Pete Davidson Recalls How His First “Saturday Night Live” Sketch ‘Bombed’ Aggressively, and Jim Carrey Attempted to Save It

Pete Davidson Reflects on His First ‘Saturday Night Live Sketch’ That ‘Bombed’

Comedian Pete Davidson recently shared a candid account of his early days on the iconic show, “Saturday Night Live,” revealing a memorable moment when a sketch he starred in failed to land with the audience. In an episode of Hot Ones, Davidson reminisced about his first “real” sketch on the show, which featured none other than comedy legend Jim Carrey. The sketch, titled “Zombie Apocalypse High School,” depicted Davidson playing a zombie character alongside Carrey, who portrayed a non-zombie role.

Despite Davidson’s excitement to work alongside Carrey, the sketch did not go as planned. Davidson described the experience as the sketch “bombing to high heavens,” lasting a lengthy six minutes. The only moment that elicited a reaction from the audience was when Carrey’s character hit Davidson with a bat during a scene. Davidson recalled the awkwardness of the situation, with Carrey improvising by repeatedly hitting him with a prop bat to salvage the performance.

As a young performer, Davidson found himself in a challenging position, trying to navigate a sketch that was failing to connect with viewers. Reflecting on the incident, he shared a humorous anecdote about his character as a zombie eventually exclaiming, “Argh, no more,” in response to Carrey’s relentless batting. Despite the sketch not going as planned, Davidson appreciated Carrey’s efforts to keep the scene going, showcasing his comedic instincts and professionalism in a difficult situation.

The episode in question took place during the show’s 40th season back in 2014, with Carrey hosting alongside musical guest Iggy Azalea. Davidson, who was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” for eight seasons until 2022, had the opportunity to revisit his time on the show during its 50th-anniversary celebration. He reprised his popular character, Chad, in a digital skit alongside original cast member Laraine Newman.

In a more recent interview in February 2025 on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Davidson reflected on his early days on “Saturday Night Live” during the show’s 50th-anniversary special. Watching his audition tape for the show evoked emotional moments for him, as he acknowledged the journey from his younger self in the tape to his experiences on and after the show. Despite the challenges he faced along the way, Davidson’s growth as a comedian and performer was evident in his successful tenure on the iconic program.

Through Davidson’s candid storytelling, fans and viewers gain insight into the unpredictable nature of live comedy and the resilience required to navigate such moments gracefully. While the sketch may have “bombed” initially, Davidson’s ability to find humour in the situation and appreciate the learning experience highlights his growth as a performer. As he continues to explore new projects and ventures post-“Saturday Night Live,” Davidson’s willingness to share his journey provides an authentic glimpse into the world of comedy and entertainment.

In an industry where success often comes hand in hand with setbacks and challenges, Pete Davidson’s candid reflections remind us that even moments of failure can lead to growth and new opportunities. As audiences eagerly anticipate his future projects, Davidson’s honesty and humour serve as a testament to his passion for making people laugh and his dedication to his craft.