Stranger Things actor Finn Wolfhard has ignited a firestorm of criticism following his debut hosting stint on Saturday Night Live, with a specific joke in his opening monologue being branded as offensive and misogynistic.
The Monologue That Caused a Stir
The controversy stems from Wolfhard's monologue delivered on Saturday, 17 January 2026. During the segment, the actor, fresh from the release of Stranger Things 5, joked about his life playing out on screen. He stated, "My voice changed on camera, my first kiss was on camera and, I can't actually believe that I'm admitting this but the first time that I learned what a woman looks like down there was on camera as well."
The punchline then cut to a classic clip from the Netflix series showing the terrifying Demogorgon creature opening its mouth, drawing a direct and unflattering comparison between the monster and female genitalia.
Immediate Online Backlash
The reaction on social media was swift and largely condemnatory. Many viewers accused the joke of being a stale, unfunny trope that perpetuates misogyny.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed a common sentiment, writing: "men are so boring, still recycling the same tired jokes about women’s anatomy. i’ve heard them all, long before this kid was even a thought. they're painfully unfunny, and quite frankly misogynistic. there’s zero humor here. please move on..."
Another fan offered a more disappointed critique, posting: "i love finn but that joke about a womans private area looking like a demogorgon mouth was wack."
The criticism highlights a growing intolerance for comedy that relies on stereotypical or demeaning depictions of women's bodies, with audiences calling for more inventive material.
Accountability and Fallout
It is important to note that, as with most Saturday Night Live monologues, the material is typically written by the show's team of writers, not the host themselves. However, as the performer delivering the lines, Wolfhard becomes the public face of the joke.
As of now, neither Finn Wolfhard nor NBC's SNL has issued a public statement addressing the growing controversy. The incident serves as a reminder of the fine line comedy walks and the rapid accountability demanded by audiences in the digital age.
The backlash also raises questions about the editorial processes at long-running sketch shows and whether they are evolving to meet contemporary sensibilities regarding gender and representation.
