Joe Pesci Joins Pete Davidson’s Bupkis Cast, Elevating the Peacock Comedy Series
Actor Joe Pesci has stepped into an important role in Pete Davidson’s upcoming sitcom Bupkis, marking a high profile addition to the comedian’s television project. The show, which will stream on Peacock, is designed to blend autobiographical storytelling with sharp humor and a documentary-like feel that aligns with Davidson’s signature voice. In this series, Davidson leads as a creator, writer, and executive producer, guiding the show’s distinctive tone in collaboration with trusted colleagues. The setup has drawn comparisons to the improvisational, character-driven humor that defined Curb Your Enthusiasm, but Bupkis aims to establish its own style in today’s streaming era.
Pesci will play Davidson’s grandfather, a role that places the veteran actor at the center of family dynamics and multi-generational storytelling within the show. This marks a notable return to television for Pesci, who appeared in early work like Half Nelson in the mid 1980s. The casting also features Edie Falco as Davidson’s mother, bringing seasoned credibility to the ensemble and adding depth to the family portrait. Falco’s involvement reflects the show’s aim to blend strong acting with personal history and a candid, often humorous tone.
Pesci’s career has seen notable shifts over the past decades. In 1999 he signaled retirement, a move that did not end his screen work for good. Since then, he has reemerged in a variety of projects that showcase his versatility. He has appeared in Robert De Niro’s thriller The False Temptation, the lighter drama Love Ranch, and Martin Scorsese’s sprawling gangster epic The Irishman, each project offering a different facet of his enduring presence. These choices illustrate a performer who can transition between intense, edgy storytelling and more intimate, character-driven material, underscoring why his addition to Bupkis is viewed as a meaningful enhancement to the show’s range.
Beyond Pesci, television continues to welcome veteran performers who can anchor new formats with credibility and warmth. The conversation around the project often revisits the idea of marrying autobiographical humor with a bold cinematic sensibility. In this context, bringing in a figure like Pesci signals a commitment to layered character work where humor grows from authentic relationships, quirks, and the pressure of living up to family legends and expectations. It serves as a reminder that television remains a powerful space for actors to revisit familiar themes with fresh energy and a contemporary sensibility, especially when the material draws from a real artist’s life and aims to reflect both the comedian’s ambitions and the complexities of fame.
Past collaborations and public statements have occasionally featured playful banter about memorable screen moments. While fans may recall iconic roles and famous lines, the focus for Bupkis stays on the ongoing collaboration between Davidson and a cast that blends comedic talent with seasoned actors. Pesci’s involvement is seen as a strategic move to deepen the show’s dramatic potential while preserving the humor that underpins the premise. This balance is essential for a series that seeks to be more than a simple biographical sketch, offering a textured, relatable look at life behind the spotlight and the pull of family history for a modern audience. [citation: entertainment press]