Finn Wolfhard, known for his role as Mike Wheeler on Netflix’s hit series “Stranger Things,” is set to make his hosting debut on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) for the show’s first episode of 2026. The episode is slated to air on January 17, following the show’s winter hiatus. Joining Wolfhard will be A$AP Rocky as the musical guest, marking a significant return for the sketch comedy program as it continues its 51st season.
Wolfhard, now 23, has garnered attention over the past decade for his performances in “Stranger Things,” which wrapped up its captivating storylines with a finale recently released on Netflix. His journey in the video game-inspired series concluded with dramatic revelations about the aspirations and struggles of the Hawkins residents. Besides his successful stint on the show, Wolfhard’s connection to SNL runs even deeper, having acted in Jason Reitman’s 2024 biopic about the show, titled “Saturday Night.”
In addition to “Stranger Things,” Wolfhard has taken on various roles in the film industry, including Richie Tozier in the horror adaptations “It” and “It Chapter Two,” alongside SNL veteran Bill Hader. He also appeared in the “Ghostbusters” franchise, featuring in both “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and the upcoming “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” connecting him to the legacy of creators Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, both of whom have a history with SNL.
As SNL prepares for Wolfhard’s hosting debut, the show is also moving forward without Bowen Yang, who departed the cast last month after a successful seventh season. His farewell, celebrated during the December 20 episode hosted by Ariana Grande with musical guest Cher, marked a poignant moment in the show’s history.
“SNL,” which first premiered its 51st season on October 4, has featured various hosts and musical guests throughout its run, providing comedy and entertainment to audiences on Saturday nights. The show is poised for another hiatus during the airing of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, which will last from February 6 to 22.
Fans can catch new episodes of “Saturday Night Live” on NBC and Peacock, airing at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT. The series continues to deliver a blend of fresh talent and comedy, maintaining its esteemed tradition in the entertainment industry. With Wolfhard stepping into the host role, viewers can look forward to a delightful mix of nostalgia and new comedic performances as the season unfolds.