Pete Davidson Quits Semi-Biographical Peacock Series BUPKIS Despite Its Second Season Renewal

Pete Davidson (Saturday Night Live, The King of Staten Island) has announced that despite a second season order on his popular semi-autobiographical Peacock series, Bupkis, he is stepping away, and letting the series come to an end after only one season.

The actor explained in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter:

“I’ve always seen Bupkis as a window into my life, since it is so personal and about my struggles and family. After nearly a decade of my personal life being in the media I wanted a chance to tell my story my way. Of all the work I’ve ever done, Bupkis is by far what I’m most proud of. I am so grateful to Lorne Michaels and Broadway Video, Peacock, Universal Television and the amazing cast and writers for helping me create something honest, funny and heartfelt. I do also feel that this part of my life is finished. I’m very excited for this next chapter and for you guys to see the work. Thank you to all who support me for I am forever grateful.”

Sources told THR that Davidson’s agent emailed Peacock earlier this week but declined to tell Broadway Video. Shooting was scheduled to begin in the summer in New York. After Davidson’s decision, Universal TV and Michaels’ Broadway Video went along with the move, which sources say had nothing to do with the industrywide budget cuts that have seen a number of shows outright canceled and renewals reversed.

Peacock picked up Bupkis for a second season in June 2023, nearly two months after the show debuted to strong reviews. The show currently has a 78 percent rating among critics and 90 percent score from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

The half-hour semi-autobiographical comedy followed Davidson (who played a version of himself) as he worked through his family dynamics and the complexities of fame while trying to form meaningful relationships. Edie Falco and Joe Pesci — who sources say were pay or play on the show — starred as his mother and grandfather.