Michael Che’s Terrifying 'SNL' Moment: What Happened That Left Everyone Speechless?

Michael Che, the beloved comedian and "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) alum, recently opened up about an extraordinary moment in his career. After spending over a decade on the iconic sketch show, Che reflected on Eddie Murphy's highly anticipated return to the SNL stage in December 2019—a moment that was anything but lighthearted for those involved.

In the documentary "Being Eddie," Che recalled the intense atmosphere surrounding Murphy's comeback, saying, “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.” This episode marked Murphy's first time hosting SNL in 35 years, a significant milestone considering he was a cast member from 1980 to 1984 before leaving the show following a public spat with comedian David Spade.

Eddie Murphy's return was a dream for many in the comedy world, and SNL creator Lorne Michaels aimed to make it memorable. He suggested that Murphy’s opening monologue should be more personal, as audiences were eager to hear him share his thoughts. Che noted, “Because people just wanted to hear him talk.” With a mix of excitement and apprehension, Murphy took the stage, flanked by fellow comedians Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, and Dave Chappelle—each of whom had been inspired by Murphy’s groundbreaking career.

The stakes were undeniably high, but the camaraderie among the comedians was palpable. In the documentary, Chappelle pointed out, “This is one of the most exciting things I think I’ve ever done. Honestly,” while Morgan echoed the sentiment, declaring, “Yeah, I agree.” Che remembered a touching moment during rehearsal when he saw Rock and Chappelle calling their mothers to share the news that they were part of the Eddie Murphy show.

Rock later reflected on the episode, claiming, “It was one of the greatest ‘SNLs’ ever,” and humorously advised Michaels, “You should quit right now. It’s not gonna get any better than this.” This sentiment speaks to the gravity of Murphy's legacy in comedy and the excitement surrounding his return.

Murphy also returned to SNL in 2025 for the show's 50th-anniversary special, where he expressed his enjoyment, stating, “Going back to ‘Saturday Night Live’ was a great experience. My creative energy, everything had been turned back up to 10.” This illustrates not just Murphy's enduring influence but also the show's ability to evolve while maintaining ties to its rich history.

The backdrop of Murphy’s return also revisits a notable feud with David Spade, which stemmed from a 1995 SNL episode where Spade made a disparaging joke about Murphy. Spade recently reflected on this fallout in a podcast with fellow comedian Dana Carvey, admitting that Murphy “hated” him after the incident. “I do love Eddie Murphy,” Spade shared. “We had some bumps in the road along the way, early on. It was weird going from being a super fan to having him hate me overnight.” After nearly 30 years of silence, the two were able to reconcile during the 50th-anniversary special, marking a heartwarming end to a long-standing rift.

In the world of comedy, few moments are as significant as Murphy's return to SNL. It not only reiterated his impact as a trailblazer in the industry but also highlighted the collaborative spirit among comedians who have been shaped by his work. As Che, Chappelle, Rock, and Morgan shared the stage with Murphy, they not only celebrated a legendary figure but also redefined a chapter in SNL's storied history, weaving together the past with the present.