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Confirmed: The Shocking SNL Host & Musical Guest Duo Kicking Off 2026

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Is *Saturday Night Live* new tonight, December 23, 2025? Given the current date and the show's traditional holiday schedule, *SNL* is currently on its mid-season break and will not be airing a new episode tonight. The iconic sketch comedy show typically takes a hiatus following its final December episode, which this year was the spectacular December 20th show hosted by Ariana Grande with musical guest Cher. Fans looking for fresh, live comedy from Studio 8H will have to wait a little longer, but the good news is that the first lineup of the new year has been confirmed, and it’s one of the most exciting pairings of Season 51.

The next confirmed new episode of *Saturday Night Live* is slated for Saturday, January 17, 2026, and it marks a massive debut for a beloved actor and a landmark performance for a hip-hop superstar. The show will return with *Stranger Things* breakout star Finn Wolfhard as host and the global music icon A$AP Rocky as the musical guest. This is a must-watch episode that coincides with a major new album release, guaranteeing a huge cultural moment for the show.

The Confirmed Lineup: Finn Wolfhard & A$AP Rocky (January 17, 2026)

The first new episode of 2026 will be a generational clash of talent, featuring a young actor making his hosting debut and a veteran rapper celebrating a career milestone. The announcement came during the final broadcast of 2025, immediately sparking massive curiosity and anticipation across social media platforms. The combination of a Gen Z acting powerhouse and a boundary-pushing hip-hop artist promises a dynamic and unpredictable night of comedy and music.

  • Next New Episode Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
  • Host: Finn Wolfhard (SNL Hosting Debut)
  • Musical Guest: A$AP Rocky (SNL Musical Guest Debut)
  • Significance: Kicks off the 2026 run of *Saturday Night Live* Season 51.

Finn Wolfhard: The Child Star Becomes an SNL Host

Finn Wolfhard, best known globally for his role as Mike Wheeler on Netflix’s hit series *Stranger Things*, is set to make his highly anticipated *SNL* hosting debut. At just 22 years old, Wolfhard is already a seasoned veteran of blockbuster franchises and independent cinema, making his transition to the high-pressure world of live sketch comedy a major career benchmark.

His appearance comes at a pivotal moment, as he has recently wrapped up filming on the final season of *Stranger Things*, cementing his legacy in one of television’s biggest phenomena. This *SNL* slot serves as a perfect launchpad into his next phase of work, showcasing his comedic timing and versatility beyond his established roles.

Wolfhard's Deep Connection to the SNL Legacy

While this is his first time hosting, Wolfhard has a surprisingly deep connection to the show's history. In 2024, he appeared in the Jason Reitman-directed film *Saturday Night*, which chronicled the chaotic but formative first episode of the sketch show in 1975. Wolfhard portrayed an NBC page in the film, giving him a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on the show’s origins before ever setting foot on the famous stage as the host.

Beyond acting, Wolfhard is also a burgeoning director and musician. He is currently adapting the rock band biography *Trouble Boys* into a feature film, a project that chronicles the story of the punk and alternative rock icons, The Replacements, alongside his father, Eric Wolfhard. Furthermore, he released his solo debut album, *Happy Birthday*, in July 2025, demonstrating his multi-faceted artistic identity. His hosting gig will undoubtedly feature sketches that tap into his extensive filmography, from *Ghostbusters* to his upcoming stunt comedy film, *Crash Land*, where he stars opposite Gabriel LaBelle.

A$AP Rocky: Launching a New Era of Hip-Hop

The musical guest for the January 17th episode is none other than Harlem-born rapper A$AP Rocky. This performance is particularly significant as it marks his official debut as a musical guest on the show, despite having made a brief cameo appearance in a 2018 episode.

The timing of A$AP Rocky's performance is not a coincidence; it is a meticulously planned cultural moment. His highly anticipated fourth studio album, *DON’T BE DUMB*, is scheduled for release on January 16, 2026—the day before his *SNL* appearance. This makes the *Saturday Night Live* stage the ultimate platform for the album's global launch, where he is expected to perform tracks from the new project.

The Anticipation for *DON’T BE DUMB*

The album *DON’T BE DUMB* is A$AP Rocky’s first studio album in nearly eight years, following his critically acclaimed 2018 release, *Testing*. The long wait has built immense anticipation among hip-hop fans and the wider music community. The project is rumored to feature major collaborations, including contributions from legendary producers and artists like Metro Boomin and a potential track with Playboi Carti. The *SNL* performance will be the first time many fans hear the new music performed live, adding an extra layer of excitement to the broadcast.

The choice of A$AP Rocky for the first show of the year signals *SNL's* commitment to featuring artists at the peak of their cultural relevance. His performance, coming just hours after the album drops, is a powerful statement about the fusion of music, fashion, and pop culture that the show consistently aims to capture. This debut is a major career milestone for the rapper, solidifying his status as a mainstream icon in a way only the *SNL* stage can achieve.

What to Expect When SNL Returns Live

When the show returns from its holiday break, the energy will be palpable. The combination of Finn Wolfhard's youthful, meme-ready presence and A$AP Rocky’s high-fashion, high-energy musical style will provide a wealth of material for the *SNL* writers and cast. Fans should expect sketches that:

  • Parody *Stranger Things*: A guaranteed cold open or a main sketch will likely involve Wolfhard's castmates or famous scenes from the Netflix sci-fi series.
  • Feature Music/Band Sketches: Given Wolfhard's background in music and his film about The Replacements, a sketch where he plays a young rocker or a band member seems highly probable.
  • Involve Fashion and Culture: A$AP Rocky’s influence extends far beyond music, especially in the world of high fashion. A sketch featuring the rapper's distinct style, or a parody of fashion culture, is a strong possibility.
  • Include Album Promotion: A$AP Rocky will likely perform two tracks, both highly focused on promoting the new *DON’T BE DUMB* album, using the massive platform to dominate the conversation for the weekend.

While you won't be seeing a new episode tonight, December 23, 2025, the countdown is officially on for the return of *Saturday Night Live* on January 17, 2026. Tune in to NBC and Peacock at 11:30 p.m. ET to witness Finn Wolfhard's hosting debut and A$AP Rocky's career-defining musical performance, marking an explosive start to the show's 2026 run.

who is on snl tonight
who is on snl tonight

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