“SNL” Announces First 2026 Host and Musical Guest Featuring a “Stranger Things” Star
As “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) prepares to kick off 2026 with its first live episode after the winter break, the iconic NBC sketch show has revealed a star-studded lineup. Leading the charge is “Stranger Things” actor Finn Wolfhard, making his hosting debut, accompanied by acclaimed rapper A$AP Rocky as musical guest. Fans of the long-running series and the hit Netflix show alike are buzzing about the exciting crossover of talent.
A “Stranger Things” Star Takes Center Stage
When “SNL” returns on January 17, 2026, it will feature “Stranger Things” breakout star Finn Wolfhard as host — marking his first time in the coveted role. According to Entertainment Weekly, the announcement was made during the show’s final 2025 broadcast and has sparked major buzz across entertainment circles.
Wolfhard, best known for his role as Mike Wheeler on Netflix’s sci-fi juggernaut “Stranger Things”, has seen his profile rise with the show’s popularity since 2016. The hit sci-fi show recently wrapped its fifth and final season, with Volume 2 premiering on Christmas Day and the series finale arriving on New Year’s Eve. In addition to his television work, Wolfhard previously appeared in the “SNL” biopic “Saturday Night” as an NBC page — a bit of meta history that foreshadows his real-life hosting gig.
Musical Guest: A$AP Rocky Sparks Excitement
Joining Wolfhard for the first “SNL” of 2026 as the musical guest is A$AP Rocky, the Harlem-born rapper and producer. According to an article from Rap-Up, the announcement accompanies plans for Rocky to promote his upcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb, which is scheduled to be released January 16 — one day before the “Saturday Night Live” broadcast. Fans speculate that Rocky may perform tracks from his new project, with insider reports hinting that his set could include songs from the highly anticipated album. The timing positions “Saturday Night Live” as a prime showcase for his latest work, potentially blending mainstream appeal with artistic exploration.
What This Means for “Saturday Night Live” Season 51
The January 17 episode will kick off “Saturday Night Live’s” post-holiday schedule for Season 51, which has already featured a diverse array of hosts and performers. Prior episodes included Ariana Grande with Cher during the mid-December holiday show, while earlier weeks showcased talents like Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, and Glen Powell.
This upcoming show marks a key moment in the season, bridging pop culture phenomena like “Stranger Things” with contemporary music trends. It also comes amid notable transitions in the “Saturday Night Live” cast — including the recent exit of longtime cast member Bowen Yang — positioning the January return as both a fresh start and a celebration of the show’s continued evolution.
Fan and Industry Reactions
Social media and entertainment outlets have been abuzz since the announcement dropped. Viewers are especially excited about Wolfhard’s hosting debut, seeing it as a creative bridge between the world of scripted sci-fi drama and live sketch comedy. Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky’s involvement has sparked conversation not only about music but also about how artists use platforms like “SNL” to reach broad audiences.
With “SNL’s” long history of mixing emerging stars with established musical talent, this January’s episode seems poised to continue that tradition. Fans of “Stranger Things,” comedy, and music alike will no doubt tune in to see how Wolfhard and Rocky make “SNL” history in 2026.
