In a video roundup for New York Magazine, comedian Pete Davidson pulled back the curtain on his initial earnings as a cast member on NBC’s long-running sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live.
The video, shared on social media, featured Davidson alongside current and former SNL cast members reflecting on their “biggest indulgences” after receiving their first paycheck from the show. Davidson, who appeared on SNL for eight seasons from 2014 to 2022, gave a candid insight:
“Do you guys know what they pay us? It’s like three grand an episode,” he said with a laugh. “I think I got dinner.”
Jason Sudeikis on SNL Salaries: “New York Rent Was My Biggest Purchase”
Jason Sudeikis, who started as a writer for SNL in 2003 before becoming a cast member from 2005 to 2013, shared a similar experience with his early paychecks.
“I mean, you don’t make enough money to make big purchases,” Sudeikis said. “So I think New York rent was probably the biggest purchase I made after writing my first year on SNL.”
Cast Members Share First Paycheck Splurges
The video also featured other SNL alumni and current stars, including Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sarah Silverman, Cheri Oteri, Seth Meyers, Bowen Yang, Rachel Dratch, Sarah Sherman, and James Austin Johnson, who shared their own stories of modest spending after cashing in their first paychecks.
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus humorously confessed her “splurge” was a pair of shoes that cost $75. “I’m going to tell you, they were out of my budget,” she added.
- Bowen Yang also admitted to indulging in footwear: “Going to Saks across the street, buying a pair of Gucci shoes. The kind that everyone got and the kind I wouldn’t feel super cool wearing out now.”
- Cheri Oteri, along with Seth Meyers and James Austin Johnson, mentioned buying furniture. Oteri shared an anecdote about a designer who suggested discarding her couch. Her response? “Oh no. No, you’re not. Not today, Satan. The couch is staying. You’re going.”
A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
While SNL has produced some of the biggest names in comedy, these stories highlight the modest beginnings of many cast members. Though the paychecks might seem low for a high-profile gig, the experience has proven to be an invaluable launching pad for countless successful careers.
Celebrating 50 Years of Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live will mark its 50th anniversary with a live primetime special airing on February 16. The show continues to air on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET and streams on Peacock.
