Comedian Pete Davidson surprised audiences and cast alike with an impromptu appearance on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” injecting his signature self-deprecating humor and personal revelations into the Weekend Update segment.
Davidson, a former cast member known for his irreverent wit, stepped behind the iconic desk on November 8, 2025, to the delight of both the live studio audience and viewers at home. He quickly turned the spotlight onto one of his most discussed life developments: his impending journey into fatherhood. Davidson, 31, is expecting his first child with girlfriend Elsie Hewitt, and he didn’t shy away from recounting how the reality of parenthood is changing his priorities and outlook on life.
The segment’s core, however, revolved around another headline-grabbing chapter: the infamous Staten Island Ferry purchase. Davidson addressed a recent New York Times article that described the vessel, which he bought with SNL co-head writer and “Weekend Update” anchor Colin Jost, as a “money-losing fiasco.” In his classic style, Davidson joked, “If you’re curious about why I had to perform in Saudi Arabia, it’s because we’re losing millions on this ferry. I assume that’s what the article says. I can’t spend $5 on a paywall when I have a baby on the way.” The two bought the retired ferry in 2022, originally intending to transform it into an entertainment venue, but so far, the plan has hit more snags than smooth sailing.
Davidson and Jost traded jabs about their ill-fated maritime investment, jokingly revealing that they abandoned the “Staten Island Ferry” moniker for a cheekier name—“Titanic 2.” Both comedians poked fun at their predicament, with Jost quipping that he’d rather have a child than another boat to manage.
Not content to stick to personal woes, Davidson took the opportunity to riff on current events and his own recent decision to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, a choice that drew attention due to the country’s human rights controversies. Davidson explained his reasoning with a laugh: the ferry’s losses needed to be offset somehow.
In a nod to his career roots, Davidson expressed gratitude for the “Saturday Night Live” legacy and specifically for creator Lorne Michaels, crediting him for starting his journey in comedy. He reflected with sincerity, “I’d do anything for Lorne… hosting last time was a blast, and getting that call is always an honor and a privilege.”
By blending personal confessions about new parenthood and comedic jabs at his own business misadventures, Davidson’s surprise SNL appearance resonated with fans. His willingness to poke fun at himself while sharing real updates solidified his place as one of the show’s most honest—and unpredictable—alumni.
