Pete Davidson Returns to 'SNL', Takes Aim at Lorne Michaels' Endless Tenure

Pete Davidson made a surprise return to Saturday Night Live for a sprawling Weekend Update segment on November 8, tackling various topics including Zohran Mamdani's election victory in New York and his own decision to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. During the segment, Davidson took a jab at SNL creator Lorne Michaels, stating that if Michaels has taught the audience anything, it's that you never, ever give up. Even if everyone says the time has come and Tina Fey is ready to take over, Davidson said, drawing some scattered but passionate applause from the crowd and a somewhat squirmy off-screen laugh from Weekend Update co-anchor Michael Che. The segment, which aired on the show's 47th season, also touched on Davidson's recent decision to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, a move that sparked controversy due to the festival's ties to the Saudi government. Davidson's appearance at the festival was seen as a departure from his usual progressive views and sparked debate among fans and critics alike. Michaels, who has been at the helm of SNL since its inception in 1975, has been known for his dedication to the show and his refusal to step down. In a statement, Michaels said he has no plans to retire and will continue to oversee the show's creative direction. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for SNL," Michaels said. Davidson's return to SNL was met with enthusiasm from fans, who have been eagerly awaiting his next appearance. The comedian has been a regular on the show since 2014 and has become known for his irreverent humor and unapologetic style. His Weekend Update segment was seen as a welcome return to form, with many praising his sharp wit and clever writing. In related news, SNL has been facing increased scrutiny in recent months over its handling of diversity and representation. The show has faced criticism for its lack of diversity in its writing staff and its failure to adequately represent marginalized communities. In response, the show has taken steps to increase diversity and inclusion, including the hiring of new writers and the introduction of new formats and segments. As for Davidson's future on SNL, it remains to be seen. The comedian has been open about his struggles with mental health and his desire to take a break from the show. However, his surprise return suggests that he may be considering a longer-term commitment to the program. When asked about his future plans, Davidson said only that he is "excited to see what the future holds" and that he is "looking forward to continuing to make people laugh."