Pete Davidson made an unexpected return to Saturday Night Live on November 8, where he referenced a recent news article about his purchase of a Staten Island ferry. The comedian, known for his time as an SNL cast member from 2014 to 2022, appeared during the Weekend Update segment to humorously address his and Colin Jost’s plan to transform the ferry into a high-end entertainment space.
Davidson Joins Weekend Update to Discuss Ferry Buy
During the show, Colin Jost introduced Davidson by referencing an article in The New York Times that described the Staten Island Ferry they had bought as a “money-losing fiasco.” Davidson then engaged in a playful exchange with Jost and co-anchor Michael Che, where he made light of his recent performance at the 2025 Riyadh Comedy Festival and shared that he is expecting his first child.
Davidson quipped,
“Colin, you’re looking great as ever. [Michael] Che, starting to crack,”
highlighting the friendly banter between the trio. He continued to make jokes about the financial troubles described in the news coverage, saying,
“So yeah, 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.”
Comedy Duo Riffs on Ferry Purchase and Plans
The two comedians elaborated on the ferry’s purchase details, noting the vessel weighs 2,109 tons and was bought for $280,100 at a New York auction. Davidson joked about renaming the ferry, stating,
“We even gave the boat a new name.”
Jost responded,
“We thought the Staten Island Ferry sounded too depressing, so now it’s called the Titanic 2.”
Jost added humor about marketing efforts, saying,
“That’s right, and it’s actually going very well. Recently, we got paid by Nike to put an ad on it for the New York City Marathon,”
which underscored their ambitions to turn the ferry into a profitable venue.
Davidson’s Ongoing Connection to SNL
Earlier in the day, Davidson told People magazine that he would eagerly return to Saturday Night Live if invited by showrunner Lorne Michaels. He remarked,
“I had a great time hosting last time, and anytime you get that call, it’s an honor and a privilege. It’s always relevant, it’s a hot show. People look forward to it, and the cast is great.”
The November 8 episode was hosted by Nikki Glaser, with musical performances by Sombr. Davidson’s surprise return for the Weekend Update segment was a highlight, blending current events and personal milestones with his trademark humor.
Significance of Davidson’s Return and Ferry Venture
Pete Davidson’s unexpected reappearance on SNL reinforced his lasting relationship with the show and his willingness to engage with topical matters through comedy. By joking about the Staten Island ferry, a tangible and unusual investment, Davidson and Jost drew public attention to their unique business endeavor, blending humor with entrepreneurial efforts. Their ability to secure advertising deals and envision a new use for the ferry reflects creative attempts to turn the initial “money-losing” label into a success.
As Davidson balances forthcoming fatherhood with his entertainment career, his SNL return signals that he remains closely connected to his roots in sketch comedy. Meanwhile, the ferry project continues to generate public interest, suggesting future updates may follow both in the entertainment and business worlds.
