Colin Jost Ferry Purchase: The Real Story Behind the Viral SNL Sketch
Few comedy stories have captured the internet's attention like the tale of the Colin Jost ferry purchase. What began as a bold investment quickly turned into comedic gold, culminating in a memorable 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL) sketch. But how did it all happen, and what’s next for this iconic Staten Island ferry?
How Colin Jost Bought a Staten Island Ferry
In 2022, Colin Jost, best known as co-host of SNL's 'Weekend Update,' joined forces with fellow Staten Island native Pete Davidson and entrepreneur Paul Italia. Together, they purchased the decommissioned MV John F. Kennedy Staten Island Ferry for $280,000. The plan was ambitious: transform the historic vessel into a floating venue for entertainment and dining.
Jost later described the buy as "absolutely the dumbest and least thought-through purchase [he's] ever made." This candid admission became the basis for a hilarious SNL sketch in May 2025.
The SNL Sketch That Went Viral
On the May 3, 2025, episode of SNL, the show brought this saga to national attention. In the skit, Jost made a self-deprecating cameo, humorously begging other characters to "please buy" his ferry. The bit captured why the Colin Jost ferry story resonates with audiences: it's a blend of New York pride and slapstick regret. You can read a full recap at People’s coverage of Colin Jost trying to sell his Staten Island Ferry in the SNL sketch.
The sketch also featured celebrities like Quinta Brunson and Chloe Fineman, escalating the comic chaos. Brunson's role is broken down further in Yahoo's report on the SNL ferry sketch.
From Purchase to Plan: What’s Next for the Ferry?
While SNL and social media lampooned the deal, there was genuine intent behind the purchase. Both Jost and Davidson envisioned transforming the 65,000-square-foot boat into a hot spot for events, complete with a restaurant, concert space, and even hotel rooms. Despite the jokes, they moved forward with development plans. According to US Weekly’s SNL recap, Davidson hinted at hopes for the ferry to become an entertainment hub, noting it could take years and significant investment to realize the dream.
Reactions from Scarlett Johansson and the Internet
The Colin Jost ferry story has also involved Jost's wife, actress Scarlett Johansson. She joked about starting a GoFundMe to recover their investment, adding another layer of humor to the real-life situation.
A New York Story with Lasting Appeal
From the initial impulse buy to its transformation into sketch comedy gold, the journey of the Colin Jost ferry is as New York as it gets. The vessel stands as a symbol of wild ideas, creative dreams, and the kind of humor only SNL could deliver. Whether the ferry becomes a cultural destination or remains the punchline of Jost’s best jokes, it’s secured its place in pop culture history.
Curious about the ongoing project or want to relive the SNL sketch? Dive deeper into the story through these detailed entertainment reports on PEOPLE and US Weekly.