Fact Check: Are Joe Keery and Sabrina Carpenter dating?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rumours linking 'Stranger Things' actor Joe Keery and pop singer Sabrina Carpenter have resurfaced online, with fans speculating that the two may be romantically involved.

The dating buzz gained momentum after the duo were spotted at the same 'Saturday Night Live' after-party in New York City, weeks after Joe’s Netflix series wrapped up and his music alter ego DJo topped global charts with 'End of Beginning'.

While social media users continue to analyze public appearances and past interactions between the two artists, neither Keery nor Carpenter has addressed the speculation. This fact check examines the claims, the so-called 'evidence,' and what is actually known so far.

CLAIM: Joe Keery and Sabrina Carpenter are secretly dating

Fans believe their alleged closeness is reflected through shared public appearances, on-stage interactions, and social media activity.

The latest trigger was their presence at the 'Saturday Night Live' after-party on January 18, 2026, held to celebrate Finn Wolfhard’s hosting debut. Photos and videos circulating online showed Carpenter arriving in a long black coat, while Keery was seen entering the venue separately in a black leather jacket and grey jeans.

Despite arriving apart, their attendance at the same event reignited dating rumours.

Earlier speculation dates back to the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival 2025, when Carpenter invited Keery on stage during her performance and playfully 'arrested' him with pink handcuffs as part of her 'cuffing season' skit. The moment went viral, with fans citing visible chemistry between the two.

Is the claim true or false?

As of January 22, 2026, there is no verified evidence confirming that Joe Keery and Sabrina Carpenter are in a romantic relationship.

While both were seen at the same SNL after-party, reports confirm they arrived separately and were not photographed together at the event. Their ACL interaction was part of a scripted stage performance and does not confirm a personal relationship.

Social media actions, such as following each other on Instagram and Carpenter attending Keery’s DJo set, are circumstantial and can be explained by friendship or professional overlap.

Neither artist has shared photos together, been spotted on private outings, or made public statements confirming the rumours.

Joe Keery, who rose to fame as Steve Harrington in 'Stranger Things', has kept his personal life largely private since his long-term relationship with actress Maika Monroe ended in 2022. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter confirmed she was single in a February 2025 interview following her split from actor Barry Keoghan in late 2024.

Both artists are active in the music industry, making shared appearances at festivals and industry events unsurprising. Keery’s friendship with Finn Wolfhard also explains his presence at the SNL after-party independently of Carpenter.

Despite sustained fan interest, the narrative remains driven by speculation rather than confirmed facts.