Full Breakdown
Michael Che Reflects on Eddie Murphy's Historic Return to SNL
1/3/2026, 10:05:36 PM
High-Pressure Moment on Set
Michael Che, a prominent cast member of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) for over a decade, recently shared his experience of one of the most intense moments in the show's history. In the Netflix documentary "Being Eddie," Che described the December 21, 2019, episode, which marked Eddie Murphy's return to host after a 35-year hiatus, as "the most tense start to a show I've ever been a part of." He expressed the pressure felt by the cast, stating, "It was like scary almost, like this had to go well and we would be letting down Eddie Murphy if it was bad."
Context of Murphy's Return
Eddie Murphy, who was a cast member from 1980 to 1984, is credited with revitalizing SNL during a challenging period. His departure from the show in 1995 followed a controversial joke made by David Spade during a segment that featured Murphy's image. This long absence heightened the stakes for his return, as SNL creator Lorne Michaels aimed to create a personal and memorable opening monologue for Murphy's comeback.
Collaborative Efforts for a Memorable Show
To ease Murphy's apprehension about performing, Michaels invited former cast members Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, and frequent host Dave Chappelle to join him on stage. Che noted that the excitement among the cast was palpable, recalling a moment when Rock and Chappelle called their mothers to share the news of their participation in the episode. Che remarked, "In my dressing room, I'm watching them kind of geek out," highlighting the significance of the event for those who had been inspired by Murphy's career.
Reception and Impact
The episode was met with widespread acclaim, with Rock later telling Michaels, "It was one of the greatest SNLs ever." Che, reflecting on the show's success, suggested that Michaels should consider retiring, stating, "You should quit right now. It's not gonna get any better than this." Murphy himself expressed satisfaction with the experience, stating, "Going back to 'Saturday Night Live' was a great experience. My creative energy, everything had been turned back up to 10."
Criticism and Historical Context
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the history between Murphy and Spade adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Spade confirmed that Murphy "hated" him following the 1995 incident, which led to a 30-year silence between the two. However, they reconciled during the SNL 50th-anniversary special, indicating a resolution to past grievances.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Eddie Murphy show was the most tense start to a show I’ve ever been a part of,” — Michael Che, SNL Cast Member
- “It was one of the greatest SNLs ever,” — Chris Rock, Former SNL Cast Member
- “Going back to ‘Saturday Night Live’ was a great experience,” — Eddie Murphy, SNL Host
The return of Eddie Murphy to SNL not only marked a significant moment in television history but also underscored the enduring impact of his legacy on the comedy landscape.
