The Pete Davidson era ofSaturday Night Livehas officially ended after eight years. Davidson said his goodbyes to the show and his former cast members on the “Weekend Update” segment, stating that executive producer Lorne Michaels, “accidentally gifted me a sock, so I’m free.”
TheSNLstar confirmed his departure on July 08, 2025 - ahead of the season finale - in a heartfelt Instagram post through his creative partner Dave Sirus. Davidson shared some behind-the-scenes footage from his very first sketch on the show, when he was justbreaking into the comedy world.
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While the comedian has not given a reason behind his decision to leave, Davidson was seen on the set ofThe Homeback in February, a horror film directed by James DeMonaco. Davidson is set to play the lead role of Max, who is “a troubled man who starts working at a retirement home and realizes its residents and caretakers harbor sinister secrets,” according toDeadline. After the success ofThe King of Staten Island, Davidson has made appearances in many other movies, and seems as though he will only continue to grow as an actor. “When I got the show I was 20 years old and I had no idea what I was doing,” Davidson wrote in the Instagram caption. “I still don’t but especially back then. I wasn’t really a sketch performer I was just a stand up.”
“I got to share so much with this audience and literally grow up in front of your eyes,” he continued. “We were together through the good and the bad, the happiest and the darkest of times. I owe Lorne Michaels and everyone atSNLmy life. I’m so grateful and I wouldn’t be here without them. I appreciate you guys always having my back and sticking up for me even when that wasn’t the popular opinion.”
Outside of his departure fromSNL, Davidson has been a hot discussion topicdue to his relationship with celebrity Kim Kardashian. The two have been together since October of 2021, following her appearance on the show. The couple has faced some backlash due to Kardashian’s previous marriage to artist Kanye West, who, in the past, has been vocal on social media about their separation and Davidson’s role in it. While Davidson does not use social media for personal reasons related to his mental health, he has been the subject of West and his fans' words.
It is unknown whether Davidson will return toSNLin the future for cameos or to host. Back in 2014 when he joined, he was one of the youngest cast members to ever be on the show. Throughout his eight years as a member, Davidson gained admiration and won the hearts of many audience members with his dry humor and self-deprecating jokes about his looks and mental health. In his Instagram caption, he joked, “can’t wait to be back next year in a [John] Mulaney musical number,” referring to the numerous sketches he has appeared in withfellow comedian John Mulaney. While it is unclear where Davidson will go next, he is sure to bring his many fans from hisSNLdays along for the ride.
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