The large SNL50 anniversary particular has been within the rearview mirror of the 2025 TV schedule for a while now. Nonetheless, there have nonetheless been bevy of tales surfacing, which double down on simply how nice it was. As we transfer in the direction of the tip of SNL50’s lineup of hosts and musical friends, these recollections might be added to the hypothetical scrapbook this yr has yielded. Among the many greatest parts, nevertheless, was arguably Eddie Murphy’s look within the “Scared Straight” sketch.
Frequent Saturday Night time Dwell host and veteran author John Mulaney appears to have loved Eddie Murphy’s performances throughout that February primetime occasion. When Mulaney just lately returned to the Conan O’ Brien Wants A Buddy podcast, the place he provided a bit of comedy geek evaluation on the “Scared Straight.” I used to be additionally pleasantly shocked when Mulaney talked about when element I by no means thought-about:
It felt like loads of Saturday Night time Dwell on show in a single second. He says he’s ‘All of the Approach Ray,’ as a result of he by no means does something midway, however his hair is braided on one half, after which sticking up [on the other]. And it was like that dumbass humorous joke that [Colin] Jost wrote, and the hair division made that wig particularly for that, it appeared excellent. And the sketch begins, and it’s simply type of like a broad contact, and he has that joke. It was simply loads of issues—each division [was] arduous at work. It was the funniest, dumbest joke.
I am unable to consider I did not notice that! The irony of Murphy’s “All of the Approach Ray” not having his hair absolutely braided, regardless of his title is clear. Then again, it is so refined, and it is an extremely cheeky piece of labor.
The bedrock of Saturday Night time Dwell, proper from that first present on October 11, 1975, has at all times included room for a “dumb joke” instructed with panache. On that word, in terms of Eddie Murphy’s funniest SNL strains, he actually is aware of the right way to nail his supply. That is one of many the reason why he was such a well-liked forged member between 1980 and 1984.
Clearly, these with a Peacock subscription can watch this “Scared Straight” sketch from the SNL50 particular with no downside. Since we’re all right here anyway, although, and there’s by no means a nasty time for snort, right here’s the sketch John Mulaney was speaking about:
Watch On
“Scared Straight” is just about the textbook instance of a Saturday Night time Dwell sketch that’s constructed on a “dumb joke,” however will get a lot mileage if the correct performer is within the driver’s seat. On condition that, seeing Eddie Murphy teamed with Kenan Thompson as a fellow prisoner, after which later including Will Ferrell to the combo, actually cranks up the laughs.
I completely consider Conan O’Brien’s recollection of watching Eddie Murphy with that fiftieth anniversary shindig being “mesmerizing,” as a result of watching a legendary forged member of this stature at work should be like watching magic. Then once more, that complete weekend gave the impression to be imbued with one thing particular, as steered by that viral Jon Hamm SNL live performance story the place a fortunate seatfiller had the evening of their life.
That’s simply a part of the magic that comes with Saturday Night time Dwell’s chaotic late-night historical past. Since John Mulaney and others proceed to carry it in such excessive regard, I’d wish to suppose we’ll proceed to see that occur for a while. With each intelligent sketch writing, or within the case of Ego Nwodim’s current brush with profane SNL crowd participation, that’s an assumption you possibly can put some cash on.
For now, although, you’ll be able to get pleasure from this American comedic establishment at 11:35 PM ET, both on NBC or Peacock’s dwell stream, on the identical evening it’s at all times inhabited for 50 years.