The short answer? No. Pete Davidson is not a cast member on Saturday Night Live anymore.
If you tuned in recently and saw him behind the Weekend Update desk cracking jokes about his failed investments or his love life, I get why you're confused. He pops up so often as a guest that it basically feels like he never left. But officially, he hung up his jersey years ago.
Honestly, the timeline of his exit was kinda messy. He spent eight seasons as the show's resident "young guy," and by the end, he was barely there. Between filming movies and his high-profile dating life, he was more of a ghost than a regular. He finally made it official in May 2022, leaving alongside heavy hitters like Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant.
The Real Reason Pete Davidson Left SNL
Pete didn't just wake up and decide to quit. It was a long time coming.
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By the time he hit his eighth season, the vibe had shifted. He’s been very open about the fact that he felt like the show’s "punchline." In a 2020 interview with Charlamagne tha God, he admitted he felt like they were making fun of him more than with him. He was ready to grow up, or at least try to.
There’s also the Lorne Michaels factor. Pete has called Lorne a "father figure" and once told People magazine that he owes the man his life. Lorne reportedly wanted him to stay through the 50th anniversary, but Pete’s movie career was exploding. You can’t really blame a guy for wanting to lead a film instead of playing "Chad" for the 500th time.
Those Constant "Surprise" Returns
Even though he's "gone," he's not gone. Just this past November, Pete made a surprise appearance on Weekend Update during an episode hosted by Nikki Glaser. He spent most of the segment joking about the decommissioned Staten Island Ferry he bought with Colin Jost—a project that’s basically become a running gag because of how much of a "fiasco" it is.
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He also returned to host in October 2023, which was a big deal because it was the first show back after the writers' strike. He’s become one of those "Friends of the Show" who can just walk through the door whenever they want. He told The Independent recently that he’d do anything for Lorne, so if the phone rings, he shows up.
What is Pete Davidson Doing in 2026?
If he’s not at Studio 8H, where is he? The guy is everywhere.
Right now, he’s leaning heavily into film. He recently starred in the heist movie The Pickup with Eddie Murphy. If you’re a fan of his more grounded, semi-autobiographical stuff like The King of Staten Island, you’ve probably already seen his Peacock series, Bupkis.
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Here is what is currently on his plate for the rest of 2026:
- How to Rob a Bank: This is a big one. It’s an Amazon MGM Studios project directed by David Leitch, set for a September 2026 release.
- Stand-up Specials: He’s still touring. Even with the movies, he hasn't ditched the stage. His latest stuff, like the Turbo Fonzarelli special on Netflix, shows he’s still focused on his roots.
- Voice Acting: You’ll hear him as Petey in the Dog Man movie. It's a weird pivot, but it pays the bills.
Can He Ever Actually Come Back?
There's always talk about him returning full-time, but don't count on it. The current SNL cast is moving in a different direction, and Pete is too big of a celebrity now to fit back into an ensemble sketch show. It would be like a pro athlete going back to play for their college team—it just feels off.
However, he hasn't ruled out guest spots. In fact, he’s basically a lock for any major anniversary specials. He’s part of the furniture at NBC.
If you're looking for your Pete fix, your best bet is to keep an eye on the film festival circuits or catch him on a comedy tour. He’s moved on from the 11:30 PM slot, and honestly, it seems like it was the best move for his mental health and his career.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check local listings for his 2026 stand-up dates; he often announces shows with very little notice.
- Watch Bupkis on Peacock if you want to see the "real" Pete away from the SNL restrictions.
- Keep an eye on the NBC promos; he's a prime candidate to host again whenever he has a new movie to promote.