Finn Wolfhard made history last night with his first SNL hosting debut alongside Stranger Things costars in a surprise reunion that had fans celebrating. The January 17 episode marked a bittersweet moment for the actor as his hit show wraps up. Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky debuted three tracks from his new album Don’t Be Dumb, marking his first live SNL performance.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Finn Wolfhard hosted SNL for the first time on January 17, 2026
- Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin from Stranger Things joined his monologue
- A$AP Rocky performed ‘Punk Rocky,’ ‘Helicopter,’ and the ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ title track
- Don’t Be Dumb is Rocky’s first album in 8 years since ‘Testing’ in May 2018
Surprise Stranger Things Reunion Left Fans Thrilled
America’s Next Top Model documentary drops today on Netflix with shocking revelations
Dana Eden dies at 52, Tehran producer found dead in Athens hotel
Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin crashed Wolfhard’s opening monologue unexpectedly. The three actors, who spent over a decade growing up together on the Netflix series, toasted to their transition from child stars to adult projects. The moment was charming and emotional, celebrating the end of an era for the beloved show that defined their careers.
Fans immediately noticed Noah Schnapp’s absence from the reunion, sparking social media discussions about the cast reunion. The surprise appearance proved SNL still delivers unexpected moments that delight audiences and trend instantly on social platforms.
SNL’s Stranger Things Spinoff Sketches Were Comedy Gold
Tommy Lee Jones’ daughter was pregnant before her tragic death, court docs reveal
J Cole announces The Fall-Off world tour, first global dates in decades
The show featured multiple sketches parodying potential Stranger Things spinoffs that had viewers laughing. A pre-recorded sketch included ideas for a Sex and the City style Mike Wheeler comedy and a 1990s crime drama version. Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin appeared again in the Stranger Things Promo sketch alongside Andrew Dismukes and Mikey Day.
The creative sketches showed SNL at its creative best, blending pop culture nostalgia with fresh comedy angles that resonated with the audience throughout the night.
SNL Last Night Featured These Key Moments
| Segment | Details |
| Cold Open | James Austin Johnson as Trump with cabinet impressions |
| Host | Finn Wolfhard, making his SNL hosting debut |
| Musical Guest | A$AP Rocky performing new album tracks |
| Special Appearance | Danny Elfman on drums during A$AP Rocky’s performance |
“The last year has been bittersweet for Wolfhard, his hit show has ended, and millions of people got to watch him hit puberty and have his first kiss on screen over the past decade.”
— SNL Recap, Entertainment Weekly
A$AP Rocky Makes Historic SNL Debut With Album Performance
A$AP Rocky delivered an exciting first SNL performance showcasing three tracks from his new album. He opened with the lead single Punk Rocky, which features a star-studded music video with Winona Ryder, Danny Elfman, and Thundercat. The performance was visually and musically impressive, with special guest Danny Elfman even appearing as a drummer on stage.
The performance marked a milestone for the Harlem-born rapper, who collaborated with Elfman on multiple tracks for the album. Rocky’s second performance featured a medley of Helicopter and the album’s title track Don’t Be Dumb, showcasing the diversity of his new sound after an 8-year gap since his last studio project.
Why Last Night’s SNL Episode Matters More Than You Think
Finn Wolfhard becomes the sixth Stranger Things cast member to host SNL, a historic milestone for the global phenomenon. The show’s final season aired just weeks ago, making this hosting debut particularly poignant. Wolfhard previously appeared in two Ghostbusters films and played an NBC page in Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night.
A$AP Rocky’s appearance marks his triumphant return to music after a years-long legal battle. Found not guilty last February in a shooting incident trial, the rapper’s new album represents a prodigal son moment for hip-hop fans worldwide. His partnership with Rihanna and recent role in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest shows his multi-platform success continuing in 2026.
Sources
- Entertainment Weekly – Saturday Night Live recap with Finn Wolfhard hosting details and cast performances
- NME – A$AP Rocky’s SNL performance from ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ album with video performances
- The Hollywood Reporter – Finn Wolfhard SNL hosting debut with Stranger Things costars surprise appearance
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.