Pete Davidson's Staten Island Ferry Fiasco & SNL Return: What's Really Happening

Pete Davidson crashed Weekend Update to crack jokes about his notoriously expensive Staten Island Ferry project and even his controversial Saudi Arabia gig, giving fans a candid look into his current life and unwavering loyalty to Snl's boss, Lorne Michaels.

TL;DR

Pete Davidson made a surprise return to Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update on November 9, 2025, humorously addressing his "money-losing fiasco" Staten Island Ferry and recent Saudi Arabia performance.
He and Colin Jost bought a decommissioned ferry for $280,100 in 2022 with plans for a floating entertainment venue, but it's now an unused, costly burden.
Davidson reiterated his deep loyalty to SNL creator Lorne Michaels, stating he'd "do anything" for him, including returning as a cast member if asked.

The "Money-Losing Fiasco" Hits the Weekend Update Desk

"A 'money-losing fiasco.'" That's how The New York Times recently described a certain decommissioned Staten Island Ferry boat, a vessel jointly owned by Saturday Night Live's own Colin Jost and former cast member Pete Davidson. This headline became the perfect setup for Davidson's surprise return to SNL's Weekend Update on November 9, 2025, much to the audience's delight.

Rolling into the shot, Davidson, with his signature blend of self-deprecating humor, wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room. He quipped that the ferry was precisely why he "had to do a show in Saudi Arabia" – a performance that also drew significant public scrutiny. "I assume that's what the article says," Davidson joked, "I can't spend $5 on a paywall when I got a kid on the way." He confirmed his girlfriend, Elsie Hewitt, is expecting their first child. Source: The Hollywood Reporter, November 8, 2025.

The Curious Case of the Staten Island Ferry

The ferry saga began in 2022 when Davidson and Jost, both Staten Island natives, teamed up with business partners to buy the decommissioned John F. Kennedy ferry for a reported $280,100. Their grand vision? To transform the massive vessel into a vibrant floating entertainment venue, complete with comedy clubs, restaurants, bars, and performance spaces. Source: Business Insider, November 9, 2025.

Fast forward to today, and that dream has hit choppy waters. The ferry remains largely unused, docked at a Staten Island shipyard, accumulating thousands in monthly docking fees. It's become such a drain that a law firm engaged to help them with the project has reportedly sued them for non-payment. Both comedians have openly expressed their buyer's remorse. Jost famously called it "the dumbest and least thought-through purchase I've ever made in my life" in 2024, while Davidson admitted in 2023 that they were "very stoned" when they bought it, joking he hoped it would "turn into a Transformer and get the fck out of there so I can stop paying for it!"

Despite the mounting costs, there's been a tiny glimmer of activity: the ferry was recently spotted with a fresh red paint job, serving as an advertising platform for Nike during the New York City Marathon. On Weekend Update, Davidson playfully pitched an even more ambitious, if slightly outlandish, plan for the boat: creating "New Staten Island" for residents who threatened to leave the city if Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani won the election. His proposed amenities? "The pizza..." (He couldn't think of anything else).

Example: Imagine Sarah, an aspiring entrepreneur, who buys an old, charming ice cream truck online for a steal, dreaming of a mobile dessert empire. Two years later, it’s still parked in her driveway, engine repairs piling up, permits proving a nightmare, and the 'steal' feeling more like a hefty fine. Sound familiar? That's the real-world echo of what Davidson and Jost are navigating with their unexpected ferry adventure.

Navigating Controversy: The Saudi Arabia Performance

Davidson's Weekend Update jokes also touched on his controversial appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. This gig, alongside other prominent comedians like Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart, drew significant flak. Critics referenced the belief that the Saudi government financed al Qaeda, a sensitive point given Davidson's father, a New York City firefighter, died on 9/11. Source: The Daily Beast, November 9, 2025.

Davidson previously defended his decision on Theo Von's podcast, stating his motivation was purely financial: "I just, you know, I get the routing and then I see the number, and I go, 'I'll go.'" While this offers a straightforward personal reasoning, it clashes with broader ethical concerns. Human Rights Watch characterized the festival as part of Saudi Arabia's attempt to "deflect attention from its brutal repression of free speech and other pervasive human rights violations," noting its timing coincided with the seventh anniversary of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder. This highlights a classic tension: the individual's pursuit of a lucrative opportunity versus the broader socio-political implications of such choices.

