Why Louis C.K. Tried To Get Pete Davidson Fired From SNL

Comedian Pete Davidson roasts numerous celebrities in his Netflix special, and it all begins with a revealing story about how fellow SNL performer Louis CK tried to get him fired during his first season on Saturday Night Live for smoking marijuana. However, someone with more authority ultimately stepped in and prevented it from happening.

Overall, Pete Davidson: Alive From New York doesn’t include any huge reveals, as the star mostly covers familiar territory from his NBC gig – marijuana, celebrities, and his pop-culture persona. And perhaps the Netflix special’s biggest draw over time will be an extended bit about Ariana Grande, who Davidson was briefly engaged to in 2018 and often referenced during Saturday Night Live season 44. However, Davidson does tell an interesting story about Louis CK, one that’s laced with snark and irony.

Pete Davidson: Alive From New York begins with the comedian stating “So, Louis CK tried to get me fired from SNL my first year, and this is that story.” Davidson then reflects upon his first season when Louis CK hosted, and sets up the story by referencing the sexual misconduct allegations made towards the comedian in recent years. “At the time,” Davidson says, “Louis CK was, like, a very well-respected comedian… like, at the time.” Davidson says that, as a new Saturday Night Cast member, he was looking for approval from industry peers. So, when Louis CK hosted the show, there was potential for a meaningful professional relationship – but then he inadvertently offended Louis CK.

Per Davidson, he offended Louis CK by smoking marijuana in a Saturday Night Live dressing room. He recalls the host “holding court,” and standing around with other cast members. Davidson then implies that perhaps he was a bit paranoid and doesn’t remember the details correctly because he was, indeed, high. “This is a me issue,” he remembers thinking in the moment, “for sure.” Davidson then reveals that he was called into Lorne Michael’s office (for the first time since being on the show) after a complaint made by the host. Given the potential consequences, Davidson remembers how he tried to deal with the stress: “I was trying to hype myself… I was just, like, ‘f**k them, they’re the ones who looked stupid anyway. They hired and fired you. They’re wrong twice.'”

There isn’t a traditional punchline to Davidson’s Saturday Night Live story, but rather the revelation that Michaels didn’t take Louis CK’s complaint too seriously. Per Davidson, Michaels’ eyes conveyed the feeling of “I’m sorry we’re having this conversation, but, like, Louis told on you.” It all builds to a full-circle commentary, as Davidson recalls telling Michaels that he’d watch his marijuana use (“I’ll never leave it out of my sight”), and also how he felt when reports surfaced that Louis CK had been accused of masturbating in front of women. “I didn’t want it to happen,” Davidson says, “but if it was gonna happen to anybody, I’m glad it was him.”

What Louis C.K. & Pete Davidson Are Doing Now

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Louis CK had been creating controversy by performing unannounced in advance stand-up comedy shows at various clubs. Some support his right to return to comedy, while others feel he should remain shunned. Since then, CK released a surprise new special on his website, and performed alongside now also quite controversial – albeit for quite different reasons – comedian Dave Chappelle. CK resumed stand-up dates after most pandemic restrictions lifted. While Davidson remains a divisive voice in comedy, and has teased leaving Saturday Night Live behind, he’s still a cast member as of season 47. He also recently earned praise for his work in Judd Apatow’s The King of Staten Island, and appeared in The Suicide Squad.

About The Author

Q.V. Hough
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Q.V. Hough is a senior writer at Screen Rant. He’s also the founding editor at Vague Visages, and has contributed to RogerEbert.com and Fandor.

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