Saturday Night Live kicked off 2026 with Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard at the helm, delivering an episode that felt like a breath of fresh air for a show navigating an increasingly complex cultural landscape.
The January premiere brought together nostalgic callbacks, sharp political satire, and a host who proved he’s ready to shed his child star image.
Musical guest A$AP Rocky added star power fresh off his latest album release, while former SNL cast member Jeff Richards provided running commentary on an episode that showcased both veteran talent and promising newcomers.
Here’s everything that worked—and what didn’t—in SNL’s 2026 debut.
Political Cold Open Sets Familiar Tone
James Austin Johnson returned as President Trump in a Cold Open that introduced updated cabinet impressions. Jeremy Culhane took over JD Vance duties from Bowen Yang, with Johnson’s Trump even acknowledging the casting change.
Also midterms are cancelled.
Colin Jost made a surprise return as “Secretary of War” Pete Hegseth, drawing massive applause from the studio audience. Ashley Padilla portrayed Kristi Noem struggling with the Minnesota situation, while Marcello Hernández stepped in as Marco Rubio.
The sketch functioned primarily as a news catch-up after SNL’s December hiatus. While competent, it followed the show’s recent formula of leaning heavily on Trump impressions for Cold Opens—a strategy that’s becoming predictable.
Wolfhard Brings Charm and Self-Awareness
Finn Wolfhard’s monologue struck the perfect balance between self-deprecating humor and genuine charisma. He joked about viewers watching him “hit puberty and have his first kiss on screen” throughout Stranger Things‘ decade-long run.
The 23-year-old poked fun at his sparse facial hair before bringing out Marcello Hernández for a brief comedy bit. Stranger Things costars Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin joined for a toast celebrating their transition from child actors to adult performers.
He wolfs very hard.
Jeff Richards offered that assessment, noting Wolfhard’s natural stage presence. The musician-turned-actor clearly felt comfortable in the SNL spotlight, setting an optimistic tone for sketches ahead.
Podcast Format Breathes New Life Into Sketch Comedy
“Snackhomiez” marked the return of SNL’s “Boys Podcast” format—and proved the concept has serious staying power. Sabrina Carpenter reprised her role alongside Chloe Fineman, with Wolfhard playing Fineman’s cousin Micah.
The sketch brilliantly captured Gen Z internet culture through phrases like “No Diddy” and characters dubbed “Unc.” Topics included achieving “sigma status,” “chaddom,” and “max mogging”—terminology that sounds absurd to older generations but resonates authentically with younger viewers.
A$AP Rocky appeared unannounced to plug Rap Snacks, adding celebrity chaos to the proceedings. Richards compared the recurring sketch to classic SNL franchise “Da Bears,” suggesting it could become this generation’s go-to recurring bit.
The podcast setting allows SNL to mock modern media consumption while avoiding tired game show and dinner party formats. It’s culturally relevant, easily repeatable, and gives younger cast members room to shine.
HBO Harry Potter Meets Hockey Romance
“Heated Wizardry” imagined HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter adaptation crossed with Heated Rivalry, the gay-themed hockey drama. Quidditch replaced hockey as the featured sport in what the sketch described as “the first show ever written by girls who wear tails.”
Wolfhard portrayed Harry opposite Ben Marshall’s Ron—casting that felt absolutely perfect. Jason Momoa stole scenes as Hagrid, described as the “old queen,” drawing roaring approval from the audience.
The sketch worked because it satirized both HBO’s prestige television tendencies and extremely online fan culture without meanness. Sharp writing elevated what could have been a simple mash-up into genuine comedy.
Boy Band Nostalgia Hits Different Generations
“Boy Band” delivered one of the night’s strongest sketches through multigenerational musical conflict. Wolfhard played Hunter, a teen wanting to use college savings for his indie band—much to his mother’s horror.
James Austin Johnson appeared as Hunter’s father Robert, sporting highlighted hair and a life vest. His objection wasn’t to music itself but to the indie direction. Robert wanted his son pursuing pop stardom—just like he once did.
Johnson’s former bandmates emerged straight from Backstreet Boys and NSYNC era, complete with the obligatory older member channeling Kevin Richardson. Everyone flirted shamelessly with Hunter’s mom, adding absurdist energy.
The sketch succeeded by celebrating and mocking boy band culture simultaneously while giving Johnson room to showcase comedy chops beyond political impressions. Wolfhard’s real musical background (he fronted band Calpurnia and currently performs with the Aubreys) added authenticity.
Stranger Things Universe Expansion Parody
“Stranger Things Promo” skewered Netflix’s content strategy by imagining endless spinoffs for every character. Andrew Dismukes appeared as Steve Harrington in gritty Strangerest Minds, playing an inner-city teacher.