The Unbreakable Bond with Lorne Michaels and SNL

Beneath the jokes and controversies, a clear theme emerged from Davidson's recent comments: his profound loyalty to Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels. Before his Weekend Update appearance, Davidson told People magazine that he would "do anything" for Michaels, even returning as a cast member if asked. "I had a great time hosting last time, and anytime you get that call, it's an honor and a privilege," he said, adding that SNL "is always relevant, it's a hot show." Source: People, November 8, 2025.

"I owe that guy my life. He jump-started everything. So I'd do anything for Lorne, and he knows that."

— Pete Davidson, on Lorne Michaels (Source: People, November 8, 2025)

Davidson was an SNL cast member from 2014 to 2022, an eight-season run that saw him become a breakout star. It’s a remarkable turnaround from his early days on the show when he reportedly asked Michaels to fire him after just one season because he felt he didn't belong. His affection for the show and its patriarch is evident in his continued hosting gigs (he last hosted in 2023) and cameos, including a spot on the SNL50: The Anniversary Special in February.

The Joke About SNL Pay — And The Reality

During his Weekend Update segment, Davidson also poked fun at his SNL earnings, joking that cast members make "like, three grand an episode" and that his "biggest splurge" from his first paycheck was "dinner." While a classic comedic exaggeration, it provides an interesting counterpoint to reported figures.

Industry reports over the years suggest a more structured pay scale for SNL cast members. First-year cast members reportedly earn around $7,000 per episode, totaling $140,000 for a typical 20-episode season. This increases by about $1,000 per episode for a second season, and after five seasons, cast members can reportedly command up to $15,000 per episode. So, while "three grand an episode" makes for a good laugh, the reality for a seasoned veteran like Davidson would likely be significantly higher, demonstrating the power of comedic license to enhance a story.

Practical Takeaways from Davidson's Latest Chapter

Impulsive Purchases Can Be Costly: Even for celebrities, big, spur-of-the-moment buys like an old ferry can lead to significant financial headaches and unexpected maintenance.
Navigating Ethical Waters: Public figures often face complex trade-offs when accepting lucrative gigs in controversial locations, balancing personal gain against broader social and political implications.
Loyalty Holds Strong: Pete Davidson's deep gratitude and commitment to Lorne Michaels highlight the lasting impact mentors can have in the entertainment industry.
SNL Remains a Platform for Truth and Humor: The show continues to be a relevant space where alums can return, address personal news, and satirize their own lives with refreshing candor.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Pete Davidson's Latest News

When did Pete Davidson make his recent surprise appearance on SNL?

Pete Davidson made a surprise return to Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update segment on November 9, 2025, alongside Colin Jost and Michael Che.

What is the status of Pete Davidson's Staten Island Ferry project?

The ferry, purchased by Davidson and Colin Jost for $280,100 in 2022, is currently described as a "money-losing fiasco." It remains largely unused, docked at a shipyard, and has incurred significant costs and even a lawsuit for non-payment.

Why was Pete Davidson criticized for performing in Saudi Arabia?

Davidson faced criticism for performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival due to Saudi Arabia's human rights record and alleged connections to the 9/11 attacks. Critics found it particularly sensitive given his father, a firefighter, died on 9/11. Human Rights Watch called the festival an attempt by the Saudi government to "deflect attention" from its rights abuses.

Is Pete Davidson returning to SNL as a cast member?

Pete Davidson stated in November 2025 that he would "do anything" for Lorne Michaels, including returning as an SNL cast member, if asked. However, there has been no official announcement of his permanent return to the cast.

Sources:

Business Insider, "Pete Davidson joked on 'SNL' that he's losing millions since purchasing a Staten Island Ferry," November 9, 2025.
The Daily Beast, "Pete Davidson Crashes ‘SNL’ to Make Excuses for Saudi Fest," Catherine Bouris, November 9, 2025.
The Hollywood Reporter, "Pete Davidson Makes Surprise ‘Saturday Night Live’ Appearance to Joke About Staten Island Ferry," McKinley Franklin, November 8, 2025.
People, "Pete Davidson Says He Owes Lorne Michaels His Life, Would Return to 'SNL' If Asked: 'I'd Do Anything for Lorne'", Glenn Garner, November 8, 2025.
SILive.com, "Pete Davidson, Colin Jost joke about money-losing ferry on SNL’s Weekend Update," Mike Matteo, November 9, 2025.