Pete Davidson revealed the salaries of "Saturday Night Live" cast members, indicating they are lower than one may expect.
In a new video compilation for New York Magazine, the 31-year-old comedian and his co-stars, both former and current, were each queried, “What was your biggest splurge after your first ‘SNL’ paycheck?”
Initially showcased in the Instagram Reel, Davidson replied by reiterating the query and subsequently disclosing, “Do you guys know what they pay us? It’s, like, three grand an episode.” He remarked, “I think I got dinner.”
The NBC sketch comedy program, now in its 50th season, broadcasts one season annually, with each season generally including 18 to 22 episodes.
According to Davidson's assertion, a cast member featured in every episode of a season receives an annual compensation ranging from $54,000 to $66,000.
Simultaneously, current cast member James Austin Johnson stated that he utilized his inaugural “SNL” paycheck to acquire “the most uncomfortable West Elm couch of all time.” He said, “I swear to God, it’s, like, made of bricks.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus stated that she purchased a pair of shoes that exceeded her budget. The "Seinfeld" actor, who participated in the sketch comedy program from 1982 to 1985, acknowledged that the shoes were priced at $75.
Sarah Silverman purchased a $300 cashmere sweater, while Sarah Sherman acquired a quality mattress. Similar to Johnson, Cheri Oteri likewise bought a couch.
“I have gotten it reupholstered three or four times. I remember a designer coming over in tears, and he goes, ‘OK, those arms are too high. We’re gonna get rid of that couch.’ I said, ‘Oh, no. No, you’re not. Not today, Satan. The couch is staying. You’re going,'” she confessed.
Seth Meyers demonstrated prudent financial habits by utilizing his initial paycheck to purchase — as anticipated — "a really big couch." The late-night talk show host thereafter visited Best Buy and acquired a "substantially large television" to complement his purchase.
Bowen Yang reminisced about traversing to the Saks Fifth Avenue “across the street” from the New York City studio and “purchasing a pair of Gucci shoes — the kind that everyone got and the kind that [he] wouldn’t feel super cool wearing out now.”
Rachel Dratch recalls acquiring an apartment, stating, “I mean, that’s so boring, but that’s the real thing.”
Jason Sudeikis reiterated Davidson's thoughts, stating to the magazine, “I mean, you don’t make enough money to make big purchases.”
The "Ted Lasso" actor subsequently reiterated Dratch's remarks, stating that his earnings during his inaugural year as a writer for "SNL" were allocated to cover "New York rent."
Davidson's remarks regarding SNL wages provoked a surge of responses on social media.
“How is $3K an episode enough for NYC? They deserve way more for what they do," a fan wrote. “Surprised to hear this! Always thought SNL cast members made bank," an X user shared.
“So many couches in this story, but I get it. NYC rent eats the rest of the paycheck," a third netizen added. “Gucci shoes and $300 sweaters? No wonder they’re broke," another fan claimed.
“This shows how much the entertainment industry undervalues its stars. Time for a raise, Lorne Michaels!” a fifth source penned. “Love SNL, but $54K in NYC is barely scraping by. That’s shocking for such a big show," another netizen stated.
Business Times has reached out to Pete Davidson for comments.