Nancy got The Wheeler Report, covering 1990s scandals. Mike landed Mike in Manhattan, a Sex and the City-style writer’s journey. Even Mike’s dad Ted (Mikey Day) received his own show.
Matarazzo and McLaughlin returned as Dustin and Lucas, emphasizing the sketch’s central joke: Netflix views Stranger Things as their Star Wars—an intellectual property to milk endlessly across multiple formats.
The parody felt particularly sharp given Netflix’s actual announcements about Stranger Things spinoffs and the streaming industry’s desperation for franchise content.
A$AP Rocky Brings Danny Elfman Collaboration to Life
A$AP Rocky performed “Punk Rocky,” the lead single from his fourth album Don’t Be Dumb. The live performance featured a shirtless Danny Elfman on drums—a surreal visual that connected to their album collaboration.
Elfman composed and scored several album tracks, marking an unexpected partnership between hip-hop and the legendary Oingo Boingo founder. His presence felt significant since Oingo Boingo never performed on SNL during their active years.
Rocky’s second performance combined “Don’t Be Dumb/Helicopter,” showcasing the album’s penultimate two-part track. The first half leaned toward singing before switching to rapping after a beat change.
Richards discussed his own musical background when asked, noting he “started playing with a garage band in 2004.”
Billy Joel is my uncle so he really helped a lot.
Richards is releasing a song anthology later this month, continuing SNL alumni’s tradition of musical pursuits.
Weekend Update Delivers Sharp Commentary
Colin Jost opened Update noting America’s been “back together with Trump” for a year with the same relationship problems persisting. Topics ranged from the Nobel Peace Prize to Minnesota to Diddy.
Michael Che questioned Jost’s algorithm knowledge after a Heated Rivalry reference, while landing what was described as a “daring joke” about Trump. Jost self-deprecated about his movie’s box office performance and squeezed in another Staten Island Ferry joke.
Kam Patterson appeared as sports legend Michael Irvin, delivering intense football commentary about his health and Monday’s game. Richards praised Patterson’s performance, drawing comparisons to Tracy Morgan.
Patterson reminds me a bit of Tracy Morgan. Very likable and funny with equal parts confidence.
Jane Wickline portrayed Tamara discussing her New Year’s resolution involving “365 buttons”—a viral meme about not doing everything. The bit captured 2026’s first major internet catchphrase while giving Wickline a strong showcase moment.
Guy’s Girl Stereotype Gets Skewered
“Boys’ Day” tackled the “guy’s girl” phenomenon through Veronika Slowikowska’s Michelle. When Wolfhard’s character violated bro code by inviting his girlfriend to watch football, Michelle assured everyone she’s “like one of the guys.”
Sounds like a bitch!
Michelle yelled that response after a friend’s tender confession while cracking open a beer. The sketch captured how exhausting performing for male approval becomes—and how desperate some women feel to be liked in male-dominated spaces.
Slowikowska nailed the “guy’s girl” type with accuracy that felt uncomfortably real. A Suite Life of Zack & Cody reference added millennial nostalgia.
Weaker Sketches Dragged Final Act
“Space Emperor” imagined a gritty sci-fi show featuring Wolfhard as an alien emperor negotiating intergalactic genocide. Mikey Day appeared as snack man Shegun, feeding him “delights” in what felt like a transparent attempt at creating viral food prop moments.
Day’s mugging couldn’t save underdeveloped premise that belonged in the episode’s final slot. The sketch never found its rhythm or justified its existence beyond basic absurdism.
“Skyscraper Climb” closed the show with a Free Solo parody featuring Kenan Thompson as Reggie, someone attempting to climb a building despite zero rock climbing experience. The Netflix content machine satire felt repetitive after earlier streaming service jokes.
Both sketches suffered from thin concepts stretched too long—a recurring SNL problem that becomes more noticeable in otherwise strong episodes.
Verdict: Strong Start to 2026
Finn Wolfhard proved himself a capable, charismatic host ready for post-Stranger Things career evolution. His musical background and natural comedy timing elevated multiple sketches beyond what less committed hosts might deliver.
The episode succeeded by embracing podcast formats, multigenerational humor, and internet culture without pandering. Newer cast members like Kam Patterson, Jane Wickline, and Veronika Slowikowska received meaningful showcases suggesting SNL’s future remains bright.
Weaknesses emerged in late-episode sketches and continued Cold Open dependence on Trump impressions. But overall, SNL’s 2026 premiere delivered consistent laughs and memorable moments—exactly what audiences needed entering another chaotic year.