SNL’s Return: 5 Shocking Things To Know About The Next Host Finn Wolfhard And A$AP Rocky
The iconic Studio 8H is currently dark this week, December 23, 2025, as Saturday Night Live enters its annual holiday hiatus after a blockbuster Season 51 finale. While there is no new episode airing tonight, the show’s return in the new year promises one of the most anticipated host-musical guest pairings of the season, setting the stage for a dramatic and fresh start to 2026.
The latest season of SNL has been packed with viral moments, new cast member debuts, and surprise celebrity cameos, but the focus is already shifting to the highly-anticipated first episode of the new year. Fans won't have to wait too long to see the cast and writers back in action, with the return date locked in for mid-January.
The Next New Episode: Host Finn Wolfhard and Musical Guest A$AP Rocky
The first new episode of 2026 will be the 10th episode of Season 51 and is scheduled to air live on Saturday, January 17, 2026. This episode is already generating significant buzz due to its high-profile headliners. The show will be hosted by a rising star from the world of film and television, with a hip-hop icon making his return to the SNL stage.
Host Profile: Finn Wolfhard (January 17, 2026)
Finn Wolfhard is set to make his debut as an SNL host, transitioning from his massive success in streaming and film to the live sketch comedy format. The Canadian actor, musician, and director, born on December 23, 2002, is best known for his role as Mike Wheeler in the Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things.
- Full Name: Finn Michael Wolfhard
- Born: December 23, 2002 (Currently 23 years old)
- Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Breakthrough Role: Mike Wheeler on Netflix’s Stranger Things (2016–present)
- Major Film Roles: Richie Tozier in the *It* film series (2017, 2019), Trevor in *Ghostbusters: Afterlife* (2021) and *Frozen Empire* (2024)
- Musical Career: Frontman for the band Calpurnia (disbanded) and current member of The Aubreys. He also released his debut solo album, *Happy Birthday*, earlier this year.
- Recent Projects: Wolfhard is currently co-writing a screenplay to adapt the rock band biography *Trouble Boys* (about The Replacements) into a feature film, showcasing his move into directing and writing.
- SNL Debut: This will mark Finn Wolfhard’s first time hosting the show.
Musical Guest: A$AP Rocky
Accompanying Wolfhard is the multi-talented rapper and record producer A$AP Rocky. His appearance is perfectly timed to kick off the new year, serving as a major promotional platform for his long-awaited new music.
- New Album Buzz: A$AP Rocky is expected to finally drop his new album, titled *Don't Be Dumb*, in 2026.
- Album Details: The highly-anticipated project has already made headlines, with the rapper revealing that legendary director and artist Tim Burton created the cover art.
- Focus: His SNL performance will likely feature new tracks from the upcoming *Don't Be Dumb* album, or his latest singles, giving fans a fresh taste of his evolving sound.
The Viral Highlights of the Season 51 Finale (Ariana Grande & Cher)
While we wait for the January 17th episode, fans are currently re-watching the Season 51 Christmas finale, which aired on December 20, 2025. The episode was a star-studded affair, hosted by pop superstar Ariana Grande with legendary musical guest Cher.
The show was a massive critical success, with Grande proving her comedic chops and versatility. One of the most talked-about sketches of the night was "Christmas Duets," a star-making vehicle for the host and cast member James Austin Johnson.
The sketch featured Grande impersonating Katy Perry alongside Johnson's spot-on Bob Dylan, performing a bizarre holiday mashup. The finale also featured a memorable monologue by Grande that touched on her personal life and career, generating significant social media engagement.
The pairing of Grande and Cher, who performed a stunning set, ensured the show went out with a bang, solidifying Season 51 as one of the most memorable in recent history. The episode’s success is a perfect example of how SNL continues to generate topical, must-see television, even during the holiday season.
What to Expect from Finn Wolfhard’s Hosting Debut
Finn Wolfhard’s background as a young director and a working musician gives him a unique skill set that should translate well to the SNL stage. Viewers should anticipate sketches that play on his most famous roles, as well as his lesser-known talents.
1. *Stranger Things* Parodies and Cameos
It is almost a guarantee that the show will feature a sketch poking fun at the dark, 80s-inspired world of *Stranger Things*. Given the show's massive popularity, a cameo from a co-star like Millie Bobby Brown or Gaten Matarazzo is a strong possibility, which would instantly become a viral hit for the episode.
2. Musical Sketch Showcase
As a seasoned musician, Wolfhard will likely star in at least one musical sketch. Whether it's a parody of his own band, The Aubreys, or a fake music video, his comfort on stage with a guitar or microphone will be a major asset for the writers, offering a fresh contrast to the usual host format.
3. Self-Deprecating Humor on Hollywood
Wolfhard has grown up in the industry, giving him plenty of material for self-aware, industry-insider humor. Look for sketches that satirize the pressures of being a young celebrity, the relentless sequel machine of Hollywood (like *Ghostbusters*), or the process of adapting classic biographies for film.
The State of the SNL Season 51 Cast
The current season has seen a mix of returning veterans and exciting new blood. The cast features fan-favorites like Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, and Chloe Fineman, whose impressions continue to anchor the show.
Season 51 also introduced several new featured players, including two viral TikTok stars, adding a modern, internet-savvy edge to the writing room and performances. These new additions, such as Ben Marshall, have been instrumental in creating sketches that resonate with a younger audience, ensuring the show remains topical and relevant across all platforms.
The combination of these established comedic forces and the fresh faces ensures that the show's return in January 2026 will be both familiar and surprising. With the energy of a young host like Finn Wolfhard and the star power of A$AP Rocky, the first episode back from the break is poised to be an instant classic.
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