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Pete Davidson: SMD

Name: Pete Davidson: SMD
Director: Joel Gallen
Released: 2016
Duration: 56 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2016

TV-MA

Director

Joel Gallen

Runtime

56 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Pete Davidson: SMD is a character study of an unfiltered individual rather than a project designed for demographic inclusivity. The special excels at challenging social decorum and traditional family structures through a secular, relativistic lens, which strengthens its cultural representation score. However, the work lacks intentional narrative architecture regarding diverse identities. The focus remains heavily on the white, male experience, with LGBTQ+ and disability themes often serving as observational comedy rather than meaningful explorations of identity or systemic issues. Ultimately, the special prioritizes personal, often erratic anecdotes over a cohesive effort toward racial, gender, or queer representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Pete Davidson: SMD have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The special includes elements related to male pornography, but these elements are used for comedic purposes in personal storytelling rather than a deeper exploration of queer identity.

How does Pete Davidson: SMD portray gender?

Fair

The narrative focuses on Davidson's individual experience within a male-centric framework. Although he displays vulnerability, the special does not actively challenge traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Pete Davidson: SMD?

Limited

The performance centers around a single white protagonist in a New York setting. The narrative ability to act remains concentrated within Davidson's specific demographic experience, lacking broader racial diversity.

How does Pete Davidson: SMD represent religion and culture?

Good

Davidson adopts a postmodern, secular approach by emphasizing individual experiences over traditional institutions. His irreverence toward social norms and family structures challenges conventional Western ideals.

Does Pete Davidson: SMD include disability representation?

Limited

References to 'prehab' suggest engagement with mental health or substance recovery. However, there is a risk that these experiences may be used as comedic punchlines rather than nuanced depictions of health management.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional Western ideals of social propriety and disciplined family structures.
Prioritizes a postmodern, secular worldview that emphasizes individualistic expression.
Disrupts conventional masculinity through admissions of personal vulnerability.

Limited or Absent

Lacks intentional narrative engagement with diverse racial and ethnic perspectives.
Uses LGBTQ+ subject matter primarily for comedic effect rather than identity exploration.
Risks reducing mental health or recovery experiences to mere comedic devices.

Official Synopsis

Filmed in front of a sold-out hometown crowd in New York City, "SMD" is the first Comedy Central stand-up special from Saturday Night Live's Pete Davidson. The special is filled with Davidson's unfiltered, brutally honest anecdotes about smoking a Snoop Dog amount of weed, texting his mom d* pics, and his issue with male porn stars. From his stint in "prehab" to this one time at a Justin Bieber concert, Davidson proves that even at 22, he and his friends have had some high times and heavy experiences.

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