Finn Wolfhard experienced a memorable night as host of Saturday Night Live on January 17. The young actor, known for his role in Stranger Things, delivered an opening monologue that turned into a heartwarming reunion.
Surprise Appearance from Co-Stars
During his monologue, Wolfhard discussed his transition from child actor to adult performer. He humorously addressed the audience about growing up and embracing maturity. "So... meet the new me. The man me. Because I'm not a kid anymore," he declared.
At that moment, two familiar faces joined him on stage. Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo, his Stranger Things colleagues, surprised Wolfhard with hugs and supportive words. McLaughlin told the crowd, "And neither are we!" He added with a smile, "We're not child stars, we're former child stars."
Noah Schnapp's Notable Absence
Fans quickly noticed one key cast member missing from the SNL stage. Noah Schnapp, who portrays Will Byers in Stranger Things, did not participate in the surprise. Reports from PEOPLE confirm Schnapp was not in the United States during the broadcast.
The actor traveled to Italy to attend Milan Fashion Week. Just one day before the SNL episode, Schnapp appeared at the Ralph Lauren Men's Fall/Winter 2026 fashion show in Milan. His fashion commitments prevented him from joining his co-stars for the television event.
Post-Show Celebrations
Despite Schnapp's absence, Wolfhard received strong support from his Stranger Things family. After the live show concluded, several cast members attended the afterparty to celebrate with him. Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery all joined the festivities, showing their camaraderie beyond the screen.
Stranger Things Nears Its Conclusion
The popular Netflix series approaches its final chapters. The fifth and final season released in three distinct parts:
- Volume 1 premiered on November 26
- Volume 2 arrived on December 25
- The concluding episode aired on December 31
The series finale stands as the longest episode in Stranger Things history, running for over two hours. This marks the end of an era for the cast who grew up together through the show's production.
Wolfhard's SNL hosting debut symbolizes this transition perfectly. From child actor to leading man, his journey reflects the broader narrative of the Stranger Things ensemble moving into new phases of their careers.
