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The 50th anniversary of NBC's legendary sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" was a night of nostalgia, star power, and memorable performances. "SNL50" united former and current cast members with a long list of celebrity hosts from across the decades to celebrate the cultural milestone. However, not every attendee was entirely won over by the night's atmosphere.
Former cast member Pete Davidson, who appeared on the show from 2014 to 2022, shared his candid take during an appearance on "Late Night with Seth Meyers." Reflecting on the evening, Davidson remarked, "As you know from 'SNL40'... terrible audience." His observation pointed to the unique makeup of the crowd, which was largely made up of celebrities. According to Davidson, "It's a terrible audience 'cause it's just famous people, and famous people only like themselves."
Despite his criticism, Davidson did find himself enjoying the company of one seatmate in particular ,the iconic Meryl Streep. "Meryl rules," he told Meyers, recalling his surprise at being placed next to the three-time Academy Award winner. "I'm like, 'I'm so sorry that I'm sitting next to you. You're the best.' And she's the best."
In classic "SNL" fashion, the evening was filled with surprises for participants as well as viewers. Davidson noted that the event's spontaneity meant he had no idea where he would be sitting until the moment he arrived. Sharing the spotlight with Streep added to the surreal nature of the night, as the actress herself took part in the festivities. She made her "SNL" debut portraying the mother of a legacy character played by Kate McKinnon, showcasing her comedic chops alongside the show's seasoned cast.
Davidson also participated in several sketches during the broadcast, demonstrating that while he may have found the audience a little hard to please, the creative energy of "SNL50" was alive and well.
For fans, the anniversary special was a rare chance to see decades of comedic history converge on one stage. For Davidson, it was a reminder of both the magic and the quirks that come with performing in front of a room full of Hollywood's most recognizable faces.
