Pete Davidson’s Emotionally Charged Cold Open on SNL Leaves Audience Captivated

Saturday Night Live made its return to television after a long hiatus, and the show opened with an unexpected and somber monologue from Pete Davidson. The former cast member returned to host and took the stage for the cold open to address the recent Hamas attack on Israel, according to reports from USA Today. Davidson remarked, “I know what you’re thinking, ‘Who better to comment on it than Pete Davidson?’ Well, in many ways, I am a good person to discuss it because when I was 7 years old, my dad was killed in a terrorist attack. So, I understand what it’s like.” This statement references the death of Scott Davidson, a New York City firefighter, during the 9/11 attacks, as mentioned in the Hollywood Reporter.

“This week, I saw numerous distressing photos of suffering children—Israeli and Palestinian children— and it reminded me of a deeply horrible place,” he expressed. “No one in this world deserves to suffer, especially not innocent children.” Davidson recounted how comedy helped him cope with tragedy in 2001. His mother gave him Eddie Murphy’s standup special, Delirious, mistaking it for a Disney film. Initially, she tried to take the movie away upon realizing her mistake but soon noticed that her son was genuinely laughing for the first time in a long while. Davidson concluded his monologue by saying,

• “I don’t fully understand it, and I probably never will. But sometimes, comedy becomes the only path forward in times of tragedy,” he expressed. “My heart goes out to everyone whose lives have been shattered this week. However, tonight I will do what I always do in the face of tragedy, and that’s try to bring humor. Remember, I said try. And now, live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”

You can watch the clip here. Following the cold open, Davidson returned for his monologue as the host, which aligned more closely with his usual comedic style. (Read more Saturday Night Live stories.)