Photo: Will Heath/NBC
Pete Davidsonwon’t be making his triumphant return toSaturday Night Liveas soon as expected.
On Tuesday, NBC announced the cancellation of Saturday’s episode, in which Davidson was slated to make his hosting debut alongside musical guestLil Uzi Vert.
News of the 29-year-old comedian’sdeparturefrom the long-running sketch show broke last May after Davidson appeared onSNLfor eight seasons. Several of his costars, includingKate McKinnon,Aidy Bryant,Chris ReddandKyle Mooney, also exited ahead of season 48.
Sharing a statement at the time throughfriend Dave Sirius’s Instagram page, the Staten Island native said: “I oweLorne Michaelsand everyone atSNLmy life.”
Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
TheBupkisstar added, “SNLis my home. I’m so happy and sad about tonight’s show. For so many reasons I can’t explain. Can’t wait to be back next year in a[John] Mulaneymusical number.”
Ahead of his intended return, longtime cast memberKenan Thompsonteasedwhat fans might expect.
“It’s like a week off for us because they know how to do the show,” Thompson, 44, toldEntertainment Tonightof Davidson. “We don’t have to hand-walk them through every single part of it. Usually, they come with ideas too, so a quarter of the show is almost already done. It’s just a fun, easy week for us.”
Thompson added that the episode was going to “try to balance” the characters Davidson previously portrayed on the series alongside new sketches. However, theGood Burgerstar added, “I’m a classics fan. I’d fill the show up with all of his old characters or whatever, but it’s also fun to explore the new.”
But with the writers' strike occurring, several productions are feeling the impact of the movement involving a dispute between the Writers Guild of America’s (WGA) labor union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Late-night shows likeThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,Jimmy Kimmel Live!andLate Night with Seth Meyersare airing repeats while on hiatus.This Week Tonight with John Oliver,Real Time with Bill MaherandThe Daily Showare also on break.
Also feeling the heat are scripted shows likeAbbott Elementary,YellowjacketsandCobra Kai. Meanwhile, production on shows likeThe ViewandHouse of the Dragonis continuing despite the strike.
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Episodes ofSaturday Night Livecan be streamed on Peacock, whereBupkisdebuts Thursday.
source: people.com
