Pete Davidson Roasts Staten Island Ferry in ‘SNL’ Return
Former Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson made a notable return to the show, joining Colin Jost at the “Weekend Update” desk. Their discussion centered on the Staten Island Ferry, a venture that has become a “money-losing fiasco” since its purchase in 2022.
Pete Davidson’s Take on the Staten Island Ferry
Davidson humorously alluded to the dire financial situation of the ferry, which they intended to convert into an entertainment venue. He mentioned his recent performance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, explaining, “So yeah, in case you’re wondering why I had to do a show in Saudi Arabia, we’re losing millions on this ferry.”
New Developments
Davidson shared that the ferry has even received a new name: “Titanic II,” stating they felt the original name was too bleak. He expressed excitement about his upcoming role as a father, saying, “I’m just excited to be a dad and give it all the energy and enthusiasm I never had for this show.”
- New Name: Titanic II
- Purchase Year: 2022
- Financial Status: Millions in losses
Jost added lightheartedly that their business endeavor is, in fact, “going very well,” which contrasts reports from The New York Times indicating the vessel is financially troubled. This venture recently secured a sponsorship from Nike for the NYC Marathon, highlighting potential for growth despite the challenging circumstances.
Political Commentary
Furthering the humor, Davidson referenced local political changes after Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral election victory. He addressed Staten Islanders who threatened to leave New York, saying, “Welcome to New Staten Island. It will have everything that makes Staten Island great: the pizza…” before abruptly stopping his list.
Davidson concluded his segment by reflecting on the ferry’s status and the often exaggerated nature of news coverage. He commented, “Sometimes, the news just makes things worse than they are,” contrasting their situation with larger societal issues.