Pete Davidson brought his real life to television with his Peacock show, Bupkis. The action-comedy series is based on the Saturday Night Live alum’s life but in a heightened and fictionalized manner. Pete was obviously the brainiac behind creating his new show. Bupkis featured many jokes about his image and reputation in Hollywood. However, Bupkis was not renewed for a second season, Pete announced in a statement.
“I’ve always seen Bupkis as a window into my life, since it is so personal and about my struggles and family,” he said. “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.”
Here’s everything you need to know about Bupkis and its cancelation.
Bupkis Release Date
Bupkis premiered on May 4, 2023, on Peacock. The series will consist of 8 episodes that are roughly 30 minutes long. The show was first announced in March 2022 and filming took place later that year.
Bupkis Trailer
The trailer for Bupkis was released on April 14, 2023. Pete played himself in the trailer and had to deal with becoming famous while trying to live a low-key life in Staten Island. A young girl makes fun of Pete for living with his mom, which was true in real life. The character played by Pete’s current girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders tells the comedian that he “runs away from people who love you.” Pete Googles himself and comes across real headlines that are about him. Pete says that he wants “a regular type life”, which doesn’t seem possible anymore, both in the show, and in real life.
Bupkis Cast
Pete Davidson was the lead of his show, and he co-wrote the series with his longtime collaborator, Dave Sirus, as well as Judah Miller. The trio all served as executive producers, alongside SNL creator Lorne Michaels, Andrew Singer, and Erin David.
Edie Falco played a fictionalized version of Pete’s mom Amy. “I’m so excited to be playing your mother in this show, Pete,” the Sopranos star said during the NBCUniversal Upfront presentation in May 2022, per Deadline. “Finally, I get to play an overwhelmed mother of two living in a world of corruption. Except, this time, it’s Staten Island.”
Joe Pesci played Pete’s grandfather in the show. This is one of Joe’s only television roles in his entire career. He’s obviously best known for movies like Goodfellas and Casino.
Oona Roche played a fictionalized version of Pete’s sister, Casey Davidson. Charlie Day plays Pete’s therapist. The rest of the guest star cast, many of whom are playing themselves, includes Chase Sui Wonders, John Mulaney, Steve Buschemi, Machine Gun Kelly, Bobby Cannavale, Ray Romano, Jon Stewart, Sebastian Stan, Kenan Thompson, and more.
Pete’s late father, Scott Davidson, was not portrayed in the show. Scott, a New York City firefighter, died in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Scott was last seen running up the stairs at the Marriott World Trade Center to help before the building collapsed and he died on the scene.
What Is Bupkis About?
Peacock’s official description reads, “Bupkis, a half-hour live-action comedy, is a heightened, fictionalized version of Pete Davidson’s real life. The series combines grounded storytelling with absurd elements from the unfiltered and completely original worldview for which Pete is well known.”
Pete teased Bupkis when he appeared on The Breakfast Club podcast the day the trailer came out. He started the interview by explaining what the meaning of the title is. “A bupkis is like yiddish, or a Jewish term, meaning like ‘whatever’ or ‘nothing’. My grandpa used to say it all the time growing up. We just thought it was a fun title.”
Pete also explained that it’s “been a long process” to create his Peacock show. “I came to brag about the cast. It’s so sick,” Pete said, as he read out all the stars appearing on the show. “It’s just a really fun time. I think people are gonna be stoked,” he added.
Why Was Bupkis Cancelled?
According to Pete’s statement in March 2024, the comedian noted that this “part of [his] life is finished,” while announcing that Bupkis had been cancelled. The show had been renewed for a season 2 and filming was reportedly scheduled to start in New York over the summer of 2024.