Comedian Pete Davidson, who has been a staple on “Saturday Night Live” for eight years, will leave the show after this Saturday’s Season 47 finale.
The news comes as a shock to fans who had enjoyed Davidson’s sketch comedy performance since 2014 when he became the youngest cast member ever to join SNL. He quickly became one of the biggest stars of the show.
Davidson used his SNL fame to grow his career, starring in Hulu’s “Big Time Adolescence” and snagging his own Netflix special, “Pete Davidson: Alive from New York.” His high-profile relationships with singer Ariana Grande and beauty mogul Kim Kardashian have also kept him in the spotlight.
The 28-year-old has likely been planning his SNL exit for some time. In February 2020, he told Breakfast Club host Charlamagne Tha God that he had been “having conversations” regarding his next steps but said he wanted to make sure he didn’t “leave too early.” His speech during the Season 46 finale also fueled rumors that his time on the long-running show was ending.
“I’m very grateful to be here. It’s been an honor to grow up in front of you guys,” Davidson said in an emotional speech that felt like a farewell to some.
In addition to Davidson, Aidy Bryant, Kate McKinnon, and Kyle Mooney are also leaving after the Season 47 finale.
In his post-SNL life, Pete Davidson will join Edie Falco in the new Peacock comedy series, “Bupkis.”
