Kenan Thompson Defends SNL Salary Practices

Kenan Thompson, a long-standing cast member of 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL), has addressed the show's starting salaries following comments from former cast member Pete Davidson, who revealed that newcomers earn about $3,000 per episode. Thompson emphasized that the experience gained from working on the show is often valued more than the pay itself, stating, 'You gotta pay your dues a little bit, yeah.' Davidson's remarks, made during a recent interview, highlighted how he used his first paycheck primarily for basic needs, echoing sentiments from other alumni like Jason Sudeikis and Julia Louis-Dreyfus about the modesty of their earnings. With SNL celebrating its 50th anniversary, the discussion has brought attention to the show's compensation structure, which has historically been criticized for being below industry standards. While Thompson refrained from sharing specific salary figures, he noted that the allure of the job itself often outweighs financial concerns for new cast members. The conversation reflects a broader commentary on the financial realities of working in television comedy.