Finn Wolfhard, alongside his "Stranger Things" co-stars Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo, made a memorable debut as host on "Saturday Night Live." The actors celebrated the conclusion of their beloved Netflix series and their evolution from child stars, infusing humor into their collective journey. The episode also showcased diverse comedic segments, ranging from political satire to a playful parody of "Harry Potter," and featured A$AP Rocky as the musical guest. This special reunion and a mix of creative skits provided an entertaining kickoff to the new year for the iconic sketch comedy show.
“Stranger Things” Cast Members Unite on "Saturday Night Live" Stage
On the evening of January 17, 2026, during the first "Saturday Night Live" episode of the new year, actor Finn Wolfhard, known for his role in "Stranger Things," took center stage as host. During his opening monologue, the 23-year-old humorously reflected on growing up in the public eye, noting he started the Netflix hit series at just 12 years old. He proudly declared his transition from a child actor to a man, a sentiment echoed by his fellow "Stranger Things" castmates, Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo, who made a surprise appearance. Their reunion was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience as they jointly celebrated their journey and the conclusion of the show that brought them global recognition.
The episode also featured a variety of sketches, including a political satire where James Austin Johnson portrayed President Trump addressing current events. Additionally, Sabrina Carpenter made an unexpected cameo in a "Boys Podcast" sketch, a follow-up to her previous hosting appearance. Wolfhard himself participated in several skits, notably a humorous "Heated Rivalry" spoof involving "Harry Potter" characters, where he and Marshall (playing Ron Weasley) portrayed a secret romance, with Jason Momoa making a cameo as Hagrid. A$AP Rocky served as the musical guest for the night. Looking ahead, Teyana Taylor and Alexander Skarsgard are scheduled to host upcoming episodes in January, both also making their "SNL" hosting debuts.
This special "Saturday Night Live" episode truly highlighted the end of an era for the "Stranger Things" cast while marking new beginnings. It was a poignant yet humorous way to reflect on their growth and the impact of the series. Seeing the actors together on a different platform, embracing their evolution and showcasing their versatility beyond their iconic roles, offered a fresh perspective. The unexpected cameos and diverse sketch content demonstrate "SNL's" continued ability to deliver relevant and entertaining comedy, blending current events with pop culture. It reaffirms the show's status as a cultural touchstone where stars can playfully engage with their past while boldly stepping into future endeavors.