Finn Wolfhard from ‘Stranger Things’ to Host First SNL Episode of 2026

Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard is set to take on a new role as the host of the first Saturday Night Live show of 2026. The hit Netflix series will be in the limelight once again as Wolfhard, known for his role as Mike Wheeler, makes his SNL hosting debut on January 17, 2026.

Fans of Stranger Things can look forward to Volume 2 of the final season premiering on Christmas Day, followed by the 125-minute series finale on New Year’s Eve. Previous stars from the show who have taken on the role of SNL host include David Harbour and Winona Ryder back in 2002.

Joining Wolfhard on the SNL stage as the musical guest will be rapper A$AP Rocky, who made a cameo appearance on the show in May 2018. While the musical pairing may not be exactly what Wolfhard had in mind, he once expressed his desire to have an indie rock band or a ’90s alt band perform as his musical guest in an interview back in October 2024.

One of Wolfhard’s wishes as an SNL host is to bring back the “Underground Rock Festival” sketch, which featured Jason Sudeikis as DJ Supersoak and Nasim Pedrad as Lil’ Blaster. He found the sketch particularly amusing as it was essentially an opportunity to name a bunch of random bands, something that he believes would still be funny if brought back to the show.

It’s clear that Wolfhard is excited about his upcoming hosting gig on SNL and has some ideas in mind for how to make it a memorable and entertaining show. With his unique charm and wit, combined with his affection for music and comedy, Wolfhard is sure to bring something special to the SNL stage.

Fans of Stranger Things and supporters of Finn Wolfhard will be eagerly awaiting his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live, where he will undoubtedly shine in a new and exciting role. Get ready for a night of comedy, music, and entertainment as Wolfhard kicks off the new year with a bang on SNL.