The trend started with an SNL sketch titled "Heated Wizardry," where Finn Wolfhard plays a version of a wizard (clearly a riff on Harry Potter) who is less interested in saving the world and more interested in leaning against stone walls and having "intense" conversations with his rivals.

The sketch was a pinpoint-accurate satire of the "Dark Academia" aesthetic and the "Romantasy" (romance + fantasy) genre that has taken over BookTok. It features heavy shadows, leather-bound books, and dialogue that sounds like it was written by a 15-year-old who just discovered the word "yearning."

While SNL meant it as a joke, TikTok users—specifically the Gen Z and Gen Alpha "fandom" creators—latched onto the aesthetic. They’ve been using the audio from the sketch to create "POV" videos (Point of View) where they pretend to be the brooding student at a magical boarding school. It’s less about the magic and more about the vibe: the drama, the secret glances, and the moody lighting.

Learn more about why "Dark Academia" is the aesthetic of the year

Let’s be real: Finn Wolfhard is the internet’s collective younger brother/crush. Between Stranger Things and his indie rock band, he has a massive amount of "cool capital." Seeing him lean into a parody of a moody heartthrob is exactly what his fanbase wants.

If your kid reads books like Fourth Wing or follows A Court of Thorns and Roses content, they are already primed for this. The "Heated Wizardry" trend plays directly into the trope of two people who claim to hate each other but are clearly obsessed with one another. It’s dramatic, it’s high-stakes, and it’s very relatable to the emotional rollercoaster of being a teenager.

TikTok thrives on taking something high-production (like an SNL sketch) and "remixing" it. Creators are taking the "Heated Wizardry" audio and layering it over clips from Wednesday, The Hunger Games, and even Percy Jackson. It allows kids to participate in a "global inside joke" while showing off their video editing skills.

When a trend like this goes viral, it doesn't stay as a simple 30-second clip. It branches out into sub-trends that parents should be aware of:

Because the trend is about "romantic tension," some of the edits can lean a bit "thirst-trappy." This usually involves slowed-down music, close-ups on faces, and a lot of eye contact with the camera. It’s generally harmless, but it’s the gateway to more mature fan-made content.

Trends like "Heated Wizardry" often drive kids back to fan fiction sites. While writing is a great creative outlet, sites like Wattpad and Archive of Our Own (AO3) are notorious for having zero filters. A "clean" wizard parody can quickly lead a kid to some very "not-clean" stories.

Don't be surprised if your kid starts asking for oversized sweaters, vintage blazers, and wax seal kits. The "Heated Wizardry" aesthetic is heavily tied to a specific look. It’s basically "Harry Potter" meets "Preppy Goth."

Check out our guide on the safest fan fiction sites for teens

At this age, the interest is likely purely aesthetic. They like the "magic school" vibe and the fun of the SNL sketch.

This is the demographic driving the trend. They understand the satire but also genuinely enjoy the romantic tropes.

If your teen is obsessed with this trend, they’re looking for "Dark Academia" vibes with a side of supernatural drama. Here are some Screenwise-approved picks that hit the mark without being total "brain rot."

This is the ultimate "moody school" show. It has the mystery, the aesthetic, and the dry humor that fits perfectly with the "Heated Wizardry" vibe. Plus, it’s high quality and actually well-written.

If they want a "darker" Harry Potter that isn't just a parody, this book series (starting with A Deadly Education) is fantastic. It’s about a magic school where the school itself is trying to kill you. It’s smart, cynical, and very "Heated Wizardry."

For the teen who loves the "Dark Academia" look (blazers, old libraries, poetry), this is the classic. It’s a great way to pivot their interest from a 30-second TikTok trend to a meaningful piece of cinema.

This show features plenty of "heated" moments between magic users and has a much more mature, complex world-building than the standard wizard story.

We can't talk about a wizard-themed trend in 2026 without acknowledging the elephant in the room: J.K. Rowling.

Many teens are navigating a complicated relationship with the Harry Potter universe. They love the world but are often at odds with the creator's public stances on social issues. The "Heated Wizardry" trend is, in many ways, a way for this generation to "reclaim" the aesthetic. By focusing on a parody starring Finn Wolfhard, they can enjoy the "magic school" vibe without necessarily engaging with the original creator's brand.

If your teen is into this, they might be using it as a way to engage with a fandom they grew up with in a way that feels more aligned with their current values. It’s a nuanced take, but one that’s very common in 2026 digital culture.

You don’t need to be an expert on Quidditch to talk to your kid about this. In fact, being a little "clueless" can sometimes help them open up. Try these openers:

The goal isn't to judge the content, but to understand the why behind the obsession. Usually, it's just a mix of liking a specific actor and enjoying the "vibe" of a dramatic story.

Ask our chatbot for more conversation starters about TikTok trends

The "Heated Wizardry" trend is a classic example of how a piece of mainstream media (SNL) can be chopped up and repurposed by internet culture into something entirely new. It’s mostly harmless, aesthetic-driven fun that taps into the timeless teen desire for drama, mystery, and a really good coat.

As long as your kid isn't falling down a 4-hour rabbit hole of unvetted fan fiction or feeling pressured to look like a filtered TikTok star, there’s no reason to shut this one down. Just maybe prepare yourself for a few more trips to the thrift store to find the "perfect" vintage blazer.

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