During the recent 50th anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live, titled SNL50, Pete Davidson shared a humorous take on the live audience’s experience. Although the special became a ratings success, attracting 14.8 million viewers between Peacock and NBC, Davidson remarked that the audience—which was filled with celebrities—was not particularly responsive.
During his appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Davidson humorously noted that just like the previous 40th anniversary special, the star-studded audience had a tendency to be “terrible.” He explained, “It’s a terrible audience ’cause it’s just famous people, and famous people only like themselves.” Emphasizing his point, Davidson recounted an awkward moment sitting next to acclaimed actress Meryl Streep and how typical SNL circumstances left him feeling out of place.
Despite the challenges of performing to such a unique crowd, Davidson managed to reprise his beloved monotone character Chad and shared the stage with original SNL cast member Laraine Newman.
SNL’s milestone special highlighted not only its legacy in comedy but also the ability of its alumni to return and entertain, showcasing the ongoing relevance of the show in American entertainment. The challenges faced in presenting for a celebrity audience provide an interesting behind-the-scenes glimpse into the dynamics of live performances, reminding viewers that even iconic figures experience awkward moments.
The success of the anniversary special reaffirms the show’s enduring popularity and the affection stars hold for it, which brings hope for even more memorable moments in the future.