Live From New York Is Pete Davidson For a New Season of Saturday Night Live
Pete Davidson returned to his roots to kick off season 49 of Saturday Night Live. The sketch-comedy alum performed various roles, from an NFL correspondent to Barbie’s Ken and even a gynecologist.
In lieu of a sketch for the cold open, he opened the show with a statement regarding the current Israel and Palestine conflict. He opened the message with what most of the at-home audience must’ve thought: why is Pete Davidson talking about this? However, Davidson stated, “When I was seven years old, my dad was killed in a terrorist attack; so, I know something about what that’s like.” (For those who don’t know, Davidson’s father was a victim of 9/11.)
He shared a story about the weeks following his father’s death in which his mother mistakenly played Eddie Murphy’s Delirious. What she thought was a Disney film turned out to be a less-than-family-friendly special. As she rushed to turn it off, she realized it was one of the first times Davidson had laughed and showed a sense of joy.
“Sometimes comedy is really the only way forward through tragedy…My heart is with everyone whose lives have been destroyed this week. But tonight, I’m going to do what I’ve always done in the face of tragedy, and that’s try to be funny. Remember, I said, ‘Try,’” Davidson closed.
Pete Davidson’ SNL opening was perfect. pic.twitter.com/dqDqJMLQhw— Ryan Shead (@RyanShead) October 15, 2023
Returning from the break was the first official sketch of the season. They paid homage to the ongoing buzz surrounding Taylor Swift’s and Travis Kelce’s budding romance. The comedian portrayed a field correspondent, one of Swift’s biggest fans. Dressed in “Eras Tour” merch, his character banters with the in-studio correspondents as they traded friendship bracelets and discussed their “secret song” at their tour stop.
wow i never thought i’d see the day pete davidson played me in an snl sketch pic.twitter.com/8yRXx9xK5h— allison (miami version) (@gitcitsaugust) October 15, 2023
Swifties commended the sketch for having fun with the trending news without it coming off as offensive and misogynistic, something the series has been troubled with.
#SNL for the first 30 minutes: Taylor Swift/nfl skit, Travis kelce appearance, Pete Davidson doing an I’m just Ken parody … THIS is my Roman Empire— Stephanie K (@StephanieK1216) October 15, 2023
Davidson also participated in a parody of Barbie’s “I’m Just Ken,” titled “I’m Just Pete.” Here, he plays into all of the headlines, including his stints in rehab, relationship track record, the less than stellar comments on his appearance, and, of course, his infamous nickname “Skete.” The video has since gone viral, but to no surprise when it includes the complete Barbie set and a dance break featuring a lineup of “Petes” with MET Gala Pete and Resident Young Person Pete.
Throughout the rest of the sketches, fans were excited to see Davidson return to his SNL roots, even if it’s just for one episode. Next week, viewers are in for another treat as Bad Bunny will be the host and musical guest.
Saturday Night Live airs on Saturdays at 11:30 P.M. on NBC.
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