Pete Davidson returns to the Weekend Update desk to explain Riyadh Comedy Festival

Saturday Night Live alum Pete Davidson joined Colin Jost and Michael Che at the Weekend Update desk this week to briefly offer excuses for his recent cancellation — and then jump back into ragging on SNL, Lorne Michaels, and the segment hosts.

Davidson and other comedians, including Louis C.K. and Dave Chappelle, have faced widespread criticism for agreeing to perform at the recent Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. Political analysts believe the event is a piece of clever reputation rehab, as the conservative country deflects its startling human rights record. Davidson’s reasoning for joining the bill? To pay for the money-guzzling Staten Island Ferry.

Brushing over the public’s concerns, the comedian addresses other NYC news, too, including Staten Island’s reaction to Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani and the future of SNL: “If Lorne Michaels has taught us anything, it’s never, ever give up — even if everyone says the time has come and Tina Fey is ready to take over.”