Finn Wolfhard, fresh off ‘Stranger Things’ finale, takes the SNL mic — and A$AP Rocky joins as musical guest — in a historic crossover that blends Netflix’s most beloved series with NBC’s longest-running sketch comedy.
The final battle against Vecna may be over, but Finn Wolfhard’s journey is just beginning — this time, on the stage of Saturday Night Live. The 23-year-old actor, who anchored the emotional climax of Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things,’ will host NBC’s sketch comedy juggernaut for its first episode of 2026. His co-starring role? Musical guest A$AP Rocky, whose hip-hop swagger promises to electrify Studio 8H.
Wolfhard’s return to live television comes at a symbolic moment: his final season on ‘Stranger Things’ aired last week, concluding the saga of Hawkins, Indiana, and its brave young heroes. But his connection to SNL runs deeper than nostalgia. He starred in Jason Reitman’s 2024 biopic ‘Saturday Night,’ portraying an NBC page during the show’s storied 1975 premiere — a role that earned him critical praise and cemented his place within SNL’s legacy universe.
His cinematic resume also includes roles in ‘It’ and ‘It Chapter Two,’ where he played Richie Tozier alongside Bill Hader — another SNL alum — which further solidified his ties to the comedy institution. Wolfhard also appeared in both ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ and ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,’ sequels to the franchise co-created by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis — two original SNL stars — adding another layer of comedic lineage to his career.
Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, and Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley on ‘Stranger Things’ season 5
While Wolfhard headlines the new episode, one familiar face will be absent: Bowen Yang, who exited SNL last month after seven seasons. His tearful farewell on Dec. 20, hosted by Ariana Grande with Cher, marked the end of an era — and a poignant moment that underscored SNL’s ability to blend heartbreak with humor. Yang’s departure leaves a void, but his legacy remains embedded in every sketch he ever performed.
Ariana Grande, Bowen Yang, and Cher on ‘Saturday Night Live’ on Dec. 20, 2025
Season 51 kicked off with Bad Bunny and Doja Cat, introducing five new featured players — Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska — following the departures of Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Ego Nwodim, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker. Since then, the season has been fronted by Amy Poehler (with Role Model), Sabrina Carpenter (host + musical guest), Miles Teller (Brandi Carlile), Nikki Glaser (Sombr), Glen Powell (Olivia Dean), Melissa McCarthy (Dijon), and Josh O’Connor (Lily Allen).
Charli XCX, Role Model, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, and the ‘SNL’ cast during goodnights on Oct. 11, 2025
Wolfhard’s episode airs Saturday, Jan. 17 — just before NBC shifts focus to cover the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics from Feb. 6–22. While SNL returns for three episodes before taking another break, fans can expect high-energy sketches, musical performances, and perhaps even a nod to Wolfhard’s ‘Stranger Things’ legacy — especially since his character Mike Wheeler was central to the show’s most iconic moments.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. As fans bid farewell to Hawkins and its Upside Down, they’re now being welcomed into the chaotic world of SNL — where every sketch feels like a surprise, every joke a revelation, and every host a legend-in-the-making.
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Read more about SNL’s Season 51 lineup and upcoming hosts at Entertainment Weekly.
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