Pete Davidson says early SNL dating spotlight took a toll

Pete Davidson says the relentless focus on his personal life early in his Saturday Night Live tenure took a toll on his work and well-being, and he hopes his reflections bring a fuller view of the pressures faced by young cast members. In recent interviews, the 31-year-old comedian revisited how his high-profile relationships, especially with Ariana Grande, fed a media narrative that often sidelined his professional contributions and left him feeling exposed and fatigued by the constant scrutiny.

Davidson joined SNL in 2014, at age 20, and has said the surrounding culture made it hard to fit in. He recalled that many veteran castmates were far older and more established, and the environment was competitive in a way that felt isolating to a newcomer who was still learning the ropes. He noted that he didn’t even know the show was still on during his first year, emphasizing how inexperienced he was when the dynamics of the room were at their sharpest. Still, he credited one supportive relationship with Kenan Thompson as a stabilizing influence early on, while acknowledging that the overall climate could feel harsh to a younger performer trying to find his footing.