Pete Davidson’s SNL Return Shines Spotlight on Staten Island Ferry Fiasco
On a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, Pete Davidson’s surprise appearance alongside Colin Jost did more than deliver laughs—it reignited a public fascination with their infamous purchase of a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry. What began as a quirky celebrity investment has evolved into a running punchline, a cautionary tale, and, for Davidson and Jost, a badge of comedic honor.
How a Ferry Became a Punchline—and a Money Pit
The story dates back to 2022, when Davidson and Jost, both native Staten Islanders and SNL alumni, joined with investor Paul Italia to buy the retired ferry for $280,100. Their plan? To turn the vessel into a floating entertainment venue—a bold, if unconventional, vision. But as time wore on, the ferry became less a dream project and more a source of endless jokes and mounting financial headaches.
During the recent Weekend Update segment, Jost introduced Davidson with a sardonic nod to a New York Times article that branded their ferry a “money-losing fiasco.” Davidson, never one to miss a beat, leaned into the narrative. “In case you’re wondering why I had to do a show in Saudi Arabia, we’re losing millions on this ferry,” he quipped, referencing his controversial gig at Riyadh Comedy Festival. The punchlines flowed as freely as the ferry’s expenses.
Comedy in Crisis: Jokes Amid Real Financial Struggles
Davidson’s humor masked a reality that’s all too familiar for anyone who’s taken on a passion project that quickly spiraled out of control. “I assume that’s what the article says,” Davidson continued, “I can’t spend $5 on a paywall when I got a kid on the way.” The joke landed with audiences because it felt authentic—a reflection of the very real balancing act between personal dreams and financial responsibilities.
Colin Jost, always the straight man to Davidson’s loose-cannon persona, played along. “We even gave the boat a new name,” Davidson revealed. “We thought the Staten Island Ferry sounded too depressing, so now it’s called the Titanic 2.” If there was ever a metaphor for their investment, that name said it all: big ambitions, unforeseen obstacles, and a dash of gallows humor.
Trying to Turn the Tide: Marketing, Mayors, and Marathon Ads
Yet, the segment wasn’t all doom and gloom. Jost assured viewers, “It’s actually going very well,” citing a recent sponsorship deal with Nike to advertise the New York City Marathon on the ferry. Whether this was fact or facetiousness, it highlighted their efforts to salvage the project through creative partnerships and publicity stunts.
Davidson took the opportunity to riff on New York City’s political scene, joking about Zohran Mamdani’s recent mayoral victory and inviting disenchanted Staten Islanders to relocate to their ferry-turned-floating city. “Welcome to New Staten Island!” he declared, offering a satirical solution for those looking to escape political change or personal woes.
It’s a familiar pattern: celebrities launch ambitious ventures, face unexpected hurdles, and ultimately leverage their setbacks for comedic gold. For Davidson and Jost, the ferry is more than a failed business—it’s a platform for punchlines and a symbol of their willingness to embrace risk, ridicule, and reinvention.
SNL, Lorne Michaels, and the Art of Never Giving Up
Beneath the humor, Davidson paid tribute to SNL creator Lorne Michaels, the show’s long-serving architect and mentor to generations of comedians. “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 joked, poking fun at succession rumors while subtly acknowledging the resilience required in show business—and in ferry ownership.
Davidson’s affection for SNL is evident. He told The Hollywood Reporter earlier that day, “I’d do anything for Lorne,” describing his continued connection to the show as an honor and privilege. Though he’s no longer a regular cast member, his periodic returns keep him linked to a legacy of comedy that’s as much about perseverance as punchlines.
From Local Landmark to Celebrity Folly: The Ferry’s Next Chapter?
For Staten Islanders, the ferry is an iconic part of daily life. For Davidson and Jost, it’s become a symbol of creative ambition, camaraderie, and the unpredictable results of mixing comedy with commerce. Whether the boat ever becomes the floating nightclub they envisioned, or simply remains a running gag, its story is a uniquely American blend of optimism, absurdity, and public spectacle.
As Davidson mused about fatherhood and the energy he’s ready to invest in his next chapter, the ferry stands as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the value of taking risks—even when the outcome is uncertain.
In the end, the segment underscored what makes SNL’s brand of humor enduring: the ability to turn personal missteps into shared laughter, reminding us that sometimes, the best stories come from the projects that don’t quite go according to plan.
Davidson and Jost’s Staten Island Ferry saga is more than a celebrity misadventure—it’s a reflection of how public figures navigate failure, ridicule, and reinvention in real time. Their willingness to laugh at themselves, even as they lose millions, resonates far beyond the comedy world, challenging viewers to find humor and meaning in their own unfinished projects.