Pete Davidson Staten Island Ferry Joke SNL
- Pete Davidson's recent return to Saturday night Live's Weekend Update wasn't just a nostalgic visit; it was a comedic reckoning with a very real, and increasingly expensive, venture:...
- In October 2020, pete Davidson and Colin Jost quietly acquired the John F.
- The Times article details how the purchase was, in Davidson's own words, made "while stoned." while humorous, this admission underscores a lack of thorough due diligence.
The Staten Island Ferry Fiasco: A Deep Dive into Davidson & Jost’s Aquatic Investment
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Pete Davidson’s recent return to Saturday night Live‘s Weekend Update wasn’t just a nostalgic visit; it was a comedic reckoning with a very real, and increasingly expensive, venture: the purchase of a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry. The bit, referencing a recent New York Times exposé, brought renewed attention to the ill-fated investment made with fellow comedian Colin Jost, and the mounting financial losses it’s incurring.
The Purchase: A Stoned Decision?
In October 2020, pete Davidson and Colin Jost quietly acquired the John F. Kennedy, a 278-foot ferry that had served New York City for decades. The New York Times reported the purchase price was $280,000, a seemingly bargain for a vessel of that size. However, the initial vision – transforming the ferry into a floating event space, complete with a restaurant, bar, and performance venue – quickly ran into a sea of logistical and financial hurdles.
The Times article details how the purchase was, in Davidson’s own words, made “while stoned.” while humorous, this admission underscores a lack of thorough due diligence. Beyond the initial purchase price, considerable costs quickly accumulated: drydocking for repairs, permits, insurance, and ongoing maintenance. The ferry,lacking essential infrastructure like plumbing and electricity,proved far more challenging to renovate than anticipated.
The initial plan involved mooring the ferry at Pier 62 in Manhattan, but that fell through. Subsequent attempts to find a suitable location have been equally unsuccessful,leaving the vessel largely idle and accruing costs.
Financial Strain and the Riyadh Controversy
Davidson’s joke on SNL about needing to perform at the controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival to offset the ferry’s losses wasn’t entirely a jest. Sources familiar with the project estimate the total investment, including purchase price and ongoing expenses, has exceeded $1.5 million, with losses continuing to mount. The ferry is reportedly losing “millions” annually.
The timing of the New York Times article and Davidson’s SNL monologue coincided with criticism of several comedians who participated in the riyadh Comedy Festival, which was accused of being a form of “sportswashing” by the Saudi Arabian government. Davidson’s acknowledgment of the financial necessity of the gig added another layer of complexity to the controversy.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Purchase Price | $280,000 |
| Drydocking & Repairs | $500,000+ |
| permitting & Legal Fees | $100,000+ |
| Insurance (Annual) | $50,000+ |
| Docking fees (Potential) | $100,000+ (Annual) |
| Maintenance (Annual) | $200,000+ |
| Total Estimated Investment (as of Dec 2023) | $1,500,000+ |
The “Titanic 2” and Davidson’s New Vision
In a bid to inject some levity into the situation, Davidson and Jost rebranded the ferry as the “Titanic 2.” This tongue-in-cheek name change, referencing the ill-fated ocean liner, highlights the increasingly precarious nature of the project. Davidson’s joke about Lorne Michaels and Tina Fey also alluded to the long-running nature of the financial burden.
Davidson’s latest proposal – transforming the ferry into an apartment complex - is a satirical response to the recent mayoral election in New York City. He jokingly suggested the ferry could become a haven for disgruntled Staten Island residents who threatened to leave the state following the election of Zohran Mamdani.The idea, while absurd, underscores the growing housing crisis in New York City and the potential for creative, albeit unconventional, solutions.
Expert Analysis: The Perils of passion Projects
FAQs
- How much did Pete Davidson and Colin Jost pay for the ferry? They purchased the John F. Kennedy ferry for $280,000 in October 2020.
- What were their original plans for the ferry? They intended to transform it into a floating event space with a restaurant, bar, and performance venue.
- Why is the project losing money? High costs associated with repairs, permits, insurance, and maintenance, coupled with the inability to secure a suitable location, have resulted in significant financial losses.
- What is Davidson’s latest proposal for the ferry? He jokingly suggested converting it into an apartment complex.
- Is the ferry currently operational? No, the ferry remains largely idle and is not currently generating revenue.
Next Steps
As of December 2023, the future of the Staten Island Ferry remains uncertain. Davidson and Jost face several options:
- Continue to seek a viable location and pursue the original event space concept. This would require significant additional investment and overcoming numerous logistical challenges.
- explore alternative repurposing options,such as converting the ferry into affordable housing or a community centre. This would likely require government funding and community support.
- Sell the ferry. this could result in a substantial loss, but would allow Davidson and Jost to cut their losses and move on.
For now, the “Titanic 2” remains a floating symbol of ambition, miscalculation, and the enduring power of a good joke.