Finn Wolfhard’s SNL Debut Sparks Backlash Over Vagina Joke

Actor Finn Wolfhard, best known for his breakout role as Mike Wheeler in Netflix’s Stranger Things, made his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live (SNL) on January 17, 2026 — a high-profile moment that coincided with the recent conclusion of the beloved sci-fi series. The 23-year-old actor used the opportunity to reflect humorously on his early career and growing up in the public eye, drawing both cheers and criticism from viewers.

Wolfhard opened the show with a monologue that leaned into nostalgia, joking about how Stranger Things tracked many of his real-life “firsts,” including his voice change and first kiss being captured on camera — as the show aired episodes over nearly a decade of his life. He declared he was “not a kid anymore” and proudly embraced his adulthood.

Risqué Joke for SNL Sparks Immediate Backlash

However, one line in Wolfhard’s monologue quickly became the center of controversy. After recounting that his “first kiss” was filmed, he added — with a laugh — that the first time he “learned what a woman looks like down there” also happened during Stranger Things. That moment, which was punctuated by a cutaway gag, drew immediate reactions online, with many fans calling it ill-timed, vulgar, or sexist — especially given the show’s deep emotional connection with audiences and its coming-of-age themes.

Critics on social media and comment sections called the joke “unnecessary”, saying it cheapened what was otherwise a heartfelt monologue. Some argued it strayed into “vulgar and sexist” territory, questioning whether the humor fit the tone or intentions of Wolfhard’s debut.

Other online commenters went further, noting that another sketch in the episode humorously poked fun at a Stranger Things scene involving Will Byers’s coming-out moment, leading to additional complaints from fans who felt certain jokes crossed a line when dealing with sensitive character moments.

Fans Divided on the Monologue and Sketches

Despite the backlash, not all reactions were negative. A significant number of viewers defended the joke or saw the criticism as overblown, pointing out that SNL has a long history of adult humor and edgy moments that land differently with different audiences. On Reddit and other forums, some fans said they simply enjoyed the nostalgic reunion and found Wolfhard’s self-deprecating humor funny, noting that SNL is inherently boundary-pushing entertainment.

Others pointed to the broader context of the episode: Wolfhard’s Stranger Things co-stars Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin surprised him during the monologue, turning it into a partial mini-reunion as they toasted their evolution from childhood actors to “former child stars.” That moment drew applause and warm reactions, reminding audiences of the show’s cultural impact and the camaraderie among its cast.

Sketches and Highlights From the Episode

In addition to the monologue, the SNL episode included several sketches that leaned into parody and pop-culture satire. One memorable segment, dubbed “Heated Wizardry,” blended elements of the Harry Potter universe with adult-oriented humor, featuring Wolfhard as a college-aged Harry in a risqué Quidditch rivalry alongside SNL cast members.

The show also leaned into Stranger Things lore with playful fake trailers and spinoffs, including a mock pitch for Stranger Things: The Later Years, poking fun at fan theories and conspiracy-style speculation about unaired episodes and alternate endings.

The Broader Reaction

The mixed aftermath of Finn Wolfhard’s SNL hosting debut highlights the tightrope comics walk when blending nostalgia, personal history and adult humor. While his monologue aimed to redefine his image from child actor to mature performer, some viewers found particular jokes miss the mark — even as others appreciated the boldness and cultural callbacks. The backlash also underscores how deeply audiences feel about Stranger Things and its characters, particularly moments that resonated emotionally or socially with fans.

For Wolfhard, the episode served as a cultural milestone: a chance to both celebrate a defining role and step into a new chapter of his career — warts and all — on one of late-night television’s biggest stages.

You might also want to read: Sydney Sweeney Makes Fun of Glenn’s Dating Rumor on SNL