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SNL 2026 Opens with Finn Wolfhard as Host and The National as Musical Guest

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 3:04 GMT by Entertainment Weekly

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SNL’s 2026 Slate Starts With a Stranger‑Things Star and an Indie‑Rock Powerhouse

Entertainment Weekly’s latest scoop has the Saturday Night Live (SNL) crew stirring the pot for the 2026 season: the show’s very first host will be Stranger Things’ own Finn Wolfhard, and the musical guest will be the indie‑rock stalwart band The National. The announcement—billed as the “premier episode” of the 52nd SNL season—sets the stage for a classic mix of pop‑culture star power and sharp, politically‑charged comedy.

The Big Names

Finn Wolfhard is an unlikely but highly fitting choice for the SNL host slot. Born in 2002, the actor‑musician has become a household name through his breakout role as Mike Wheeler on Netflix’s hit supernatural thriller Stranger Things. He’s also appeared in It, The Darkest Minds, and the Maze Runner series, but it’s his musical side that fans may find especially intriguing. Wolfhard fronts the band Wolfbop, and his sister‑musician‑producer duo The Aubreys have been credited for a handful of songs across various projects. In a SNL interview, Wolfhard joked that he’d “just want to stay in a room for three days and do a 45‑minute sketch, because that’s how we do things in a horror movie” – hinting that the show’s infamous 22‑minute “Weekend Update” will feel like an extended montage of jump‑scares.

The National has built a reputation as one of the most critically respected indie rock acts of the last decade, known for their brooding, baritone‑driven sound. Their presence as the season’s musical guest signals a nod to SNL’s legacy of pairing the right talent with the right timing. The band’s discography includes albums such as Boxer (2007) and High Violet (2008), and they’ve earned accolades such as a Rolling Stone “Best New Artist” award in 2009. This isn’t the first time the band has appeared on SNL; in 2021 they performed an intimate acoustic set that received a standing ovation.

Why This Matters

The host and musical guest are more than just slots on the show’s roster—they’re a cultural barometer. SNL’s first episode of each season typically draws a mix of ratings and buzz, and the network’s marketing team uses the announcement to generate pre‑launch hype. In 2025, for instance, the first host was actor Jada Pinkett Smith, and the musical guest was the funk‑rock duo The J.B.’s, both of which generated a media wave. By contrast, Wolfhard’s involvement in the 2026 season underscores the show’s ongoing embrace of the streaming‑era zeitgeist and the generational shift in mainstream entertainment.

The Entertainment Weekly piece notes that the 2026 season will premiere on February 3, 2026, airing at 10:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The full episode is expected to run for 22 minutes and will feature classic SNL staples such as “Weekend Update,” “Celebrity Jeopardy,” and the recurring “Borat” impersonations, all while weaving in Wolfhard’s signature comedic timing.

Where to Find More

If you’re eager to dive deeper into the background of the key players, Entertainment Weekly includes handy links throughout the article:

• [ SNL’s official page ] – for episode guides and casting announcements.
• [ Finn Wolfhard’s profile ] – to explore his full filmography and musical endeavors.
• [ The National’s official site ] – for discography, touring dates, and a behind‑the‑scenes look at their creative process.
• [ Netflix’s Stranger Things ] – for binge‑worthy updates on the show’s latest season and cast.

These links provide additional context on Wolfhard’s rapid ascent in Hollywood, the band’s artistic trajectory, and how SNL continues to serve as a cultural touchstone that bridges multiple generations.

What Fans Can Expect

The article goes on to tease that Wolfhard is set to bring a “campy, horror‑themed” sketch line-up, likely involving “a week of terrifyingly funny “Borat‑style” interactions” with the SNL cast. SNL’s tradition of “Guest Host” skits means Wolfhard will not only deliver a monologue but also participate in the signature “Weekend Update” monologue that often features the host’s most recent film or show. Fans can anticipate a comedic mash‑up between Stranger Things lore and SNL’s iconic political satire.

As for The National, the group is slated to perform a set that includes “The High Life,” “I Need My Girl,” and a surprise cover of an SNL‑famous song, perhaps paying homage to a previous guest performer. The band’s appearance also hints at a potential live‑music segment that could feature a collaboration between the band and the SNL band, a format that has worked in the past during the show’s “Musical Guest” slots.

In Closing

With Finn Wolfhard taking center stage and The National delivering a resonant soundtrack, the 2026 SNL season promises to be a high‑energy, cross‑generational launch. The article highlights how this duo not only embodies the current entertainment landscape—streaming hits, indie authenticity, and late‑night comedy—but also signals NBC’s confidence in continuing the legacy of Saturday Night Live as a cultural barometer for American humor and music.

Whether you’re a diehard Stranger Things fan, an indie‑rock aficionado, or simply a lover of sharp comedy, the 2026 season is set to deliver a mix of nostalgia, fresh talent, and the timeless brand of satire that has kept SNL alive for over four decades.