This review was made possible by screeners of Episodes 1-8 of Bupkis provided by Peacock for review purposes. Bupkis releases on Peacock on 4 May. All episodes are available at release.
Pete Davidson is something of an anomaly in our society. He’s famous for… well… being Pete Davidson. Yes, he starred on SNL for 8 seasons… and yes, he was briefly engaged to one of the biggest popstars of this generation. But at some point, his level of fame rose beyond either of those things, and he became famous for simply… being himself. Why? Because he doesn’t have the glitz and glamor of typical celebrities. He’s just… a guy. A nobody… Who became a somebody. And that sounds like perfect fuel for a TV show, because we can all see a small part of ourselves in someone like Pete.
The King of Staten Island
Bupkis follows a heightened, fictional version of Pete’s life— although it stays heavily anchored to his real life family relationships, experiences, and struggles. The show assumes from the very start that you know who he is, and some of his history. Of course, there’s still laughs to be had regardless of your knowledge of him… but the experience is best with even the most shallow background on him— as there’s quite a few jokes that take advantage of it.
The first episode starts off with a bang, immediately establishing a high level of shock value for the show’s humor. We’re introduced to both Davidson’s mom (Edie Falco) and his grandfather (Joe Pesci), who’s family dynamics with him remain a core throughline to the end of the series. Pesci has an enormous amount of chemistry with Davidson, acting with an Italian paternal bravado, while also offering hilarious jabs, and a handful of heartfelt, touching moments.
A Balancing Act
The aforementioned shock value is most prominent in that first episode, and does come back from time to time… but there’s also a fair amount of humor that is rooted in referencing pop culture, with an entire episode even hinging on it. Most of the humor hits its mark, and I found myself continually cracking up. But what I believe elevates Bupkis beyond other half-hour comedies is how Davidson’s personal struggles are on full display, imbuing the series with a soul.
The second episode veers heavily into those struggles, as we get to view the world through the lens of Davidson in September of 2001– not long after his dad, an NYC Firefighter, notably passed away on 9/11. As a child attending his uncle’s (Bobby Cannavale) wedding, his mind is riddled with grief, leading to juvenile attempts to cope. He makes inappropriate jokes, and tries drinking alcohol… basically whatever will bring him attention from everyone around him. This leads forward into episodes set in the present again, where he’s continually challenged by processing his emotions, navigating his priorities, and confronting the toxicity in his life— whether that’s his entourage of assholes, or his substance abuse issues.
Pete & Friends
While Pete’s family is a strong point for the show, most of his friends aren’t. His “boys” are a lousy bunch of idiots that tag along and leech off of his status and fame. Even though they’re supposed to be slightly unlikable, I found them to be intolerable— offering very little in the realm of humor. Bupkis is, by far, at its weakest when it puts his entourage center stage— specifically the fourth and fifth episodes. The performances are corny caricatures that don’t fit quite right, juxtaposed with the drama— or even the humor— of the first few or final few episodes.
On the flip side, there are a few guest stars with stand out performances that I have nothing but praise for. To start, Bobby Cannavale— an incredibly emotionally in-tune performance. Brad Garrett also makes a few appearances, that had me cracking up laughing at one point. Past that, there’s a plethora of cameos, but my favorites are Ray Romano and John Mulaney. There’s almost always someone talented sharing the screen and bringing the laughs (or the feels) with Davidson.
‘Bupkis’ – Final Thoughts
Bupkis is a Pete Davidson-themed roller coaster, taking us on a climb to hilarious mishaps, a downhill spiral into his internalized sorrows, and leveling out with his inability to cope with everything in between. Pesci and Falco both bring heart to the series, while also ensuring (along with an assortment of cameos) that there’s a laugh around every corner.
Bupkis releases on Peacock on 4 May, with all episodes available at launch. Check out the trailer below!
