The Eddie Murphy SNL return stands out as a defining moment in television history, and Chris Rock recently offered an inside perspective on the experience. Speaking in the new Netflix documentary “Being Eddie,” Rock, along with Tracy Morgan and Dave Chappelle, shared their enthusiasm about taking part in the highly anticipated monologue that marked Murphy’s comeback after years away from the iconic sketch show.
Eddie Murphy’s Influence and His Long-Awaited Return
Eddie Murphy swiftly became a central figure at Saturday Night Live, helping guide the show through turbulent times. During the early 1980s, SNL struggled with declining ratings and the temporary departure of its creator. Murphy’s energy and comedic brilliance kept the program afloat, making him a pivotal member of its legacy.
Murphy’s run on SNL spanned from 1980 to 1984, concluding on February 25, 1984. He briefly returned ten months after that, but then maintained his distance from the show for over three decades. Reports suggest that a joke by David Spade may have influenced Murphy’s long absence from the SNL set.
It was only in 2019 that Murphy finally made his grand return to SNL. This episode was codified as a television event, drawing headlines and capturing the imagination of generations of fans. Within the Netflix documentary, Murphy reveals that the concept to have Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and Tracy Morgan appear during his monologue came from SNL boss Lorne Michaels. All three comedians give their own recollections of that memorable night.
Chris Rock’s Admiration for the Episode and Lorne Michaels
Chris Rock was especially outspoken about the significance of the Eddie Murphy SNL return. He described the episode as a peak moment for the show and even recounted a candid exchange he had with the show’s longtime producer.
“It was one of the greatest SNLs ever,”
Chris Rock said (via EW), revealing that he asked Lorne Michaels to retire after the episode, as he knew it was going to be the greatest episode ever, providing a smooth platform for the producer’s exit.
“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.’”
Despite Rock’s suggestion, Lorne Michaels continues to helm the legendary series.
Lasting Impact of Murphy’s SNL Comeback
The impact of Eddie Murphy’s return to SNL continues to reverberate, solidifying its place as one of the most memorable moments in the show’s storied history. Thanks to the insights collected in Netflix’s “Being Eddie,” viewers now gain an even deeper look at both the anticipation and aftermath of Murphy’s homecoming episode. The documentary is currently available for streaming, capturing not just a comedic milestone, but a pivotal point in late-night television’s evolution.
