set with a world map background. One is in a suit, the other in a casual sweatshirt

As I’m sure you know, SNL launched Pete’s career (and led to some of his most high-profile relationships, too, but that’s a different story). And now, the 31-year-old has reflected on his early days in Studio 8H as part of Peacock’s new four-part docuseries celebrating the show’s 50th season, SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night.

Three individuals on a set; person on the left in a strapless textured dress; middle in a sporty jacket; right in a casual jacket, all smiling

“After my first year, I actually called for a meeting with Lorne, and I was like, ‘Please fire me,’” Pete recalled, referring to the creator of SNL, Lorne Michaels.

Two people seated together; one in a checked blazer, the other in a casual T-shirt, making a peace sign. Glasses with drinks on the table

Looking back, Pete said he was acting like a “child.” And fortunately, Lorne rectified the situation with a bit of tough love, telling him: “You don’t figure it out until your third or fourth year… It’s just gonna suck for three or four years.”

Two people sit behind a news desk. One wears a casual shirt, the other a suit with a tie, both smiling brightly

Of course, everything worked out for the best, and Pete certainly has a lot of love for SNL and his former colleagues, having since returned to host the show in October 2023.

Comedian holding a mic on a stage with a band in the background, wearing a casual quilted jacket and sweatshirt

Ahead of his final episode as a cast member in May 2022, Pete issued an emotional statement in which he wrote: “I owe Lorne Michaels and everyone at SNL my life.”

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“When I got the show, I was 20 years old, and I had no idea what I was doing. I still don’t but especially back then,” his statement read. “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.”

Two men sitting at a news desk on a TV set. One wears casual attire with a jacket; the other is in a suit and tie. A world map is in the background

SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night is now available to watch on Peacock.

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