Saturday Night Live veteran Michael Che has pinpointed Eddie Murphy’s historic 2019 hosting return as the most intense experience of his 11-year SNL tenure, describing the atmosphere as “scary almost” due to the monumental pressure to deliver for the comedy legend.
In a revealing moment from Netflix’s Being Eddie documentary, Michael Che has identified the single most pressure-filled day he’s experienced during his decade-long run on Saturday Night Live. The Weekend Update co-anchor pointed to Eddie Murphy’s December 21, 2019, hosting gig—his first return to the SNL stage in 35 years—as an episode where the stakes felt impossibly high.
“The Eddie Murphy show was the most tense start to a show I’ve ever been a part of,” Che reveals in the documentary. “It was like scary almost, like this had to go well and we would be letting down Eddie Murphy if it was bad.” This candid admission highlights the unique weight carried by Murphy’s comeback, an event that resonated deeply throughout the comedy world.
The Backstory: Why Murphy’s Return Carried So Much Weight
To understand the tension Che describes, one must appreciate Eddie Murphy’s foundational role in SNL history. Murphy was a cast member from 1980 to 1984, a period where he is widely credited with saving the show from cancellation with his iconic characters and magnetic stage presence. His departure from the show, however, was fraught.
Murphy famously cut ties with SNL for decades after a 1995 segment on the show’s “Weekend Update” featured David Spade making a joking, dismissive comment about his career. Murphy later expressed that the joke felt “racist” in intent, creating a rift that lasted over three decades. The fact that Murphy agreed to return at all made the 2019 episode an event of monumental significance, a chance for reconciliation and celebration that the entire cast and crew felt determined to get right.
Lorne Michaels’ Masterstroke: Assembling a Comedy Legend Summit
According to Che’s account in the documentary, the pressure initially centered on the monologue. Showrunner Lorne Michaels wanted Murphy to deliver something personal, but the legendary comedian was cautious about a traditional stand-up opening. Michaels’ solution was to turn the moment into a historic gathering.
He invited comedy giants Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, and Dave Chappelle—all performers profoundly influenced by Murphy’s trailblazing career—to share the stage. Current SNL star Kenan Thompson later joined them, creating an iconic tableau that symbolized Murphy’s enduring impact on multiple generations of comedians.
Che witnessed the awe this gathering inspired, even among the legends themselves. “There was a moment in the rehearsal, my dressing room had Chappelle and Chris Rock, they were calling their moms to tell them that they was doing the Eddie Murphy show,” Che recalled. “In my dressing room I’m watching them kind of geek out.”
Dave Chappelle encapsulated the feeling backstage, comparing the experience to “being on safari and seeing a lion in the wild.” Behind-the-scenes footage shows Chappelle telling Morgan, “This is one of the most exciting things I think I’ve ever done. Honestly,” to which Morgan simply replied, “Yeah, I agree.”
The Payoff: A Triumphant Night and the Ultimate Compliment
The episode was hailed as an instant classic, seamlessly blending nostalgia with fresh energy. Murphy revisited beloved characters like Gumby and Mister Robinson, and the presence of Rock, Chappelle, and Morgan created an electric atmosphere that lived up to the immense anticipation.
The success was so profound that Chris Rock delivered what might be the ultimate compliment in the SNL universe. “It was one of the greatest SNLs ever,” Rock said in the documentary. “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.'”
For Murphy, the experience was creatively rejuvenating. “Going back to Saturday Night Live was a great experience,” he reflected. “My creative energy, everything had been turned back up to 10.” The episode served as a catalyst for Murphy’s career resurgence, which included his return to stand-up and prominent film roles.
Legacy of the Moment: Why Che’s Revelation Matters
Michael Che’s insight is more than just a behind-the-scenes anecdote; it underscores the cultural gravity that certain SNL episodes carry. While the show produces comedy weekly, some moments transcend entertainment to become cultural touchstones. The Eddie Murphy episode was one of those rare events where the history of the show, the legacy of a performer, and the expectations of an entire industry converged.
Che’s description of the tension as “scary almost” reveals the profound respect the current SNL cast holds for the legends who built the institution. It highlights the immense pressure involved in honoring that legacy while delivering a show that feels current and funny. The fact that the team succeeded under such pressure is a testament to the skill and dedication of everyone involved, from the writers to the performers.
For fans, Che’s story adds a new layer of appreciation for an episode that was already considered legendary. It transforms the viewing experience, allowing audiences to understand the weight of expectation that made that night in December 2019 so unforgettable.
Being Eddie is currently streaming on Netflix, offering a comprehensive look at Murphy’s life and career. Saturday Night Live is on winter hiatus and is expected to return with new episodes in January.
For the fastest, most authoritative analysis of breaking entertainment news, stay tuned to onlytrustedinfo.com, where we provide immediate context and insightful commentary you won’t find anywhere else.
