Saturday Night Live won’t air a new episode tonight on January 3, but the show is returning soon with fresh content. Finn Wolfhard will make his hosting debut on January 17, 2026, bringing the sketch comedy series back from its winter hiatus. The episode will also feature A$AP Rocky as the musical guest, launching SNL’s brand new 2026 season.
🔥 Quick Facts
- SNL is currently off for the holidays with no new episode airing January 3
- The show returns January 17 with Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard as host
- A$AP Rocky will perform as musical guest, promoting his album Don’t Be Dumb
- This marks Wolfhard’s first time hosting SNL in its history
When SNL Returns in 2026
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
NBC’s Saturday Night Live is taking a brief winter break but will be back on the air sooner than you might think. The last new episode aired on December 20, 2025, featuring Ariana Grande hosting and Cher as the musical guest. Since then, the show has been in complete hiatus mode during the holiday season.
The wait ends on January 17, 2026, when SNL kicks off its 2026 offerings with a star-studded lineup. New episodes will continue airing live from Studio 8H at NBC’s Rockefeller Center on Saturday nights at 11:30 PM ET.
Finn Wolfhard Makes His SNL Hosting Debut
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
Finn Wolfhard, best known for playing Mike Wheeler in Netflix’s phenomenon series Stranger Things, is stepping up to the SNL stage for his first time as host. The Canadian actor and musician is fresh off filming the final episodes of Stranger Things, which wrapped up the beloved sci-fi drama after multiple seasons.
Wolfhard joins an elite group of Stranger Things cast members who have hosted the show. He becomes the fourth cast member from the Netflix series to take the helm at SNL, following in the footsteps of other actors from the franchise. At just 23 years old, he’s bringing fresh energy to the show.
A$AP Rocky to Perform on January 17
| Detail | Information |
| Musical Guest | A$AP Rocky |
| Album Release | Don’t Be Dumb releases January 16 |
| Performance Date | January 17, 2026 |
| Prior SNL Appearance | May 2018 as musical guest |
A$AP Rocky will perform as the musical guest, timing his SNL appearance perfectly with the release of his new album Don’t Be Dumb. The rapper’s album drops just one day before the episode airs, giving him the ideal platform to showcase fresh material. Rocky previously appeared on SNL back in May 2018, making this a triumphant return to the Studio 8H stage.
SNL Season 51 Continues Strong Through 2026
SNL’s 51st season kicked off in October 2025 with bad Bunny serving as host and Doja Cat as the musical guest. The season has featured major celebrities and exciting performances throughout the fall and early winter. Ariana Grande’s Christmas episode wrapped up 2025 with style and humor.
The show looks to continue that momentum as it heads into the new year with fresh episodes scheduled throughout January and February. SNL remains a launching pad for emerging talent and a destination for major celebrities wanting to reach millions of viewers on live television.
What Fans Can Expect From Finn Wolfhard’s Hosting Debut?
Wolfhard brings both acting credentials and musical talents to the SNL hosting chair. Beyond his role in Stranger Things, he’s shown interest in the creative arts, making him an intriguing choice for the prestigious role. His comedy chops will be tested as he navigates the live sketch format and interacts with SNL’s current cast.
The chemistry between Wolfhard and the talented ensemble cast will likely produce memorable sketches and moments. Fans of Stranger Things are eager to see their favorite actor transition from acting in dramatic scenes to performing comedy in real time. Saturday Night Live episodes typically run about 90 minutes and feature a mix of sketches, musical performances, and celebrity interactions.
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.