Pete Davidson said he’d return to SNL if Lorne Michaels asked, though backstage tension during his cameo raised doubts about a full-time comeback
Pete Davidson says he would consider returning to Saturday Night Live, but only if longtime executive producer Lorne Michaels asked.
“I owe that guy my life. He jump-started everything,” Davidson said in a recent interview with People. “I had a great time hosting last time, and anytime you get that call, it’s an honor and a privilege. It’s always relevant; it’s a hot show. People look forward to it, and the cast is great.”
Davidson joined the NBC sketch show in 2014 at age 20 and stayed for eight seasons before departing in 2022. He hosted the show in 2023 and appeared earlier this year at the 50th anniversary celebration. He returned again last week for a surprise “Weekend Update” segment with Colin Jost about their jointly purchased Staten Island Ferry.
“We even gave the boat a new name,” Davidson joked on air. “So now it’s called the Titanic 2.” He later added, “If Lorne Michaels has taught us anything, it’s that you never, ever give up.”
He closed the bit by downplaying media coverage, “The ferry, it’s fine. Sometimes the news just makes things seem worse than they are.”
The appearance sparked speculation about a more permanent return to SNL, but several insiders said the backstage atmosphere was tense.
One staffer told columnist Rob Shuter that Davidson “acted like he was doing everyone a favor,” and added, “He’s still the same loud, cocky guy, but now he’s bitter.”
Another production source described the greenroom mood as strained. “He ignored old friends, bragged nonstop, and made people uncomfortable,” they said.
A veteran crew member framed the situation more bluntly. “He needs ‘SNL’ more than they need him,” they said. “But no one’s rolling out a welcome mat.”
Despite behind-the-scenes complaints, Davidson’s segment with Jost was well-received by viewers. The two Staten Island natives leaned into their chemistry, with Davidson poking fun at himself and his hometown.
He pitched the ferry project as a possible refuge for locals threatening to leave if a candidate like Zohran Mamdani were elected mayor.
As the show’s 51st season continues, a mix of new and familiar faces populate the cast. Michael Che and Colin Jost continue their run on Weekend Update, alongside veterans like Kenan Thompson and Bowen Yang. Five new featured players have also joined this season.
Davidson’s future appearances, however, may depend less on audience response and more on whether the off-camera tensions settle.
