Finn Wolfhard, known for his role as Mike Wheeler in the Netflix series Stranger Things, recently made his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live (SNL) in Season 51, Episode 10. The episode, which aired in 2026, marked a significant milestone for Wolfhard, who has transitioned from a beloved child star to a young adult in the entertainment industry. Wolfhard’s appearance on SNL was highly anticipated, with fans eager to see him showcase his comedic skills beyond his acting role in Stranger Things.
Wolfhard’s SNL Debut: A Star-Studded Affair
During his hosting gig, Wolfhard was joined by several co-stars from Stranger Things, including Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin, who made a special appearance alongside him during the monologue. Wolfhard joked about 400 million people watching him grow up on Stranger Things and used his SNL hosting gig to reintroduce himself as an adult. His background in comedy, including his assistance in Bill Hader’s casting in It: Chapter Two, played a significant role in his ability to navigate the SNL stage with ease.
The episode featured several notable cameos, including A$AP Rocky as the musical guest, Sabrina Carpenter, and Jason Momoa. Wolfhard played various characters, including a version of Mike Wheeler, Harry Potter, a space emperor, and a child Twitch streamer. The episode included a parody of Stranger Things and a sketch called Snack Homiez, which showcased the talents of cast members like James Austin Johnson and Veronika Slowikowska.
A Strong Midseason Premiere
SNL Season 51 returned with host Finn Wolfhard and musical guest A$AP Rocky, marking a strong midseason premiere. Wolfhard successfully hosted SNL by playing to his strengths and with the support of the cast and sharp writing. Standout sketches from the episode included “Snackhomiez” and “Space Emperor“, which highlighted the comedic talents of the cast. A$AP Rocky delivered visually exciting musical performances, elevating the energy of the show.
This episode marked a notable return for SNL after a winter hibernation, with the show’s writing team having focused on producing sketches that play to comedic actors rather than comedians. Wolfhard’s appearance on SNL may be the start of a trend of post-Stranger Things appearances and roles for the show’s cast. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Wolfhard and his co-stars navigate their careers beyond the beloved Netflix series.
Connections to SNL Lore
Finn Wolfhard has connections to SNL lore, having played an NBC page in Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night and appeared in the last two Ghostbusters movies. Additionally, Wolfhard played a young Bill Hader (Richie Tozier) in the movie It. Jeff Richards, a former SNL cast member, noted that Wolfhard’s appearance on SNL was a significant milestone, given his relatively limited acting experience outside of the Stranger Things universe.
The episode also included a title card honoring Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir, who had recently passed away. A$AP Rocky performed two songs: “Punk Rocky” with Danny Elfman on drums and “Don’t Be Dumb/Trip Baby“. James Austin Johnson continues to play Donald Trump in the Cold Open, with a new cabinet introduced, including Marcello Hernández as Marco Rubio and Jeremy Culhane as JD Vance.
Wolfhard’s Versatility: A Key to SNL Success
Finn Wolfhard’s ability to play various characters during his SNL appearance was a testament to his versatility as a performer. From a version of his iconic character Mike Wheeler to Harry Potter, a space emperor, and a child Twitch streamer, Wolfhard demonstrated his range and adaptability. This versatility is likely a result of his experience working on Stranger Things, where he has had to play a character through multiple seasons and storylines.
Wolfhard’s comfort with improvisation and his ability to think on his feet also likely contributed to his success on SNL. During his monologue, he joked about his co-stars from Stranger Things, Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin, who made a special appearance alongside him.
The Impact of SNL on Wolfhard’s Career
Finn Wolfhard’s hosting gig on SNL marked a significant milestone in his career, as he transitioned from a beloved child star to a young adult in the entertainment industry. By successfully hosting SNL, Wolfhard demonstrated that he is more than just a talented young actor; he is a multifaceted performer with a range of skills.
Wolfhard’s performance on SNL has likely opened up new opportunities for him in the entertainment industry. With his charisma, talent, and versatility, Wolfhard is well-positioned to take on a variety of roles and projects in the future.
The Future of SNL and Wolfhard’s Place in It
As SNL continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, it is clear that Finn Wolfhard is a talented and versatile performer who has a place in the show’s future. With his ability to play various characters, think on his feet, and connect with audiences, Wolfhard would be a valuable asset to the SNL cast.
As the entertainment industry continues to shift and evolve, it will be interesting to see how Wolfhard’s career unfolds. With his talent, charisma, and versatility, he is well-positioned to take on a variety of roles and projects in the future.
