The lights dimmed as Finn Wolfhard took the stage, the energy in the air palpable. Known for his role as Mike Wheeler on the beloved Netflix show, Stranger Things, Wolfhard was stepping into new territory as the host of Saturday Night Live. While many fans lauded his performance, the aftermath has been anything but smooth sailing, with parts of his monologue and a Stranger Things-themed skit drawing backlash, particularly on social media.
Stranger Things has been a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide. However, the final season, Season 5, saw a noticeable decline in public reception. Specifically, Season 5 Volume 2 and the series finale left some fans outraged, sparking fan theories like Conformity Gate, hinting at a lack of closure for the beloved characters.
Wolfhard’s appearance on SNL, alongside surprise appearances from Stranger Things co-stars Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin, came in the wake of this controversy. Certain skits from the episode, as well as Wolfhard’s monologue, only seemed to further irk some fans.
A particular point of contention was the clip mocking Will Byers’ coming out scene in Season 5, as well as jokes made about relationships within the show. Additionally, a joke about female anatomy being compared to a Demogorgon caused significant outrage among viewers. The aftermath of the episode saw social media flooded with TikTok videos and comments expressing disappointment and frustration with the content.
Despite not being directly responsible for the controversial jokes, Wolfhard faced the brunt of the backlash as the host. Comments on his Instagram posts showcased disappointment and anger from fans, with some condemning the jokes made during the SNL episode.
The fallout extended to Matarazzo and McLaughlin, though to a lesser degree. Comments on their own posts hinted at similar sentiments, reflecting a divided fanbase grappling with the provocative content presented in the episode.
While the actors received praise for their SNL appearances, the divisive reactions highlight the challenges of appealing to a passionate fanbase while navigating sensitive topics. The incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between humor and offensiveness, in a time when audiences are increasingly vocal about representation and respect in media.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.