Pete Davidson's SNL Return: Ferry Fiasco, Fatherhood, & Lorne Jokes

Pete Davidson crashed Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update" to spill on his Staten Island ferry drama, impending fatherhood, and even threw some playful jabs at Lorne Michaels, reminding everyone why he's still a fan favorite.

TL;DR

Pete Davidson made a surprise return to SNL's "Weekend Update" on November 8, 2025.
He playfully addressed the "money-losing fiasco" of his Staten Island ferry venture with Colin Jost and shared jokes about becoming a father.
Davidson reiterated his deep loyalty to SNL creator Lorne Michaels, despite some lighthearted ribbing about Michaels' long tenure.

The Unexpected Return to the Weekend Update Desk

Imagine settling in for your regular Saturday Night Live "Weekend Update" segment, expecting the usual news banter from Colin Jost and Michael Che. Then, out rolls Pete Davidson, looking as nonchalant as ever, ready to drop some truth bombs – and some punchlines – about his life since leaving the show in 2022. That's exactly what happened on November 8, 2025, much to the delight of fans.

Davidson, a familiar face from 2014 to 2022, joined his former co-anchors to tackle some very current, and very personal, topics. The main conversation starter? That infamous Staten Island Ferry he co-owns with Jost.

The Staten Island Ferry: A Money-Losing Fiasco or Future Hotspot?

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Back in 2022, Pete Davidson and Colin Jost made headlines by purchasing a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry for a reported $280,100 at auction. The ambitious plan, which included architect Ron Castellano and comedy club owner Paul Italia, was to transform the vessel into a lavish $34 million entertainment venue.

Fast forward to October 2025, and a New York Times article dropped, starkly labeling the venture a "money-losing fiasco." Davidson, ever the comedian, used this as fodder for his SNL return. “In case you’re wondering why I had to do a show in Saudi Arabia, we’re losing millions on this ferry,” he quipped on air. He even joked about not being able to afford the New York Times' $5 paywall because he has "a kid on the way," connecting his financial bind to his impending fatherhood. Source: The Daily Beast, "Pete Davidson Crashes ‘SNL’ to Make Excuses for Saudi Fest," Nov. 9, 2025.

Renaming the Titanic II: A Boatload of Troubles

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The ferry, officially the MV John F. Kennedy, is currently far from its entertainment venue dreams. It remains docked at a Staten Island shipyard, unused and reportedly costing the duo thousands in monthly docking fees. To add to the woes, Jost, Davidson, and their business partners were reportedly sued for nonpayment in June 2025. Colin Jost himself candidly called the purchase “absolutely the dumbest and least thought-through purchase I’ve ever made in my life.” Source: The Daily Beast, "Pete Davidson Crashes ‘SNL’ to Make Excuses for Saudi Fest," Nov. 9, 2025.

During the "Weekend Update" segment, Davidson offered a tongue-in-cheek solution, declaring they’d renamed the boat. "We thought the Staten Island Ferry sounded too depressing, so now it’s called the Titanic II," he announced, a joke that landed perfectly with the audience, highlighting the perceived sinking nature of their investment.

The Riyadh Comedy Festival and the Paycheck Predicament

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Davidson’s reference to his Saudi Arabia performance was a direct nod to recent controversy. He had faced criticism for appearing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, especially given his personal history – his father, a New York City firefighter, died on 9/11. Many critics drew a connection between the event and the belief that the Saudi government had financed al Qaeda.

Davidson, in a prior interview with podcaster Theo Von, defended his decision, describing it as "just another gig" and openly admitting he agreed to it after seeing the substantial payment. This reflects a common tradeoff many public figures face: balancing lucrative opportunities with potential ethical or political implications. On SNL, he lightly brushed over the controversy, using it as a punchline for his ferry's financial drain, rather than delving into the deeper implications.

Embracing Fatherhood with Signature Wit

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Beyond the ferry drama, Davidson also shared personal news: he’s expecting his first child with girlfriend Elsie Hewitt. The couple went Instagram official in March 2025, and Elsie announced her pregnancy in July 2025. This new chapter clearly weighs on Davidson, albeit humorously.

He told the SNL audience, “I’m just excited to be a dad and give it all the energy and enthusiasm I never had for this show.” It’s a classic Davidson line – self-deprecating, a little shocking, and ultimately endearing, signaling a shift in his priorities towards his growing family.

