In a much-anticipated move, Hollywood’s king of romance and big di** energy favorite, Pete Davidson, has released his semi-autobiographical series, “Bupkis.” To the delight of fans and critics alike, season one premiered with all eight episodes, available to watch exclusively on Peacock. The show offers a unique and unfiltered glimpse into Davidson’s life as a Hollywood celebrity, showcasing his raw and relatable experiences.
Leading the Bupkis cast alongside Davidson are Edie Falco (starring as Pete’s mother, Amy) and Joe Pesci (starring as Joe Larocca, Davidson’s grandfather, and mentor). Pesci, who has been retired since 1999 has only starred in a handful of projects in the last two decades – the latest being “The Irishman.” According to Davidson, Pesci’s belief in the project was life-changing. “[Pesci] liked the material enough to do it,” Davidson said on Jon Bernthal’s Patreon-exclusive Real Ones podcast. “We had a really great conversation. It was really honest and organic and we kind of hit it off. And it was out of love he did it, ’cause he doesn’t need to do anything.”
“I needed that validation from someone like that, like so badly,” Davidson explained. “Because, like I said, when you’re going online, I can deal with trolls, but Oscar winners, presidents shitting on you? You’re like, ‘Damn, I’m a f—ing loser.’ I got the guy no one can get. And that changed my life. I owe him everything.”
Among the stream of other celebrities that have joined the show are MTV VJ, Lala Anthony; rapper, Machine Gun Kelly; Emmy winner, Steve Buscemi; Bobby Cannavale, and Charlie Day.
One key figure who has played an integral role in the series is the multi-talented Charlamagne Tha God. Known for his candid discussions on mental health and personal growth, Charlamagne brings his unique perspective and magnetic presence to the project, making “Bupkis” all the more captivating.
Charlamagne Tha God and Pete Davidson go a long way back and have a tendency for sharing their personal journeys in their creative pursuits. While they come from different professional backgrounds, Pete and Charlamagne have found common ground in their shared experiences and their ability to use humor as a means of connecting with audiences. They have appeared together on various platforms, engaging in lively discussions and playful exchanges. Their interactions often reflect a genuine camaraderie and a shared understanding of the pressures and challenges of fame.
Additionally, both Pete and Charlamagne have been open about their struggles with mental health, using their platforms to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding these issues. This commonality has contributed to a deeper bond between them, as they can empathize with each other’s journeys and offer support.
Charlamagne, a prominent radio host and New York Times bestselling author, has written two, popular best-selling books, called, Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It and Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks On Me. The latter delves into Charlamagne’s struggles with mental health, providing a platform for open conversations about anxiety and mental wellness. Through his writing, Charlamagne has inspired countless individuals to confront their fears and embrace personal growth. In 2021, he also founded the Mental Wealth Alliance, a pioneering organization committed to destigmatizing mental health within Black communities and improving access to effective treatment. Guided by its three pillars, Teach, Train, and Treat, the MWA aims to bridge gaps in mental healthcare by providing educational resources, training programs, and support services.
In addition to his personal growth-related endeavors, Charlamagne also shares aspects of his life on popular radio show, “The Breakfast Club.” Known for its candid interviews with celebrities and thought-provoking discussions, the show provides a platform for Charlamagne to delve into his own experiences and share valuable insights with his audience. By opening up about his personal journey, Charlamagne has fostered a connection with his fans, who appreciate his honesty and vulnerability.
Similarly, Pete Davidson has been unafraid to incorporate his own life into his comedic and creative work. A comedian and actor, he gained popularity through his work on Saturday Night Live and is known for his candid and self-deprecating humor. Davidson has brought his unique perspective to “Bupkis,” crafting a series that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences, Davidson portrays a fictionalized version of himself, navigating the complexities of fame, family dynamics, and meaningful relationships. Through his art, Davidson invites viewers to join him on a comedic and introspective journey, allowing them to see a different side of Hollywood stardom. This is Davidson’s second attempt at delighting viewers by allowing them a peak into his life. His first major project, “The King of Staten Island” was well-received by critics and is a comedy-drama film centered around Scott Carlin, a young man struggling with the loss of his firefighter father – a reality Davidson also once shared.
The collaboration between Pete Davidson and Charlamagne Tha God in “Bupkis” represents a meeting of minds, with both artists unapologetically exploring their personal lives and experiences. By infusing their work with authenticity and vulnerability, they have presented a series that resonates with audiences on a deep level. Through their creative pursuits, they have fostered a sense of connection and understanding, encouraging open conversations about mental health, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness.
As “Bupkis” continues to captivate viewers with its humor, heart, and unreserved realness, it serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of sharing personal narratives. Both Pete Davidson and Charlamagne Tha God have proven that by being unafraid to expose their own vulnerabilities and challenges, they can create art that attracts a wide range of audiences. “Bupkis” stands as a testament to the importance of authenticity in creative endeavors and highlights the transformative power of sharing one’s own truth.
