If you’re asking who is hosting SNL tonight, the answer for Saturday Night Live’s new episode airing on January 17, 2026 is Finn Wolfhard — the Canadian actor best known for Stranger Things. This episode also features the musical guest A$AP Rocky. The show airs live at its regular NBC time slot and streams on Peacock.
“Saturday Night Live” (SNL) is one of the longest‑running late‑night sketch comedy shows on American TV. For over fifty seasons, it’s been known for iconic hosts and legendary musical guests — blending comedy, pop culture, and political satire in a weekly live broadcast.
Tonight’s Host: Finn Wolfhard
Who is the host of SNL tonight? The January 17, 2026 episode is hosted by Finn Wolfhard — an actor and musician who rose to fame as Mike Wheeler on the Netflix hit series Stranger Things. This is his first time hosting SNL and marks a significant milestone in his career.
Wolfhard’s casting reflects a trend for SNL to bring in new voices and younger stars who resonate with multiple generations of viewers. He’s also appeared in films like It and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, proving his range outside of TV dramas.
Musical Guest: A$AP Rocky
Alongside Finn Wolfhard, A$AP Rocky is the musical guest on SNL tonight. The rapper performs tracks from his recently released album and makes his SNL musical debut.
Rocky’s appearance isn’t just musical — he participates in sketches and interacts with cast members throughout the show. His performance often incorporates guest performers and live band support, creating memorable live TV moments.
What Time Does SNL Air Tonight?
“SNL Tonight” premieres live:
- 11:30 p.m. ET
- 8:30 p.m. PT
- On NBC (U.S. broadcast) and via Peacock streaming
Whether you’re watching live or catching highlights online later, the show stays true to its classic Saturday late‑night slot.
What to Expect from Tonight’s Episode
Cold Open and Political Satire
Tonight’s cold open dives into political satire — a hallmark of SNL. Recent episodes have skewered world leaders, referencing U.S. domestic policy and international incidents.
Guest Appearances
Wolfhard’s monologue is elevated by appearances from Stranger Things co‑stars Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo — a fun nod to his roots and the massive fan base he brings into the studio.
Sketch Highlights
Expect pop culture references, surreal comedy bits, and possibly callbacks to Wolfhard’s film and TV work. From video game‑inspired sketches to absurd parodies, the vibe stays fresh and unpredictable.
Weekend Update
The Saturday Night Live classic news parody “Weekend Update” continues as a staple segment — blending real‑world humor with sharp political commentary.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode is significant for several reasons:
- First new SNL episode of 2026 after the winter break.
- Finn Wolfhard’s hosting debut, connecting a younger generation to SNL’s legacy.
- A$AP Rocky’s performance marks a high-profile musical moment early in 2026.
Fans and critics alike pay attention not just to comedy — but how episodes reflect cultural moments, celebrity influence, and political climate.
Historical Comparison: First Episodes of the Year
Looking back at past SNL line‑ups, the first show of a calendar year is often a standout:
- In 2025, Ariana Grande hosted the December 2025 year‑end show with Cher as musical guest — closing out a season with a feel‑good finale.
- Historically, SNL brings both comedy legends and music stars to kick off new yearly runs.
Tonight’s combination of Wolfhard + A$AP Rocky continues that trend of mixing film stars and music icons.
Real Fan Reactions and Impact
Viewers took to social media to discuss the episode:
- Many praised Wolfhard’s ease on live TV and chemistry with guest stars.
- Others highlighted A$AP Rocky’s electric musical moments as the best part of the broadcast.
- Social buzz shows how “SNL Tonight” remains a cultural moment each Saturday.
SNL’s mix of familiar comedy formats and surprise celebrity moments keeps fans engaged week after week.
Discover exclusive content from Urbaneditorial
Upcoming Hosts After Tonight
If you’re curious beyond “who is hosting SNL tonight?”, here’s what’s ahead later this month:
- January 24, 2026: Teyana Taylor will host with a musical guest lineup.
- January 31, 2026: Alexander Skarsgård is scheduled to host the milestone 1,000th episode with another top musical guest.
These bookings show SNL’s mix of acting talent and music stars in its line-up.
Tonight’s Episode: A Recap (Example Case Study)
In case you missed “SNL Tonight,” here’s a concise recap of key segments from the Finn Wolfhard episode:
- Cold Open: Political satire with cast regulars spoofing a controversial world leader.
- Monologue: Wolfhard jokes about growing up from a teen star to a live TV host, joined by co‑stars.
- Main Sketches: Gen‑Z comedy bits, movie parodies, and absurdist humor.
- Musical Set: A$AP Rocky performs tracks from his new album with energetic visuals and live band support.
This mix of politics, pop culture, and music shows why SNL continues to be a staple of American TV.
FAQs
- Who is hosting SNL tonight?
Finn Wolfhard is hosting tonight’s episode of Saturday Night Live on January 17, 2026. - Who is the musical guest on SNL tonight?
A$AP Rocky is the musical guest performing on the same episode. - What time does SNL air tonight?
SNL airs at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock. - Is this Finn Wolfhard’s first time hosting?
Yes — this episode marks Wolfhard’s debut as an SNL host. - Who are upcoming hosts after tonight?
Teyana Taylor (Jan 24) and Alexander Skarsgård (Jan 31) are scheduled next.
Conclusion
To sum up: Tonight’s SNL host is Finn Wolfhard, with A$AP Rocky as the musical guest for the January 17, 2026 episode. This episode marks Wolfhard’s first time hosting and reaffirms SNL’s blend of fresh faces with seasoned performers. If you want weekly updates about who is hosting SNL tonight, the lineup continues to include exciting and diverse personalities through January and beyond.