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

— Pete Davidson, People magazine (November 2025)

Lorne Michaels: The Indispensable Mentor (and Target of Jokes)

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Davidson’s connection to SNL creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels runs deep. He consistently credits Michaels for launching his career and standing by him. In a November 2025 interview with People magazine, Davidson stated, "I'd do anything for Lorne." He even recalled asking Michaels to fire him after his first year on the show in 2014, feeling out of place. Michaels' response? "You don't figure it out 'til your third or fourth year... It's just gonna suck for three or four years." Michaels was, according to Davidson, "right." Source: People, "Pete Davidson Would Return to ‘SNL’ If Lorne Michaels Asked: ‘I Owe That Guy My Life’," Nov. 8, 2025.

During his "Weekend Update" appearance, Davidson couldn't resist a playful jab at the 80-year-old Michaels. "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," he joked, drawing laughs and a "squirmy off-screen laugh" from Michael Che. This lighthearted ribbing underscores the strong, almost familial, bond between the two, where even a slight roast is a sign of deep respect.

A Look at SNL Salaries: The "Three Grand" Debate

Speaking of Michaels and SNL, the topic of cast salaries sometimes sparks debate. Davidson himself once famously claimed, "Do you guys know what they pay us? It's, like, three grand an episode. So, I think I got dinner." While this sounds surprisingly low for a major network show, it’s worth noting that Cosmopolitan has reported different figures. According to their analysis, first-year cast members reportedly make around $7,000 per episode, totaling $140,000 for a 20-episode season. This figure reportedly increases to $8,000 for a second season, and after five seasons, cast members can earn up to $15,000 per episode. The discrepancy could stem from different eras, individual contracts, or Davidson's characteristic exaggeration, but it highlights that perceptions of celebrity earnings don't always align with the full picture.

The "New Staten Island" Proposal: A Comedic Political Statement

Davidson also injected some local politics into his segment, capitalizing on the recent mayoral election and Zohran Mamdani's victory. He proposed a "great idea to make this ferry more of a success" by offering it as "New Staten Island" for those residents who didn't vote for Mamdani and threatened to leave New York.

He painted a hilarious picture: "Hey, Staten Islanders, did you promise to move out of New York if Mamdani won but have too many warrants for New Jersey and not enough guns for Florida? Well, welcome to New Staten Island. It will have everything that makes Staten Island great: the pizza…". The abrupt end to his list, leaving "pizza" as the sole highlight, underscored his signature brand of absurdist humor, turning a local political division into a self-aware, public joke. This type of raw, sometimes boundary-pushing humor is a hallmark of "Weekend Update" and a style Davidson has mastered.

Example: Picture Sarah, a long-time SNL fan from Queens, watching the segment. She'd known about the ferry saga but seeing Pete, fresh off a controversial gig, poke fun at his own financial bind, then pivot to being a dad, probably made her chuckle. It’s that blend of self-deprecation and relatable chaos that keeps fans tuned in, even when the underlying issues are serious.

Final Thoughts from the Staten Island King

Davidson wrapped up his segment with typical Pete Davidson flair, putting everything into perspective. "My point is, the ferry, it’s fine. Sometimes, the news just makes things worse than they are. Like how everyone was sure certain people would be exposed and ruined for being on the Epstein list. But look, it’s 2025 and all three of us are still up here.” This closing remark, tying together his own minor "fiasco" with a much larger, more controversial societal topic, solidified his unique comedic voice: unafraid to go there, but always with a wry, self-aware wink.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Pete Davidson's Latest When did Pete Davidson return to Saturday Night Live? Pete Davidson made a surprise return to Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update" segment on November 8, 2025. What's the deal with Pete Davidson's Staten Island Ferry? In 2022, Davidson and Colin Jost purchased a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry for $280,100 with plans to convert it into a $34 million entertainment venue. However, it's been dubbed a "money-losing fiasco" by The New York Times, remains unused, and is reportedly costing thousands in monthly fees, with a lawsuit for nonpayment filed in June 2025. Is Pete Davidson actually becoming a father? Yes, Pete Davidson is expecting his first child with his girlfriend, Elsie Hewitt. Hewitt announced the pregnancy in July 2025. Who is Lorne Michaels? Lorne Michaels is the creator and executive producer of Saturday Night Live, having helmed the show since its inception in 1975. He is widely credited with launching the careers of many legendary comedians, including Pete Davidson. Practical Takeaways from Pete Davidson's SNL Appearance

Continued SNL Connection: Davidson's surprise return reinforces his strong, enduring ties to the show and its creator, Lorne Michaels.
Ferry Fiasco Update: The Staten Island ferry project remains an ongoing and financially challenging venture for Davidson and Colin Jost, humorously acknowledged on national television.
Embracing Fatherhood: Davidson is openly (and comically) excited about becoming a dad, playfully comparing his new priorities to his past SNL tenure.
Addressing Controversy with Humor: His Saudi Arabia performance, though controversial, was briefly addressed with his characteristic self-deprecating wit, deflecting some of the public scrutiny.