At a Glance
- Finn Wolfhard hosts and A$AP Rocky performs on Saturday, Jan. 17
- Episode marks the tenth of season 51 and both stars’ SNL debuts
- Show airs at 11:30 p.m. EST / 8:30 p.m. PST on NBC and streams live on Peacock
- Why it matters: Fresh faces on both sides of the camera signal the sketch series’ latest reset after a milestone anniversary
Saturday Night Live is back. After Ariana Grande hosted and Cher sang on Dec. 13, the late-night staple returns with Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard leading the night and rapper A$AP Rocky as musical guest.
Cast Shake-Up Sets the Stage
Season 51 opened with a retooled lineup. Veterans Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim exited, while newcomers Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska stepped in as featured players. Returnees Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline round out the fresh cohort.
The core remains intact:
- Michael Che
- Mikey Day
- Andrew Dismukes
- Chloe Fineman
- Marcello Hernández
- James Austin Johnson
- Colin Jost
- Sarah Sherman
- Kenan Thompson
Bowen Yang rejoined at the start of the season but bid farewell during the Dec. 13 broadcast.
What to Expect Tonight
- Host: Finn Wolfhard
- Musical guest: A$AP Rocky
- Debut: Both are first-time SNL performers
- Time: 11:30 p.m. EST / 8:30 p.m. PST
- Channels: NBC and Peacock (live), with on-demand replay
Looking Ahead
Next week, Jan. 24, multi-hyphenate Teyana Taylor hosts and indie rockers Geese take the musical slot. Jan. 31 brings Alexander Skarsgård as host and Cardi B as musical guest.
Key Takeaways
- SNL continues its post-50th-season refresh with new cast talent and high-profile first-time hosts
- Tonight’s episode streams live, ensuring coast-to-coast access at the same moment
- The three-week January slate pairs Hollywood actors with chart-topping musicians, a pattern the show has leaned on since its fall return
