Pete Davidson Reveals How He Felt About His Modest SNL Paycheck: 'I Think I Got Dinner!'

Pete Davidson recently opened up about his early days on Saturday Night Live, revealing just how much he was paid during his time on the show. The comedian, who was part of the NBC sketch series from 2014 to 2022, shared the surprising figure in a video for New York Magazine.

Davidson casually mentioned, "Do you guys know what they pay us? It’s like three grand an episode," adding that his first paycheck didn’t exactly set him up for luxury. "I think I got dinner!" he joked, reflecting on the modest beginnings of his SNL career.

The star of Bodies Bodies Bodies was just one of many former cast members who shared their first paycheck stories. Jason Sudeikis, who worked as both a writer and a cast member, recalled using his initial earnings to pay rent on his New York City apartment. Similarly, Rachel Dratch also spent her first paycheck on rent.

Other stars, like James Austin Johnson, Sarah Sherman, Seth Meyers, and Cheri Oteri, joined in to share their purchases. Oteri, for example, spent her earnings on a sofa, which she later had reupholstered several times.

However, some former cast members splurged on something a little more extravagant. Julia Louis-Dreyfus bought a pair of shoes that were beyond her usual budget, while Bowen Yang treated himself to a pair of Gucci shoes.

Throughout his time on SNL, Pete Davidson became known for his standout sketches, including his popular "Weekend Update" segments, leaving a lasting impact on the show and its audience.