Sabrina Carpenter’s Surprise SNL Return to ‘Snack Homiez’ Sketch

Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter made a highly anticipated and unannounced return to NBC’s Saturday Night Live during its 2026 season premiere, reprising her role in the fan-favorite ‘Snack Homiez’ sketch. The surprise appearance solidified her growing presence on the iconic late-night program, marking her fourth time on the show in less than two years and delighting audiences with her comedic timing alongside notable guest stars Finn Wolfhard and A$AP Rocky.

Carpenter, known for her chart-topping music and burgeoning acting career, seamlessly stepped back into the shoes of Tayson, one of four pre-teen boys who host a quirky, self-explanatory podcast about snacks. The sketch, which debuted earlier in SNL’s 51st season when Carpenter hosted, has quickly become a comedic highlight, known for its humorous skewering of Gen Z culture and adolescent obsessions. Her return was a testament to both the sketch’s popularity and Carpenter’s versatility as an entertainer.

The Return of ‘Snack Homiez’

The ‘Snack Homiez’ sketch centers around four young boys—Tayson (Sabrina Carpenter), Braylor (Chloe Fineman), Kyler (Jane Wickline), and Jason (Veronika Slowikowska)—who host a podcast from what appears to be a basement, debating trivial yet earnestly discussed topics like Halloween candies and vegetables. The humor stems from their exaggerated pre-teen mannerisms, awkward social dynamics, and the often-ridiculous pronouncements delivered with utmost seriousness. This latest iteration saw the boys delve into another spirited discussion, maintaining the sketch’s signature blend of innocence and absurdity.

The original sketch, which first aired during Carpenter’s hosting debut in the third episode of the current season, featured a memorable guest appearance by James Austin Johnson, who masterfully impersonated former President Donald Trump. His inclusion added an unexpected layer of comedic juxtaposition to the pre-teen world of the ‘Snack Homiez,’ generating significant buzz and establishing the sketch as a recurring segment with potential for unique guest integrations.

Star-Studded Guest Appearances

The surprise encore of ‘Snack Homiez’ during the 2026 premiere was further elevated by the inclusion of two prominent guest stars. Finn Wolfhard, widely recognized for his role as Mike Wheeler in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, joined the cast as Michah, Braylor’s cousin. Wolfhard’s presence added an extra layer of meta-humor, playing on audience expectations and his own youthful, pop culture-savvy image. His natural fit within the sketch’s dynamic further enhanced the comedic flow and audience engagement.

Adding another unexpected twist, the night’s musical guest, A$AP Rocky, also made an appearance, portraying himself. Rocky’s cameo was particularly relevant as he promoted his own ‘Rap Snacks’ brand, cleverly integrating a real-world product into the fictional podcast’s thematic focus on snacks. His comic timing, noted by critics like CarterMatt, proved to be a welcome addition, showcasing a different facet of the acclaimed rapper’s talents and contributing to the sketch’s unpredictable charm. The blend of established SNL cast members with high-profile guest stars underscores the show’s enduring ability to draw top talent for its comedic segments.

Carpenter’s Growing SNL Legacy

Sabrina Carpenter’s latest appearance marks her fourth time on Saturday Night Live in less than two years, a significant achievement that highlights her burgeoning relationship with the long-running sketch comedy show. Her journey began with her SNL debut as a musical guest in May 2024. She later made a memorable ‘crash’ during Quinta Brunson’s monologue in May 2025, demonstrating her willingness to engage in spontaneous comedic moments.

In October 2025, Carpenter pulled double duty, serving as both host and musical guest for an entire episode, a feat reserved for artists with significant comedic and performance prowess. Beyond these appearances, she also participated in SNL50: The Anniversary Special, where she delivered a critically acclaimed duet of ‘Homeward Bound’ with music icon Paul Simon. This trajectory showcases Carpenter’s evolution from a musical performer to a versatile entertainer capable of holding her own in live sketch comedy, solidifying her status as a beloved recurring guest on the show, as noted by Filmogaz and Latenighter.

SNL’s Enduring Appeal and Strategic Casting

The decision to bring back ‘Snack Homiez’ with Carpenter and high-profile guests like Wolfhard and A$AP Rocky reflects SNL’s strategic approach to maintaining its relevance and drawing in diverse audiences. By incorporating popular cultural figures into quirky, internet-age sketches, the show effectively taps into contemporary trends and social media buzz, ensuring its content remains fresh and relatable to younger demographics. The sketch’s ability to ‘skew Gen Z’ while simultaneously featuring artists popular with that demographic creates a clever, self-aware humor that resonates widely.

This episode also featured other notable cameos, including Jason Momoa in a ‘Heated Rivalry’ spoof that surprisingly incorporated elements from ‘Harry Potter,’ further demonstrating SNL’s commitment to delivering big, impactful comedic moments. The randomness and unexpected nature of such castings often provide significant shock value, contributing to the show’s reputation for unpredictable and memorable live television, as highlighted by CarterMatt. These strategic choices collectively reinforce SNL’s position as a cultural touchstone capable of blending satire, celebrity, and spontaneous comedy.

Sabrina Carpenter’s repeated and varied appearances on Saturday Night Live illustrate a deliberate evolution of her public persona, moving beyond pop music stardom to embrace and excel in comedic performance, a move that significantly broadens her appeal and solidifies her standing as a multifaceted entertainer capable of captivating diverse audiences across different mediums.