Jimmy Fallon, a former cast member of "Saturday Night Live," was instrumental in bringing "Stranger Things" star Finn Wolfhard to host the iconic sketch comedy show. Fallon's personal recommendation to "SNL" creator Lorne Michaels underscores the interconnectedness of the entertainment industry. Furthermore, Fallon expressed astonishment at the overwhelming public response to Hudson Williams, a breakout star from the series "Heated Rivalry," whose appearance on "The Tonight Show" generated a fan frenzy reminiscent of historical music phenomena. This article explores Fallon's influence on Wolfhard's "SNL" opportunity and the unexpected surge in popularity for the Canadian show and its burgeoning talent.
Finn Wolfhard, known for his role in "Stranger Things," was set to make his inaugural appearance as an "Saturday Night Live" host. This significant moment for the young actor was partly orchestrated by Jimmy Fallon, the host of "The Tonight Show." Fallon, having been an "SNL" cast member from 1998 to 2004, held a unique position to influence Michaels. He shared with "Entertainment Weekly" that his recommendation for Wolfhard to host was based on his belief in the show's casting prowess and his own experience within the "SNL" ecosystem.
Wolfhard's hosting slot marked the beginning of the second half of a star-studded 51st season for "SNL." Preceding him were notable figures like Bad Bunny, who was fresh off the announcement of headlining the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. The season also saw the return of "SNL" alumna Amy Poehler for the show's 50th anniversary, a double-duty performance by Sabrina Carpenter, and Ariana Grande hosting the Christmas episode with a return by music legend Cher. This formidable lineup placed considerable expectation on Wolfhard's shoulders as he took the stage for the first show of 2026, joined by musical guest A$AP Rocky, also making his debut. Wolfhard's connection to "SNL" extends beyond his hosting gig, as he previously starred as an NBC page in Jason Reitman's 2024 "SNL" biopic, "Saturday Night."
Fallon's commentary also extended to the phenomenon surrounding Hudson Williams, a star from the Canadian series "Heated Rivalry." Following Williams' appearance on "The Tonight Show" on January 7, the show experienced an unprecedented fan turnout. Fallon recounted receiving a call the night before the taping, informing him of a line of approximately 150 people outside 30 Rockefeller Plaza, all eager to catch a glimpse of Williams. He described walking through the crowd as a "cool" experience, noting that the audience's enthusiasm was comparable to the fervor seen for global sensations like BTS or Harry Styles. The show's representatives confirmed that Williams' interview garnered an impressive 45 million views across various social and digital platforms.
Jimmy Fallon's active role in advancing Finn Wolfhard's career by recommending him for an "Saturday Night Live" hosting spot highlights the influence and camaraderie within the entertainment world. Additionally, the remarkable and unexpected outpouring of fan support for Hudson Williams after his "Tonight Show" appearance demonstrates the rapid and widespread impact a new talent can have, creating a buzz that Fallon likened to historical cultural phenomena.