Comedian Calls Out Celebrity Crowd for Being Self-Obsessed During Anniversary Special

August 8, 2025: Pete Davidson isn’t holding back when it comes to his experience at the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary celebration. The comedian and former SNL cast member called the audience “terrible,” claiming the star-studded crowd lacked the warmth and enthusiasm that makes a live show thrive.

“It’s Just Famous People”

During a recent interview, Davidson explained why the atmosphere felt so off that night. “It’s just famous people,” he said bluntly. “And famous people only like themselves.” The remark drew laughs from his fans, but also underscored the disconnect he felt performing for an audience made up almost entirely of celebrities and industry insiders.

Missing the Regular Crowd Energy

Davidson compared the experience to a normal taping of SNL, where the audience is filled with dedicated fans who line up for hours just to be in the room. “Usually you get people who are so excited to be there,” he noted. “That energy lifts you up. But this… it felt more like a room full of people politely waiting for their turn to be seen.”

A Night of Nostalgia — and Nerves

The SNL50 special brought together decades of cast members, musical guests, and behind-the-scenes talent. While Davidson said he was honored to be part of such a historic event, he admitted the cold reception threw him off his game. “It’s a weird vibe when you’re making jokes and it feels like nobody wants to laugh unless it’s about them,” he added.

Fans Side With Pete

On social media, many viewers agreed with Davidson’s take, pointing out that televised crowd shots did seem a little stiff. Some argued that the night was more about “Hollywood networking” than celebrating SNL’s comedy legacy.