From ‘SNL’ to the Sea: A Deep Dive into Davidson’s Ventures

Davidson’s explanation quickly revealed the connection between the costly ferry and his decision to perform in Saudi Arabia. “Yeah, in case you’re wondering why I had to do a show in Saudi Arabia… we’re losing millions on this ferry,” he joked, acknowledging the financial strain. He added a relatable touch, noting, “I can’t spend $5 on a paywall when I got a kid on the way.” This comment alluded to his upcoming fatherhood, a topic he expressed genuine enthusiasm for, stating he intends to dedicate “all the energy and enthusiasm I never had for this show” to his child.

The ferry, initially dubbed the Staten Island Ferry, has undergone a rebranding effort. “We thought the Staten Island Ferry sounded too depressing, so now it’s called the Titanic 2,” Davidson revealed, injecting humor into the situation. Despite the financial challenges, Jost assured viewers that the venture isn’t entirely adrift, citing a recent advertising partnership with Nike for the New York City Marathon.

Davidson also used the opportunity to playfully poke fun at his former SNL boss, Lorne Michaels, and the ongoing speculation about his eventual successor. “If Lorne Michaels has taught us anything, it’s that you never, ever give up,” Davidson said, adding, “Even if everyone says the time has come and Tina Fey is ready to take over.” This comment references the frequent discussions surrounding Fey as a potential replacement for Michaels, who has led the show for decades.

The segment took a satirical turn when Davidson leveraged the recent election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s next mayor to pitch the ferry to a specific demographic. “I have a message for everyone who did not vote for our new mayor: Hey, Staten Islanders! Did you promise to move out of New York if Mamdani won, but have too many warrants in New Jersey and not enough guns for Florida?” he asked, before showcasing a photoshopped image of the ferry transformed into a floating city, aptly named “New Staten Island.” He continued, “We can’t call it the Titanic anymore, since the people on this ship will actually love running into ICE.”

Did You Know? Pete Davidson and Colin Jost purchased the decommissioned Staten Island Ferry for $280,000 in January 2022, with plans to turn it into a live entertainment venue.

Davidson’s return to “Weekend Update” wasn’t solely about addressing financial woes or political commentary. It also served as a platform to subtly address the ethical questions surrounding his performance in Saudi Arabia. While he didn’t directly defend the decision, framing it as a necessity to offset the ferry’s losses offered a pragmatic, if somewhat ironic, justification. This raises a broader question: how do artists navigate the complexities of performing in countries with differing values and human rights standards?

What responsibility do entertainers have when accepting engagements from governments with controversial records? And how can audiences reconcile their enjoyment of an artist’s work with the ethical implications of their choices?

The ferry venture, while seemingly a whimsical undertaking, has become a symbol of Davidson’s entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take risks. It also highlights the financial realities faced by artists and the lengths they may go to pursue their passions – or, in this case, avoid financial ruin.

Beyond the immediate humor, Davidson’s appearance underscored the evolving landscape of comedy and the increasing scrutiny faced by performers in a globally connected world. His willingness to address these issues, even through self-deprecating humor, demonstrates a level of self-awareness and engagement that resonates with audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pete Davidson and the Ferry

• What is Pete Davidson’s connection to the Staten Island Ferry?

  Pete Davidson, along with Colin Jost, purchased the decommissioned Staten Island Ferry in 2022 with the intention of transforming it into a live entertainment venue.

• Why did Pete Davidson perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival?

  Davidson stated he performed at the festival to generate income to offset the significant financial losses incurred by the Staten Island Ferry venture.

• What has been the financial performance of the Staten Island Ferry since its purchase?

  The ferry has been described as a “money-losing fiasco” and continues to operate at a substantial financial loss, requiring Davidson and Jost to seek alternative revenue streams.

• What was Pete Davidson’s joke about Lorne Michaels and Tina Fey?

  Davidson joked that Lorne Michaels’ long tenure at Saturday Night Live has taught him to never give up, even if others believe it’s time for a change, referencing Tina Fey as a potential successor.

• What is “New Staten Island”?

  “New Staten Island” is a photoshopped image Davidson presented on “Weekend Update,” depicting the ferry transformed into a floating city, a satirical response to the election of New York City’s new mayor.