Key Takeaways:
- Michael Che recalls the most high-pressure day on SNL as the day Eddie Murphy returned to host after 35 years
- The episode was a significant moment in the show’s history, with Murphy being joined on stage by Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, Dave Chappelle, and Kenan Thompson
- The opening monologue was a personal and emotional moment for Murphy, with the help of his fellow comedians
- The episode was a huge success, with Chris Rock calling it "one of the greatest SNLs ever"
- Murphy’s return to SNL was a highlight of his career, and he has since participated in the show’s 50th-anniversary special
Introduction to Eddie Murphy’s Return to SNL
Michael Che, a cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL) for 11 years, including a stint as a head writer, has revealed that the most high-pressure day on the job was when Eddie Murphy returned to host the show after 35 years. The episode, which aired on December 21, 2019, was a significant moment in the show’s history, with Murphy being joined on stage by Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, Dave Chappelle, and Kenan Thompson. The stakes were high, with Murphy’s return being seen as a major event, and the excitement was palpable.
The Pressure to Deliver
Che recalls that the day of the show was "scary almost, like this had to go well and we would be letting down Eddie Murphy if it was bad." Murphy had skyrocketed to fame as a member of the SNL cast from 1980 to 1984, and is credited with carrying the comedy show on his back and out of an era of rocky ratings. However, he had cut ties with the show in 1995 after David Spade made a joke at his expense. His return to the Studio 8H stage was a big deal, and everyone involved wanted to make sure it was a success.
The Opening Monologue
The "Weekend Update" co-anchor shares that SNL boss Lorne Michaels wanted Murphy to "do something that was a little bit more personal" for his opening monologue. However, Murphy seemed a bit apprehensive, and Michaels had the idea to invite back former cast members Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan and frequent host Dave Chappelle to share the stage with him for the opening. Current star Kenan Thompson later joined them on stage, making it a significant moment in the show’s history. Che remembers that the comics were excited to be part of their idol’s return, with Chappelle saying, "Seeing Eddie Murphy in Studio 8H, it’s like I can’t explain. It’s like being on safari and seeing a lion in the wild."
Behind-the-Scenes
Behind-the-scenes footage from a rehearsal of the monologue moment shows Chappelle saying, "This is one of the most exciting things I think I’ve ever done. Honestly," to which Morgan replies, "Yeah, I agree." Che says he further witnessed just how excited the comics were to be part of their idol’s return, with Chappelle and Rock calling their moms to tell them that they were doing the Eddie Murphy show. Che recalls, "In my dressing room I’m watching them kind of geek out." The excitement and energy were palpable, and it was clear that this was a special moment for everyone involved.
The Aftermath
After the live episode was in the books, Rock told Michaels to hang up his hat in victory, saying, "It was one of the greatest SNLs ever. And I walked over to Lorne Michaels when it was over, and I said, ‘You should quit right now. It’s not gonna get any better than this.’" Murphy hasn’t returned to host SNL since, but he did participate in multiple sketches during the show’s 50th-anniversary special earlier this year. He says, "Going back to Saturday Night Live was a great experience. My creative energy, everything had been turned back up to 10." The episode was a huge success, and it’s clear that it was a highlight of Murphy’s career.
Conclusion
The documentary Being Eddie, which is streaming on Netflix now, provides a behind-the-scenes look at Murphy’s return to SNL. The episode was a significant moment in the show’s history, and it’s clear that it was a special moment for everyone involved. With SNL expected to return with new episodes in January, following a winter hiatus, fans can look forward to more exciting moments from the show. The return of Eddie Murphy to SNL was a reminder of the power of comedy to bring people together and create memorable moments.