Pete Davidson made a surprise return to Saturday Night Live during the November 9, 2025, episode, joining Weekend Update to defend his recent purchase of a Staten Island Ferry boat alongside Colin Jost. The comedian explained the financial struggles behind the venture and took humorous jabs at SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels. He also shared excitement about impending fatherhood and commented on local politics.
Sketch Overview
Pete Davidson, a former SNL cast member for eight seasons, appeared on Weekend Update to address the 'fiasco' of buying an old Staten Island Ferry boat with current cast member Colin Jost. Davidson joked that the project prompted him to perform stand-up comedy in Saudi Arabia, stating, 'We're losing millions on this ferry!' To improve its appeal, they renamed the vessel Titanic II.
Jabs and Inspirations
Davidson credited SNL's head Lorne Michaels for motivating perseverance with the ferry, quipping, 'If Lorne Michaels has taught us anything, it's that you never, ever give up... even when the time has come and Tina Fey is ready to take over.' He also touched on personal news, noting his upcoming fatherhood and eagerness to apply more 'energy and enthusiasm' to parenting than he did to the show.
Political Humor
The sketch included commentary on the NYC mayoral race, which Davidson called 'my least favorite kind of oral.' Addressing Staten Islanders upset over Zohran Mamdani's election win, he offered the ferry as a 'sanctuary' for those with 'too many warrants in New Jersey and not enough guns for Florida.'
The full sketch is available via SNL's official tweet: pic.twitter.com/RArk8etJtJ. This appearance highlights Davidson's continued ties to the show post-departure.