Michael Che just pulled back the curtain on one of Saturday Night Live’s most electrifying moments in recent memory.
And it wasn’t just exciting—it was downright terrifying.
In Netflix’s new documentary Being Eddie, the “Weekend Update” co-anchor reveals what really went down behind the scenes during Eddie Murphy’s legendary 2019 return to Studio 8H after 35 years away from hosting duties.
What Che witnessed backstage might just change how you think about comedy legends.
The Most Tense Day in SNL History
After 11 years on Saturday Night Live’s cast—including time as head writer—Che has seen plenty of high-stakes television.
But nothing compared to Murphy’s return.
The Eddie Murphy show was the most tense start to a show I’ve ever been a part of. It was like scary almost, like this had to go well and we would be letting down Eddie Murphy if it was bad.
Murphy’s relationship with SNL runs deep. From 1980 to 1984, he didn’t just appear on the show—he saved it.
The comedy icon is credited with single-handedly carrying SNL out of an era plagued by rocky ratings. But in 1995, everything changed when cast member David Spade made a joke at Murphy’s expense, prompting the star to cut ties with the show for decades.
SNL Boss Had a Brilliant Solution
When Murphy finally agreed to return for the December 21, 2019 episode, SNL boss Lorne Michaels knew the opening monologue needed to be special.
According to Che, Michaels wanted Murphy to deliver something more personal because audiences simply wanted to hear the comedy legend speak. There was just one problem.
I think he was a little, not worried, but cautious of doing a monologue.
That’s when Michaels had a stroke of genius.
He invited back former cast members Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan, along with frequent host Dave Chappelle—all comedians heavily inspired by Murphy—to share the opening stage. Current star Kenan Thompson later joined them in what became a significant moment in SNL history.
Comedy Legends Calling Their Moms
What happened next reveals just how powerful Murphy’s influence remains on comedy’s biggest names.
Behind-the-scenes footage captured during rehearsal shows Chappelle admitting the experience was “one of the most exciting things I think I’ve ever done. Honestly.” Morgan immediately agreed.
But Che witnessed something even more remarkable in his own dressing room.
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. In my dressing room I’m watching them kind of geek out.
Think about that for a moment. Two of comedy’s most celebrated voices—Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock—reduced to excited kids calling home.
Chappelle put Murphy’s impact into perspective with a perfect metaphor.
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.
Chris Rock’s Bold Advice to Lorne Michaels
After the live episode wrapped, Rock approached Michaels with some memorable feedback.
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.’
Rock’s assessment wasn’t hyperbole. Murphy’s return generated massive buzz and delivered both critically and commercially.
The episode became an instant classic, validating every ounce of pressure Che described feeling beforehand.
Murphy’s Creative Resurgence
While Murphy hasn’t returned to host SNL since that 2019 episode, he did participate in multiple sketches during the show’s 50th-anniversary special earlier this year.
For Murphy himself, the experience marked more than just nostalgia—it reignited something essential.
Going back to Saturday Night Live was a great experience. My creative energy, everything had been turned back up to 10.
That creative resurgence speaks volumes about what the SNL return meant for Murphy personally. After decades away, stepping back into Studio 8H didn’t just satisfy fans—it reignited his own passion.
Why This Moment Matters
Che’s revelations highlight something often forgotten in entertainment: pressure exists at every level, even for legendary performers and their equally legendary peers.
The story also demonstrates the profound impact one person can have on an entire industry. Murphy didn’t just influence comedy—he shaped the careers of multiple generations of comedians who followed.
When icons like Chappelle and Rock become star-struck fans again, it reveals the timeless nature of true greatness.
Being Eddie is currently streaming on Netflix, offering viewers an intimate look at Murphy’s career and cultural impact. Saturday Night Live is expected to return with new episodes in January following its winter hiatus.