Pete Davidson’s Movies and TV Shows: A Look at His Rise in Comedy and Hollywood

Introduction

Pete Davidson has made a name for himself as a comedian, actor, and writer known for his self-deprecating humor, candid storytelling, and unique comedic style. Best recognized for his tenure on Saturday Night Live (SNL), Davidson has transitioned into Hollywood, appearing in films and TV shows that showcase his raw and relatable humor. From comedy specials to dramatic roles, Davidson’s career trajectory is a fascinating journey of resilience and reinvention. This article explores Pete Davidson’s most notable movies and television appearances, tracing his evolution from stand-up comedy to the big screen.

Early Career and Stand-Up Beginnings

Pete Davidson started his career in stand-up comedy at just 16 years old, performing at small clubs and open mic nights. His early experiences shaped his comedic style, which often features personal anecdotes, dark humor, and sharp social commentary. His talent quickly caught the attention of the entertainment industry, leading to appearances on MTV shows such as Failosophy and Guy Code.

One of his first major breaks came in 2013 when he appeared on Gotham Comedy Live, a stand-up showcase for emerging comedians. That same year, he performed on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, making a brief but memorable cameo. These opportunities set the stage for what would soon become a defining career move—joining Saturday Night Live.

Saturday Night Live (2014-2022): The Breakout Role

In 2014, Pete Davidson became one of the youngest cast members ever to join Saturday Night Live at just 20 years old. His arrival on the show marked a new era of comedy, as his humor was deeply personal, often referencing his struggles with mental health, relationships, and the loss of his father in the 9/11 attacks.

Davidson quickly became a fan favorite, known for his appearances on “Weekend Update” and his recurring character “Chad,” a dim-witted yet lovable figure. His ability to blend real-life experiences with humor made him one of the most relatable and honest comedians on the show. He remained a key member of the cast for eight seasons before announcing his departure in 2022.

His time on SNL also opened doors for numerous film and television opportunities, allowing him to expand his career beyond sketch comedy.

Pete Davidson’s Notable Movies

1. Trainwreck (2015)

Pete Davidson’s first major film role was in Judd Apatow’s Trainwreck, starring Amy Schumer and Bill Hader. Though his role was small, playing the character “Dr. Conner’s Patient,” it was a stepping stone in his film career. His connection with Bill Hader from the film reportedly led to his SNL audition.

2. Set It Up (2018)

In this romantic comedy, Davidson played Duncan, the best friend of Glen Powell’s character, Charlie. While the film focuses on two overworked assistants scheming to set up their bosses, Davidson adds humor as the goofy and supportive friend.

3. Big Time Adolescence (2019)

This film was a turning point for Davidson as it allowed him to take on a leading role. Big Time Adolescence is a coming-of-age dramedy in which he plays Zeke, a charismatic yet aimless young man who becomes a bad influence on a teenage boy. Davidson’s performance received praise for its mix of comedy and emotional depth, proving he could handle more complex roles.

4. The King of Staten Island (2020)

Arguably Pete Davidson’s most personal and critically acclaimed film, The King of Staten Island is a semi-autobiographical dramedy directed by Judd Apatow. The movie explores Davidson’s real-life struggles, particularly dealing with the loss of his father, who was a firefighter killed on 9/11.

Davidson co-wrote the script and starred as Scott Carlin, a young man struggling to find direction in life while dealing with the trauma of his father’s death. The film received positive reviews, with critics praising Davidson’s heartfelt performance and Apatow’s direction.

5. The Suicide Squad (2021)

In James Gunn’s reboot of The Suicide Squad, Pete Davidson played Blackguard, a lesser-known DC Comics villain. Though his screen time was brief, his inclusion in the star-studded cast, which included Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, and John Cena, showed his rising presence in mainstream Hollywood.

6. Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

Davidson played a lead role in Bodies Bodies Bodies, a satirical horror-comedy that pokes fun at Gen Z culture. His character, David, is a wealthy and arrogant young man whose house becomes the setting for a deadly party game gone wrong. The film was well-received for its clever writing and dark humor, with Davidson’s performance adding to its comedic tone.

7. Meet Cute (2022)

In this romantic sci-fi comedy, Pete Davidson stars alongside Kaley Cuoco. The film follows a woman who uses a time machine to relive her perfect first date repeatedly, only to discover that changing the past has consequences. Davidson’s role as the charming yet unsuspecting love interest showcased his ability to balance humor and romance.

8. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

Davidson took on a different kind of role in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts by voicing the Autobot Mirage. His comedic style brought a fresh energy to the franchise, making Mirage one of the film’s standout characters.

Pete Davidson’s TV Shows and Specials

1. Pete Davidson: SMD (2016) and Pete Davidson: Alive from New York (2020)

Davidson has released multiple stand-up comedy specials, including SMD (named after his father’s initials) and Alive from New York. Both specials delve into personal stories, mental health struggles, and his experiences growing up.

2. The Guest Book (2017)

Davidson had a guest role in this TBS comedy anthology series, playing Clem, a small-time criminal.

3. The Rookie (2019)

In this ABC crime drama, Davidson made a guest appearance as a small-time criminal named Pete Nolan.

4. Bupkis (2023-Present)

One of Davidson’s most recent projects is Bupkis, a semi-autobiographical comedy series on Peacock. The show blends fiction with real-life elements, featuring Davidson as a fictionalized version of himself, navigating fame, family, and personal struggles. The series has drawn comparisons to Curb Your Enthusiasm and Louie due to its raw humor and candid storytelling.

FAQ on Pete Davidson’s Movies and TV Shows

1. What is Pete Davidson best known for?
Pete Davidson is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live (SNL), where he was a cast member from 2014 to 2022.

2. What movies has Pete Davidson starred in?
Some of Pete Davidson’s notable films include The King of Staten Island, Big Time Adolescence, The Suicide Squad, Bodies Bodies Bodies, and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.

3. Has Pete Davidson done stand-up comedy specials?
Yes, Pete Davidson has released stand-up specials like Pete Davidson: SMD and Pete Davidson: Alive from New York, focusing on personal stories and humor.

4. What is Pete Davidson’s latest TV show?
Pete Davidson stars in Bupkis (2023), a semi-autobiographical comedy series that blends real life with fictional elements.

5. What was Pete Davidson’s first major acting role?
His first notable acting role was on Saturday Night Live, which launched his career into television and movies.

The Future of Pete Davidson in Hollywood

Pete Davidson’s career continues to evolve, with upcoming projects that further cement his place in Hollywood. His ability to move between stand-up comedy, television, and film demonstrates his versatility as an entertainer. Whether he’s playing a goofy sidekick, a heartfelt protagonist, or lending his voice to animated characters, Davidson’s humor and authenticity make him a standout performer.

As he continues to take on new roles and expand his creative endeavors, Pete Davidson’s influence in the entertainment industry is only growing. From his days on SNL to leading major films and TV shows, his journey proves that honesty, humor, and resilience can pave the way for lasting success.

What is Pete Davidson famous for?