In a revealing Saturday Night Live appearance, Pete Davidson openly discussed the contrasting realities of expecting his first child with Elsie Hewitt and the burdensome Staten Island ferry project, affirming that fatherhood is his unequivocal priority.
The return of a beloved Saturday Night Live alumnus always brings anticipation, but when Pete Davidson graced the stage on November 8, 2025, his segment on Weekend Update delivered more than just laughs. The 31-year-old comedian offered a candid, humorous, and surprisingly heartfelt look into his life, drawing sharp contrasts between the impending joy of fatherhood and the ongoing saga of his ill-fated Staten Island ferry venture.
Fans have long followed Davidson’s career and personal life, and his recent comments resonated deeply, highlighting a shift in his priorities. His return to the show, where he spent eight seasons from 2014 to 2022, felt like a homecoming, allowing him to share these significant life updates with an audience that feels like family.
An Unwavering Enthusiasm: Pete Davidson Embraces Fatherhood
The biggest news from Davidson’s personal life is the upcoming arrival of his first child with girlfriend, model and actress Elsie Hewitt. Hewitt, 29, shared the pregnancy news with a playful Instagram carousel in July 2025, featuring images of the couple, a sonogram, and several memes, cheekily captioned, “Welp, now everyone knows we had sex,” as reported by Parade.
Davidson has long spoken about his dream of becoming a father, a sentiment he reiterated during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon shortly after Hewitt’s announcement. “Anybody who knows me, it’s my dream to be a dad, so I’m so excited,” Davidson shared, adding, “I’m excited to see [Elsie] be a mom, so we’re stoked.” This eagerness highlights a profound shift, signaling a new chapter focused on family.
Elsie Hewitt, known for her work in Playboy, Guess ads, and acting roles in projects like Industry and Teenage Badass, has become a significant figure in Davidson’s life, and fans are keenly observing this new, more grounded facet of the comedian’s public persona.
The Staten Island Ferry: A Dream Turned Financial Headwind
In stark contrast to his excitement for fatherhood, Davidson’s other major life update involved the continuing saga of the MV John F. Kennedy, the decommissioned Staten Island ferry he purchased with fellow Staten Island native and SNL costar, Colin Jost.
The duo acquired the ferry at auction for $280,100 in January 2022, with grand plans to transform it into a vibrant floating entertainment complex, complete with restaurants, bars, a concert venue, and even hotel rooms. However, the ambitious project has been plagued by unforeseen challenges. Davidson lightheartedly joked on SNL, “In case you’re wondering why I had to do a show in Saudi Arabia, we’re losing millions on this ferry.” This quip references his controversial appearances at the Riyadh Comedy Festival and the significant financial drain the project has become.
Reports of legal battles over unpaid fees and exorbitant slip costs to house the vessel, alongside photos depicting the boat as “rusty and dilapidated,” fueled fan speculation that the project was abandoned, as detailed by The Sun. The initial vision has clearly faced substantial hurdles, turning a quirky passion project into a source of considerable stress, which Davidson openly admitted to.
A Plan in Motion? Davidson and Jost Address Ferry Future
Despite the public perception of the ferry as a money pit, Davidson and Jost maintain that their dream is not sunk. In December 2024, Davidson told the Wall Street Journal, “We do have, believe it or not, an in-depth plan.” He emphasized the ongoing fundraising efforts and a phased approach to renovating “a floor at a time.”
Jost added during the SNL segment that the ferry has begun generating revenue, citing a fashion show rental by Tommy Hilfigure in September 2024 and a recent advertising partnership with Nike for the New York City Marathon. While these opportunities provide some financial relief, Davidson’s humorous suggestion of renaming the ferry “The Titanic II” underscores the persistent challenges.
Pete Davidson: A Man of Contrasts, Evolving Publicly
Davidson’s candidness on SNL perfectly encapsulates his unique appeal: an ability to transform personal struggles and joys into relatable, self-deprecating humor. His declaration, “I will tell you on the other side, I prefer having a kid to the ferry,” resonated strongly with fans, illustrating a clear pivot in what truly matters to him.
The comedian’s journey, from a breakout star on SNL to a burgeoning film career and now a prospective father, continues to captivate audiences. This latest chapter reveals a maturing individual who, despite the comedic woes of a multi-million dollar business venture, finds profound happiness and purpose in the simple, yet transformative, prospect of family. His ability to share these vulnerabilities with humor ensures his enduring connection with his dedicated fan base.
