Confirmed: Who Is The Next Saturday Night Live Guest? Finn Wolfhard & A$AP Rocky Set To Kick Off 2026
While there is no new episode of Saturday Night Live broadcasting tonight, December 23, 2025, the anticipation for the show's return is already at a fever pitch as the comedy institution enters its traditional holiday hiatus. Following the star-studded finale of the first half of Season 51, which saw Ariana Grande host, fans are eagerly looking ahead to the first new episode of the new year, which is set to feature a highly-anticipated hosting debut and a major music comeback. The show will return on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with a duo that promises to deliver one of the most talked-about episodes of the season: Host Finn Wolfhard and Musical Guest A$AP Rocky.
This upcoming broadcast is poised to dominate social media chatter, merging the worlds of blockbuster streaming television, classic comedy, and cutting-edge hip-hop. Finn Wolfhard, best known for his breakout role in Stranger Things, will be making his first appearance as a host, bringing his unique blend of Gen Z cool and seasoned acting chops to the legendary Studio 8H stage. Meanwhile, the appearance of A$AP Rocky is equally significant, marking his debut as the show’s musical guest and arriving just as he prepares to drop his first studio album in seven years.
Host Profile: Finn Wolfhard—From Mike Wheeler to Studio 8H
The choice of Finn Wolfhard as the first host of 2026 is a clear nod to his massive appeal across multiple entertainment platforms. He is not just an actor but a multi-hyphenate talent whose career trajectory is one of the most exciting in Hollywood today.
- Full Name: Finn Michael Wolfhard
- Date of Birth: December 23, 2002 (Coincidentally, his birthday is today!)
- Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Occupation: Actor, Musician, Film Director, Screenwriter
- Breakout Role: Mike Wheeler in the Netflix series Stranger Things (2016–present)
- Major Film Roles: Richie Tozier in It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), Trevor in Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), and the upcoming Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024).
- Musical Career: Former lead vocalist and guitarist for the band Calpurnia; currently a member of The Aubreys.
- Directing/Writing Debut: He co-wrote and directed the 2020 short film Night Shifts and is currently co-writing a feature film adaptation of the rock band biography Trouble Boys.
Wolfhard’s path to the SNL stage has been swift and impressive. Having started his career with guest roles before landing the iconic role of Mike Wheeler, he has since cemented his status as a leading man in both horror and comedy franchises. His hosting gig is a milestone, not just for his own career, but also for the show, as it continues to tap into the new generation of A-list talent.
The Ghostbusters Connection and a Deep-Cut SNL Link
Finn Wolfhard’s appearance on January 17, 2026, comes at a perfect time to leverage his recent and upcoming projects, which will provide ample material for sketches. While he is most famous for battling the Demogorgon in Stranger Things, his role in the Ghostbusters franchise is a major talking point. With the recent release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, fans can expect parodies of both his supernatural adventures and his on-screen family dynamics. The writers’ room will undoubtedly have a field day with potential crossovers, perhaps featuring a mock '80s band rehearsal or a sketch where the Stranger Things kids try to navigate the weirdness of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
What makes his hosting debut particularly unique is his surprising, yet deep-cut, connection to Saturday Night Live itself. Wolfhard recently starred in the 2024 film Saturday Night, a biographical drama chronicling the chaotic, formative first night of the sketch comedy show back in 1975. In the film, he portrayed an NBC page, a behind-the-scenes role that is now being hilariously reversed as he steps into the spotlight as the main host. This meta-narrative offers a rich vein of comedy, and it's highly probable the opening monologue will directly address his journey from playing a lowly page to commanding the stage. This kind of self-referential humor is a hallmark of classic SNL, and his involvement guarantees a fresh perspective on the show’s history.
Musical Guest Spotlight: A$AP Rocky’s Long-Awaited Return
Joining Wolfhard is the Harlem-born rapper and fashion icon, A$AP Rocky, whose performance on January 17th is one of the most anticipated musical events of the season. This appearance marks a huge milestone for the artist, as it is his first time serving as the official musical guest on the iconic program.
A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is a towering figure in contemporary hip-hop, known for his experimental style, genre-bending music, and profound influence on fashion and culture. His last studio album, Testing, was released in 2018, making his upcoming project, Don't Be Dumb, a major comeback.
What to Expect from A$AP Rocky’s SNL Performance
The timing of A$AP Rocky’s SNL debut is no coincidence; it is a powerful platform to launch his new musical era. Fans and critics are buzzing about the new album, and the SNL stage is the perfect venue to showcase his latest tracks.
- New Music Premiere: It is highly likely that he will perform a track or two from the forthcoming album, Don't Be Dumb, giving the world a first live listen to his new sound.
- Visual Spectacle: Known for his elaborate and stylish music videos and performances, A$AP Rocky is expected to bring a high-fashion, visually stunning element to the SNL stage, transforming the musical segment into a true artistic spectacle.
- Guest Appearances: Given his extensive network of collaborators, there is always the possibility of a surprise guest joining him on stage, which would instantly become a viral moment for the show.
The combination of Finn Wolfhard’s comedic timing and A$AP Rocky’s artistic flair guarantees an episode that will be discussed long after the credits roll. It’s a masterful piece of programming that blends youth culture with high-profile music, ensuring high ratings and massive social media engagement for the start of 2026.
Why You Can't Miss the January 17th Episode
The return of Saturday Night Live on January 17, 2026, is shaping up to be a must-watch event for several key reasons. It is the perfect antidote to the post-holiday lull, injecting fresh energy into the late-night landscape. The pairing of a young, versatile actor like Finn Wolfhard with a groundbreaking musical artist like A$AP Rocky demonstrates SNL’s continued commitment to capturing the cultural zeitgeist.
From potential Stranger Things parodies and sketches about his burgeoning directing career to A$AP Rocky’s long-awaited return to the spotlight, this episode promises to deliver the kind of memorable, water-cooler moments that the show is famous for. For fans searching for "saturday night live guest tonight," the answer is clear: the wait will be worth it for the return of Season 51 with two of the most dynamic young stars in entertainment. Tune in on NBC and Peacock to see how these two cultural forces collide on the legendary stage.
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