Key Takeaways
- Michael Che reflects on the most stressful day on the set of "Saturday Night Live" during Eddie Murphy’s hosting gig in 2019
- The episode marked Murphy’s first time hosting the show in 35 years, and the cast and crew felt pressure to make it a success
- The episode featured a star-studded opening monologue with Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, and Dave Chappelle joining Murphy on stage
- Murphy had previously severed ties with "SNL" in 1995 after a joke made by David Spade, but the two have since patched things up
- The episode was a huge success, with Chris Rock calling it "one of the greatest ‘SNLs’ ever"
Introduction to the Story
The world of comedy is often filled with laughter and joy, but behind the scenes, it can be a high-pressure and intense environment. For Michael Che, a comedian and cast member on "Saturday Night Live," one of the most stressful days on set was during Eddie Murphy’s hosting gig in 2019. In a new documentary, "Being Eddie," Che reflects on the experience, calling it "the most tense start to a show" he had ever been a part of.
The Pressure of Hosting SNL
The December 2019 episode marked Murphy’s first time hosting the show in 35 years, and the cast and crew felt a lot of pressure to make it a success. Murphy, who was a cast member on "SNL" from 1980 to 1984, had previously severed ties with the show after a joke made by David Spade in 1995. The joke, which was made during Spade’s "Spade in America" sketch, was seen as a jab at Murphy, and the two didn’t speak for 30 years. As a result, the cast and crew were determined to make Murphy’s return to the show a memorable one.
The Star-Studded Opening Monologue
The episode featured a star-studded opening monologue, with Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, and Dave Chappelle joining Murphy on stage. The monologue was a personal and heartfelt tribute to Murphy’s career, with the comedians sharing stories and jokes about their idol. According to Che, the monologue was a "little bit more personal" than usual, and Murphy was "cautious" about doing it. However, with the help of his fellow comedians, Murphy was able to deliver a hilarious and heartfelt performance.
The Experience of Being Part of SNL History
Despite the high stakes, the comedians were thrilled to be part of "SNL" history. In the documentary, Chappelle and Morgan expressed their excitement and gratitude for being part of the episode. Chappelle called it "one of the most exciting things I think I’ve ever done," while Morgan agreed, saying "Yeah, I agree." Che also shared a funny story about watching Chappelle and Rock call their moms to tell them they were doing the Eddie Murphy show, and how they were "geeking out" in their dressing room.
The Success of the Episode
The episode was a huge success, with Chris Rock calling it "one of the greatest ‘SNLs’ ever." Rock even told Lorne Michaels, the creator of "SNL," that he should quit while he’s ahead, because it’s not going to get any better than that. Murphy also returned to "SNL" in 2025 for the show’s 50th-anniversary special, and he confessed that going back to the show was a great experience that turned his creative energy back up to 10.
The Feud Between Murphy and Spade
The feud between Murphy and Spade was a long and complicated one, but the two have since patched things up. Spade confirmed on his podcast that Murphy "hated" him after the joke, but they have since talked things through and are on good terms. Spade even admitted that he felt guilty about making the joke and didn’t fight back when Murphy called him to confront him about it. The two didn’t speak for 30 years, but they finally made amends at the "SNL" 50th-anniversary special.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Eddie Murphy’s return to "SNL" is one of pressure, excitement, and ultimately, success. The episode was a huge hit, and it marked a new chapter in Murphy’s career. The experience was also a memorable one for the cast and crew, who were thrilled to be part of "SNL" history. As for Murphy and Spade, their feud is now a thing of the past, and they have both moved on to bigger and better things. The story is a testament to the power of comedy and the importance of forgiveness and second chances.
