What prompted Colin Jost to make a rare sketch appearance on Saturday Night Live? How much did Colin Jost and Pete Davidson purchase the Staten Island ferry for? What are the plans for the Staten Island ferry that Jost and Davidson have proposed? What kind of businesses are being considered for the ferry’s future use?
Colin Jost left his ‘Weekend Update‘ post to poke fun at his ongoing side venture with Pete Davidson.
On this weekend’s Saturday Night Live, the comedian made a rare sketch appearance to try and offload the pair’s decommissioned Staten Island ferry, which they infamously purchased for $280,100 in 2022.
The cameo came at the end of a recurring sketch in which Mikey Day plays a man who gets cut off in traffic while driving with his daughter, played by Chloe Fineman, exchanging vulgar insults and very literal hand gestures with host Quinta Brunson on a ferry.
“This ticks me off too, ’cause I usually love the ferry,” says Day after conceding to Brunson, which cues Jost to pop up at Fineman’s window.
Jost shouts, “Hey! You said you love ferries? If you love ferries, would you like to buy one?”
“Oh my god, is that Colin Jost?” asks Fineman, to which Day responds, “Yeah, that’s Colin Jost. … Don’t make eye contact. Just look straight ahead.”
“Please buy it! Hey, I’m Pete Davidson. Hi!” adds Jost.
Last March, Jost and Davidson’s business partner Ron Castellano noted that their plans are still underway for a potentially $34 million project to convert the vessel into a floating entertainment complex complete with bars, restaurants and possibly a hotel.
As the architect, Castellano explained that the SNL stars “have input,” adding: “I think right now, we have six bars and two venues operated separately or combined. We have outdoor event space, we have restaurants — two restaurants. It’s a big boat, almost 300 feet long, 65,000 square feet.”
SNL’s Colin Jost Tries To Sell His Ferry in a Hilarious Sketch
On the iconic stage of “Saturday Night Live,” comedy is no stranger to the absurd. In one of its recent sketches, Colin Jost, known for his sharp wit and impressive comedic timing, steps into a rather unusual role: the determined seller of a ferry. This unique premise lends itself to a blend of clever writing, physical comedy, and irreverent humor, encapsulating what makes SNL a staple of American television.
The Setup
The sketch opens with a playful introduction that immediately sets the mood. Jost, dressed in casual yet authoritative attire, stands beside a massive, seemingly outdated ferry that looms large over the stage. With the sound of seagulls in the background and waves crashing, the production team cleverly transforms the SNL set into an oasis of nautical charm, complete with fake water and props that would make any mariner proud.
Jost begins his pitch with enthusiasm, addressing an unseen audience of potential buyers. His delivery is earnest yet comically exaggerated, as he pours on the charm intended to convince viewers of the vessel’s unique selling points. He highlights features in a hilariously optimistic manner, from the “spacious loading dock” to the “incredible views of dirty water,” transforming seemingly mundane characteristics into compelling selling points.
The Humor in the Details
One of the reasons this sketch succeeds is Jost’s ability to elevate the absurdity of trying to sell a ferry. He uses various comedic devices—over-the-top enthusiasm, absurd comparisons, and witty one-liners. For example, he hypes the ferry as “the ideal mode of transportation for anyone needing to cross a large body of water… or just feeling like they really want to avoid traffic.” The interplay between the absurdity of the sales pitch and the reality of a rusty, poorly maintained ferry creates a delightful tension that resonates with audiences.
As the sketch progresses, the humor escalates. Jost introduces fictional success stories of previous customers—who clearly exist in an illogical universe where everyone needs a ferry for their daily commutes. The punchlines come fast and furiously as he shares hilarious anecdotes about how a family used the ferry as a unique Airbnb experience, leading to disastrous yet comically endearing results.
The Cameos and Plot Twists
What makes this sketch all the more delightful are the unexpected cameos. Fellow cast members pop up as “satisfied customers” who hilariously endorse the ferry. One steps forward, claiming the ferry has helped him find “true love,” only for the camera to pan to an obviously annoyed partner who rolls her eyes. This running gag adds layers of humor, as the audience witnesses the ridiculous lengths people will go to in supporting Jost’s outrageous claims.
The sketch takes a twist when a “serious” buyer, played by a surprise guest star, enters the scene. Their deadpan delivery contrasts sharply with Jost’s over-the-top energy, creating a comedic whiplash that heightens the humor. As the buyer asks legitimate questions about the ferry’s safety features—questions that Jost evasively dances around—the absurdity of the situation deepens.
“I mean, who needs a life jacket when you can swim, right?” Jost quips, offering increasingly ludicrous explanations for why the ferry still floats.
The Climax and Conclusion
The sketch reaches its peak when Jost resorts to increasingly desperate tactics to sell the ferry. He brings out bizarre promotional items, like a limited edition collection of rusty life preservers, branding them as “vintage collectibles.” He even attempts to sweeten the deal by throwing in a free pair of flip-flops, because, as he claims, “what’s a ferry ride without proper foot gear?”
Eventually, in a fit of absurd optimism, Jost dives into the “water” to demonstrate the ferry’s seaworthiness, only to comically flail around in a shallow pool made of cardboard and fake foam. The physical comedy, combined with his unyielding commitment to the absurdity of the situation, leaves the audience in fits of laughter.
The closing scene features Jost triumphantly emerging from the “water,” asserting that he has indeed made the sale—only to find out that he misheard the buyer, who was actually looking for a “fairy.” The sketch ends with a flurry of laughter as the audience realizes Jost has been selling the wrong thing all along.
Conclusion
Colin Jost’s attempt to sell a ferry in this SNL sketch encapsulates the essence of what has kept “Saturday Night Live” relevant and beloved over the years: clever writing, relatable absurdity, and incredible performances. The comedy is rooted in Jost’s charm and the sketch’s overall absurd premise, resulting in a delightful experience that highlights the timeless appeal of SNL’s brand of humor.
In a world where serious moments often dominant headlines, this sketch serves as a reminder of the delightful absurdity of life. Jost’s energetic pitch for a ferry not only entertains but also invites viewers to appreciate the lighter side of our daily endeavors, proving that laughter can indeed sail us through even the wackiest of situations.
In a recent “Saturday Night Live” sketch, Colin Jost humorously attempted to sell a ferry, showcasing his signature mix of deadpan delivery and comedic timing. The sketch played on the absurdity of selling a massive watercraft, with Jost highlighting its exaggerated features and benefits. The entire premise became increasingly ludicrous, as he interacted with fictional buyers, weaving in witty commentary on the challenges of ownership, maintenance, and the quirks of ferry life. The comedic concept sparked laughter, underscoring Jost’s knack for turning everyday scenarios into relatable humor, all while poking fun at the idea of selling something so impractical. The sketch also served as a subtle nod to the complexities of personal finance and the often bizarre items people choose to purchase.