Saturday Night Live will kick off 2026 with a new face at the helm. NBC announced that actor Finn Wolfhard, best known for his role as Mike Wheeler on Netflix’s hit sci-fi series Stranger Things, will serve as guest host for the Jan. 17 episode. The season premiere will also feature rapper A$AP Rocky as the musical guest. The performance marks his return to the SNL stage following several celebrated appearances in past seasons.
Major year ahead for Wolfhard as SNL booking lands
Wolfhard, 22, has grown up in front of global audiences since joining Stranger Things at age 13. His upcoming SNL hosting debut signals his rising profile and a move into more comedic and live performance territory. The 2026 premiere comes amid heightened interest in Wolfhard as the fifth and final season of Stranger Things is scheduled to wrap on Dec. 31, bringing the franchise toward its long-anticipated conclusion. The series finale is expected to dominate entertainment news during the holiday season and the start of the new year. Wolfhard has spoken in previous interviews about wanting to explore directing and writing beyond acting. Appearing on SNL adds another milestone to his resume, giving fans a chance to see a new side of the performer.
A$AP Rocky to perform as musical guest
The Jan. 17 episode will also spotlight A$AP Rocky, who is slated to deliver SNL’s first musical set of 2026. His performance continues a busy period for the rapper, who attended the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year for the premiere of Highest 2 Lowest, a project that drew notable industry attention. Rocky’s presence adds star power to the episode, pairing a popular actor with a chart-topping musician to launch the new year strong.
SNL closes 2025 with emotional farewell
The final new episode of SNL for 2025 aired this weekend, featuring singer Ariana Grande as host and music icon Cher as the musical guest. The episode also marked the final appearance for longtime cast member Bowen Yang, whose departure closed a significant chapter for the show. Yang joined the cast in 2019 and became known for sketch favorites, impressions, and sharp comedic timing. Fans shared tributes across social media following his exit.
New year, new cast, and fresh spotlight
As Saturday Night Live enters 2026, the season premiere arrives at a pivotal transition moment. A new host, a prominent musical guest, and a post-holiday lineup shift may draw boosted viewership, especially from Stranger Things fans eager to see Wolfhard in the spotlight. NBC is expected to release teasers and promotional clips for the episode in early January. Industry watchers will be looking for Wolfhard’s comedic instincts, the writing direction for sketches, and hints of how SNL intends to evolve in its new year stretch.
