Finn Wolfhard stepped into the Saturday Night Live spotlight for the first time on January 17, and he did it with a dose of nostalgia that got fans talking. The Stranger Things star hosted the episode live from Studio 8H in New York, and during his opening monologue he was joined by two of his old castmates, Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin. The trio’s unexpected reunion brought cheers from the audience and instantly sparked excitement across social media.
The night began with Wolfhard acknowledging the end of Stranger Things and joking about growing up in front of the world. He shared reflections on coming of age on the hit Netflix show and playfully declared that he was no longer just “the kid from Hawkins.” That’s when McLaughlin and Matarazzo appeared on stage, turning what was already a big night into a heartfelt moment for fans who grew up watching them together.
Their surprise appearance wasn’t just nostalgic, it was also symbolic. All three have transitioned from child stars into young adults with evolving careers, and their SNL reunion felt like a full circle moment. They joked about their time on the show, poked fun at the idea of “former child stars,” and embraced the idea that even though Stranger Things has ended, their bond hasn’t.
The episode also featured musical guest A$AP Rocky, but it was the trio’s reunion that became the standout moment online. Fans flooded Twitter and TikTok with clips from the monologue, celebrating the chemistry that made them so beloved on Stranger Things and the joy of seeing them together again in a new, grown-up setting.
For many, it was a reminder of how much time has passed since the show’s debut and how deeply these three actors shaped a generation of viewers. Their SNL appearance wasn’t just a performance, it was a tribute to friendship, growth, and shared beginnings that fans will remember for a long time.