Summary
Saturday Night LiveandBarbiecame together for a brilliant, hilarious, and extremely catchy sketch called “I’m Just Pete” featuring lyrics that describe the enigma that is Pete Davidson. WhenBarbiereleased in 2023,Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster completely overtook the pop culture conversationwith viewers dressing in pink and flocking to the theater in droves.Barbiebecame the highest-grossing movie of the year, the first film solely directed by a woman to gross over $1 billion.
The music inBarbieitself was a massive revelation. Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night”, Lizzo’s “Pink”, and Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”, which wonBarbie’s only Oscar, were all awesome tracks. However,the catchiest tune is hands-down the power ballad “I’m Just Ken”, a chest-vibrating tune about Ken’s feelings of inadequacy despite his successful outward appearance. The song was such a hit thatSNLmade a parody starring host and former cast member Pete Davidson. Davidson’s personal life has always been of gossipy interest, and Davidson addresses everything that’s been said about him in the pre-recorded sketch.
“I’m Just Ken” was also nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars, and though it did not win, many critics hailed Ryan Gosling’s spirited performance of the song as a highlight of the ceremony.
10 Movies Where Pete Davidson Basically Played Himself
Pete Davidson has had a prolific few years appearing in film and TV, however, many of his roles are just exaggerated versions of himself.
SNL’s “I’m Just Pete” Barbie Parody Song Lampoons Davidson’s Post-SNL Career & Personal Life
Davidson References His Failed TV Show, Mental Health, Dating Life & More
Pete Davidson hostedSNLfor the first time on the season 49 premiere, which aired on June 17, 2025. It was a fairly strong episode, but the “I’m Just Pete” sketch was on another level.Pete Davidson can often steal the show in anSNLsketchand when he’s front-and-center, it’s hard to look away. The sketch follows most of the beats of “I’m Just Ken” inBarbie, but the lyrics are replaced with a story about Pete Davidson’s occasionally sordid, but always entertaining life. The pink and blue set and Pete’s flashy outfit are perfect recreations of Gerwig’s movie.
In the sketch, Davidson walks in on other cast members making fun of his lack of range, particularly the low ratings of his Peacock showBupkis, also starring Edie Falco and Joe Pesci. The sketch then transitions to a musical where Davidson discusses the trials and tribulations he’s faced as well as the many paradoxes inherent in his very public life. He describes how no one seems to care about the work he does, and they’re interested in everything but his comedy.
There are references to his feud with Kanye West, a name he can’t legally say; but Yeezy’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it picture flashing on screen is one of the sketch’s best jokes.
He also mocks his own appearance, admitting that even he’s unsure how he’s come to be considered “hot”. There are references to his feud with Kanye West, a name he can’t legally say; but Ye’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it picture flashing on screen is one of the sketch’s best jokes. Davidson sings about his many high-profile romantic relationships and references some other real-world stories, like when he bought a boat with Colin Jost (viaCurbed) and crashed a car into a house with his former partner Chase Sui Wonders present (viaTMZ).
The musical guest for Pete Davidson’s episode was Ice Spice who sang “In Ha Mood” and “Pretty Girl”.
Each line offers some poignant, funny, and self-deprecating fact about Davidson’s life, sung by either Davidson or the rest of the cast as different versions of “Pete”, and it’s worth perusing the lyrics for every easter egg,
“[Intro Skit: Andrew Dismukes & Punkie Johnson]
AD: “So like what is Pete even gonna do?”
PJ: “I have no idea, he only has like one character”
AD: “Yeah, why is he hosting again? He just left, and it’s not like his show was a hit”
PJ: “I know right, like how you get Joe Pesci and Edie Falco, and no viewers?”
No one cares about the work I do
I made a show with Joe Pesci, too
And no one streamed it but my mom
When I’m high, I do things like call up Colin Jost
And say, “Homie, we should buy a boat”
They tell me I have “butthole eyes”
Yet I never sleep alone at night
‘Cause I’m just Pete
Anyone else, I’d be a three
But I guess I’m hot for dudes in comedy
‘Cause it’s an ugly industry
Looking like a meth head on the street
People online still call me “Skete”
Because of a guy whose name I can’t say legally
PD: Petes, assemble
BP: Black Pete. It’s just black Pete, then? All right
[Verse 2: First Update Pete, Met Gala Pete & Pete Davidson]
FUP: I’m 6'4” and 100 pounds but I got power
MGP: Do you think it’s hot that I rip cigs when I’m in the shower
PD: And out of the blue, like three times a year, when you least expect it
I go to rehab
Can you feel that energy? (Energy, energy, energy, energy)
That famous BD energy? (Energy, energy, energy, energy)
That Pete, bipolar energy? (Energy, energy, energy, energy)
My dating life is not discrete
I generate tons of publicity
For everything except my comedy
I’m just Pete and I like jugs
I’m mentally ill and I’m on drugs
But, hey, I’m still in Super Bowl commercials
My name’s Pete (And so is mine)
I deleted all my accounts online
‘Cause the doctor said the internet wasn’t good for me
B: “Are you ready, Pete?”
PD: “Sure am, Barbie. Aw, not again”
Barbie
Cast
Barbie is a film adaptation of the generational iconic toy directed by Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote the script with Noah Baumbach. The film centers on Margot Robbie’s Barbie who is expelled from Barbieland and travels with Ken (Ryan Gosling) to the real world in search of happiness. The film also stars Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, and several other famous celebrities in cameo roles.
Bupkis Was Canceled But Pete Davidson Still Has Four Movies In Post-Production
Pete And Peacock Both Decided To Step Away From The Show
Bupkisended up canceledafter theSNLepisode with Davidson aired, though it seems that it was a mutual parting. Davidson referencing the show in the sketch may have been because he knew he was winding down with it anyway and felt comfortable teasing himself. However, that’s not it for Davidson, and he continues to work prolifically, currently having four movies in post-production. Just like Ken inBarbie, Pete Davidson is a talented and hardworking professional, even if he’s not always sure why.
Bupkis
Bupkis is a fictionalized comedy series centered around Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson’s life. The series uses grounded storytelling as well as bizarre worldviews that the SNL alum is known for. Bupkis stars Davidson as himself alongside Edie Falco as his mother Amy and Joe Pesci as Joe Larocca.
