Pete Davidson made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live, joining Colin Jost at the Weekend Update desk. The comedian addressed a recent New York Times article labeling his Staten Island ferry investment a financial failure. Davidson also joked about his upcoming fatherhood and tossed a few pointed jokes about SNL producer Lorne Michaels.
The Ferry Fiasco Explained
Davidson and Jost purchased a decommissioned Staten Island ferry at an auction in 2022 for $280,000. They planned to convert the vessel into a high-end entertainment venue, a project that has since faced significant financial troubles and was recently described as a “money-losing fiasco” in a New York Times report.
Davidson directly referenced these financial struggles during his segment. He connected his recent comedy performance in Saudi Arabia to the ferry’s mounting losses.
“In case you’re wondering why I had to do a show in Saudi Arabia, we’re losing millions on this ferry. I assume that’s what the article says. I can’t spend $5 on a paywall when I got a kid on the way,” Davidson said .
The two comedians revealed they had given the boat a new name in an attempt to improve its image. “We thought the Staten Island Ferry sounded too depressing, so now it’s called the Titanic II,” Davidson joked. Jost played along, claiming the venture was “actually going very well” and mentioned a recent sponsorship from Nike for the New York City Marathon .
A Nod to Lorne Michaels and Never Giving Up
During his appearance, Davidson shifted from ferry talk to the topic of perseverance, drawing a parallel to the legendary SNL producer. His comment got a strong reaction from the audience and his co-stars.
“If Lorne Michaels has taught us anything, it’s that you never, ever give up. Even if everyone says the time has come and Tina Fey is ready to take over,” Davidson remarked .
The line drew scattered but vocal applause from the studio audience and caused Michael Che to laugh off-camera. This joke was seen as a highlight of the segment, underscoring the show’s history and Michaels’ long-lasting role .
Jokes About Fatherhood and Future
Davidson, who is expecting his first child with girlfriend Elsie Hewitt, also wove his impending fatherhood into the comedy. He contrasted his excitement for this new chapter with his past feelings about being on the show.
“I’m just excited to be a dad and to give it all the energy and enthusiasm I never had for this show,” he shared .
Colin Jost, who is already a father, added his own perspective from the other side. “I will tell you on the other side, I definitely prefer having a kid to the ferry,” Jost quipped .
Political Jabs and a New Staten Island
Davidson didn’t shy away from New York City’s current events, making jokes about the recent election of mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. He specifically targeted Staten Island, the only borough that voted for Mamdani’s opponent, Andrew Cuomo.
“I have a message for everyone who did not vote for our new mayor. Hey, Staten Islanders! Did you promise to move out of New York if Mamdani won, but have too many warrants in New Jersey and not enough guns for Florida?” Davidson quipped .
He then introduced a satirical proposal, welcoming those voters to “New Staten Island.” He ended the bit with a sharp comment, stating, “We can’t call it the Titanic anymore, since the people on this ship will actually love running into ICE” .
A Confident Return to the SNL Stage
Davidson’s surprise return was his first on the show since he left the cast in 2022 after eight seasons. Observers noted he appeared more relaxed and confident than in some of his past appearances, comfortably delivering his characteristic self-deprecating and direct style of comedy .
His segment was part of the November 9 episode hosted by Nikki Glaser. The episode overall was noted for pushing boundaries, particularly during Glaser’s opening monologue, which covered controversial topics .
Also Read: Love Island Australia: Mateo and Isabel’s Kiss Shakes Stable Couple in Cupid’s Arrow Game
Yoo Ji Tae And Lee Min Jung’s Crime Drama ‘Villains’ Sets December Release After Long Delay
