Pete Davidson Calls ‘SNL50’ Audience ‘Terrible,’ But Loved Sitting Next to Meryl Streep

While NBC’s “SNL50” special brought together an all-star cast of past hosts, current and former cast members, and celebrity guests to celebrate the iconic sketch show’s 50th anniversary, Pete Davidson says the audience wasn’t exactly electric.

The comedian and former “SNL” cast member, who appeared on the show from 2014 to 2022, told Seth Meyers on “Late Night” that the event’s crowd reminded him of the 40th anniversary special. “Terrible audience,” Davidson said. “It’s a terrible audience ’cause it’s just famous people, and famous people only like themselves.”

Davidson attended as both a performer and an audience member during the February broadcast. Despite his critique, he admitted there was at least one star he was thrilled to sit next to — Meryl Streep. “Meryl rules,” he told Meyers, recalling how surprised he was to find himself beside the Oscar-winning actress.

“In typical SNL fashion, they don’t tell you anything. I get to my seat and I’m like, ‘This can’t be right.’ I’m so sorry that I’m sitting next to you. You’re the best,” Davidson said. “And she’s the best.”

Streep, who also participated in the special, made her “SNL” debut during “SNL50,” portraying the mother of a legacy character played by Kate McKinnon.

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