Bupkis Season 1 Review: Welcome to the Chaotic Mind OF Pete Davidson

Pete Davidson is very good at playing Pete Davidson, so if it ain’t broken, why fix it? Peacock’s Bupkis gives viewers a look at a fictionalized version of the comedian’s life, personal struggles, and artistic prowess. It claims that things may be similar to his real life but it’s all fiction.

There seems to be more truth (at least with emotions and beliefs) than fiction in this story. Obviously, a good chunk of it is for entertainment purposes but stuff like him wanting to become a dad, his relationship with his family, and his mental health and addiction struggles very much feel authentic.

Despite this being a comedy, sometimes things feel a little too real, a little too intimate. For example, there are several moments that allude to or directly mention the depth of his mental health problems.

Bupkis tries to mask the seriousness with outrageous comedy, which makes it an interesting show because it has a lot to say about depression but it also wants to do cum jokes.

It’s the genuine honesty underneath the dick jokes, drug antics, and sex gags that makes it more than some average comedy series. It has a very similar style and approach to storytelling as the FX series Dave.

They’re both semi-autobiographical series that are a bit experimental with their episodes. They also both highlight their character’s eccentricities while getting to the heart of universal struggles of aimless searching for a purpose, depression, loss, addiction, and going through the motions of life.

Dave is a lot more polished in terms of its narrative style, storytelling, and perspective. Often Bupkis becomes chaotic. Not just because of Pete’s chaotic personality in the show, but also because it seems like there are a lot of ideas but they are not all executed flawlessly.

Pete Davidson and his team explore these ideas by varying the show’s tone and genre. For example, Bupkis Season 1 Episode 8, “Show Me The Way” comes off as a horror movie or thriller.

Then Bupkis Season 1 Episode 1, “Magic Moment” plays out like an outrageous sex comedy from the late 1990s/early 2000s. Each episode feels like it’s operating in a different genre with comedy being the linking factor. This isn’t a bad thing, but not all of them work.

The strongest episodes are the ones that mix genre with the show’s exploration of Pete’s emotional distress. For example, Bupkis Season 1 Episode 5, “For Your Amusement,” follows Pete as he temporarily babysits a young girl with his ex-girlfriend.

He volunteers to help because he has decided to become a dad. This is his practice run. The episode plays out like a basic comedy but it’s full of sincerity because it’s clear that Pete needs a purpose.

He wants to find something that can help him straighten his life out. He sees that in parenthood.

This episode is strong because it’s just well-written and adds some heart to the show. You end it by thinking that Pete actually would be a good dad.

Another great episode is Bupkis Season 1 Episode 3, “Picture” because it highlights internet trolling and how some obsessive aspects of his personality lead to bad choices. Additionally, it has some sweet moments like his bonding with his mother.

The series’’ strongest element is the cast. These actors sell the show. Edie Falco, in particular, should be in the Emmy conversation.

She doesn’t have a lot to do acting-wise, besides just being a loving mom. However, let me tell you, it’s one of the most captivating performances of the show. She’s just so natural in the role.

You almost believe that she is Pete Davidson’s mother.

Joe Pesci is also very good at playing Pete’s grandfather. However, it just doesn’t feel like enough of him in it. He’s in basically every episode, but somehow that doesn’t feel like enough. The recurring characters like Brad Garrett, Bobby Cannavale, Oona Roche, and Chase Sui Wonders are also very good in their roles.

Each character draws you in for one reason or another. Bobby Cannavale stands out because he really captures this sadness in his character that’s kind of reflected back to him by Pete. They feel like mirrors of each other but during different times in their lives.

Bupkis is a hard show to review because it’s interesting and enjoyable but it isn’t a show that’s going to change the TV landscape or spark rage. It’s a fine show that has the potential to go in either direction of greatness or mediocrity. It has a lot of interesting ideas and a very strong main cast and supporting cast. It just needs something more to make you feel like you need to watch it.

This isn’t a show you’re likely going to rave to your friends about, but it’s interesting enough to enjoy the ride from start to finish. 

Stray Thoughts

• There are so many great cameos, but you have to watch to see them all. Brad Pitt isn’t in it, but the cameos are so surprising at times, I expected him in it.
• Bupkis isn’t the funniest show I’ve seen, but it definitely has some brilliant comedic moments–one involving an infamous horror villain.
• A certain comedian gives a very good speech in Bupkis Season 1 Episode 7 “Borgnine.” It’s one of the best and most genuine feeling moments from the season.
• Yes, the show does address The King of Staten Island.
• My personal favorite guest star happens in Bupkis Season 1 Episode 3, “Picture”
• There are some references to Pete Davidson’s famous ex-girlfriends but basically, he stays away from that topic. However, one joke about Ariana Grande’s song about him is one of the best jokes in the show.

Are you looking forward to this season of  Bupkis? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Bupkis streams on Peacock on May 4. 

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