Finn Wolfhard is kicking off 2026 on Saturday Night Live, and fans couldn’t be more excited.
The Stranger Things star will make his hosting debut on January 17, marking SNL’s first episode after the holiday break.
He’ll be joined by musical guest A$AP Rocky, who’s also making his performance debut on the legendary stage.
The announcement came during SNL’s Christmas show, hosted by Ariana Grande with Cher as the musical guest, sending social media into a frenzy.
From NBC Page to SNL Host
Wolfhard’s connection to Saturday Night Live runs deeper than most might realize.
He starred in Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night movie as an NBC page, a film that chronicled the chaotic first broadcast of the iconic show on October 11, 1975. Playing a behind-the-scenes role in SNL history on the big screen makes his upcoming hosting gig feel like a full-circle moment.
The young actor has clearly studied the show’s legendary sketches and has specific ideas about what he’d like to bring to Studio 8H.
The Sketch He’s Dying to Recreate
While promoting Saturday Night, Wolfhard revealed his dream sketch to revive: the Underground Rock Festival.
The bit originally starred Jason Sudeikis and Nasim Pedrad as hosts of a fictional metal festival, and it resonated deeply with the musician-actor.
They were hosts of this terrible metal festival, and they would do themed commercials announcing the lineup. I was watching that recently and I thought it was so funny because it’s just an excuse to basically name a bunch of random bands. I think that sketch would be really funny to bring back.
Given Wolfhard’s own music career—he’s the lead vocalist and guitarist for indie rock band The Aubreys—this choice makes perfect sense. His genuine love for music and comedy could make for an unforgettable revival of the classic sketch.
A$AP Rocky Makes His Musical Debut
While Wolfhard takes center stage as host, A$AP Rocky will finally perform on SNL after a brief cameo appearance in 2018.
During Donald Glover’s hosting stint that year, Rocky made a memorable appearance, but this marks his first time as the official musical guest. The pairing of Wolfhard’s acting chops and Rocky’s hip-hop prowess promises an eclectic, high-energy episode.
The timing couldn’t be better for both stars to showcase their talents on one of television’s most prestigious platforms.
Perfect Timing After Stranger Things Finale
Wolfhard’s SNL hosting debut comes at a pivotal moment in his career.
He recently wrapped filming on Stranger Things, with the series finale set to air on New Year’s Eve. After spending years as Mike Wheeler in one of Netflix’s most successful shows, this SNL appearance signals his transition into new territory.
The January 17 episode represents several firsts:
- First hosting gig: Wolfhard steps into the prestigious role of SNL host
- First post-Stranger Things project: His first major appearance after the series concludes
- First 2026 episode: He kicks off SNL’s new year with fresh energy
What to Expect from the Episode
Given Wolfhard’s background, viewers can anticipate sketches that play to his strengths.
His music experience means musical comedy sketches could shine. His film and television background suggests he’ll nail character work and impressions. And his genuine enthusiasm for SNL history means he’ll likely bring references and callbacks that longtime fans will appreciate.
The show’s writers have plenty of material to work with, from Stranger Things parodies to his music career, and even his recent role in the SNL origin film.
Expect self-aware humor about his transition from child actor to adult performer, possibly even meta-commentary about hosting SNL after playing an NBC page in a movie about the show’s creation.
A New Chapter Begins
January 17 marks more than just another SNL episode.
For Wolfhard, it’s a statement moment—a declaration that he’s ready to move beyond his breakout role and embrace diverse opportunities in entertainment. Hosting Saturday Night Live is a rite of passage for actors, and doing so at 23 years old puts him in rare company.
Whether he successfully resurrects the Underground Rock Festival sketch or creates entirely new memorable moments, Wolfhard’s debut promises to be one of SNL’s most anticipated episodes of the season.