Eddie Murphy made waves once again during the 50th anniversary special of "Saturday Night Live," showcasing his unmatched talent for impressions, particularly one of fellow comedian Tracy Morgan. The special, which aired on February 17, 2025, featured one of the show’s signature sketches, "Black Jeopardy," and packed more laughs than ever at NBC's iconic Studio 8H at 30 Rock.
Kenan Thompson hosted the sketch as Darnell Hayes, known as Alex Treblack, and was joined by contestants Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, and, most memorably, Eddie Murphy reprising his role from classic SNL sketches. Right from the get-go, Thompson set the comedic tone with his opening line, "Welcome to 'Black Jeopardy,' the only 'Jeopardy' where every single viewer fully understood Kendrick's halftime performance," which playfully riffed on the recent Super Bowl show.
Eddie Murphy, who has been credited as one of the greatest comedians of all time, drew loud cheers from the audience with his take on Morgan, commanding the screen with exaggerated humor and outrageous anecdotes. He opened with dulcet familiarity: “Big dog gonna make some big money!” referencing Morgan's persona, which Thompson humorously countered, asking, "Don’t you already have a lot of money?”
Murphy's insistence on his luxurious taste (“I eat four-cheese lasagna. If they only got three cheeses, I ain’t eating it”) reminded viewers of the quirks Morgan is known for. This instantly set the tone for plenty of laughs as Thompson, embodying the straight man, tried to keep the sketch flowing. The humor delved even more when Murphy, deepening his Morgan impression, claimed, "Well, James Earl Jones is my biological father,” which drew playful disbelief from Morgan.
The categories during the game included clever titles such as “Look Here,” “Leave Bronny Alone,” and “White People,” whose very names echoed the cultural nuances SNL often satirizes. Thompson challenged the contestants to answer questions about cultural touchstones, like, “Which legendary late-night show created some of comedy’s biggest stars?” The silence was telling as Morgan guessed “in Living Color” before being guided to the right answer. Murphy quipped, “What is 'Showtime at the Apollo'?” before the buzzer buzzed him out, keeping the comedic timing razor-sharp.
Leslie Jones’s infectious energy nearly broke her character when she exclaimed, "This show has been on every Saturday for years, right, Darnell? And it’s got a host and a musical guest? Can I say the famous catchphrase?" Practically bursting with laughter, she claimed, “It’s 'Soul Train!'” showing the playful ignorance the characters often embody, much to Thompson's comedic dismay.
The surprise of the night came when Chris Rock appeared as himself, adding yet another layer to the comedy as he joked about being a long-time SNL fan. But the humor hit its peak when Tom Hanks showed up as Doug, hilariously donning a “Make America Great Again” hat and commenting on church attendance, offering commentary on social issues wrapped in the lighthearted atmosphere of the show. He posited, “If more folks went to church, we wouldn't be in this mess we're in now,” to which Thompson gladly shook his hand before the taping went to commercial.
With moments of laughter intertwining with poignant cultural observations, the sketch encapsulated what so many love about "SNL," particularly during such milestone occasions. Murphy's ability to gracefully dance between homage and hilarity reminded audiences why he is frequently referred to as the Greatest of All Time. His impressions transcend mere mimicry; they resonate with the heart of one of America’s most beloved comedic legacies. With each jibe and dig, he reinforces the notion of how impactful comedy can be when merged with cultural commentary.
All said, the 50th anniversary of "Saturday Night Live" celebrated not just its own legacy but the way it allows for diverse voices and perspectives to intertwine across the comedic fabric of America. Eddie Murphy's resurrection of beloved characterizations serves as both homage and innovation for future generations of comedians eager to leave their mark. It’s safe to say, the world can never get enough of this dynamic duo of Eddie Murphy and Tracy Morgan, especially when they’re sharing the stage.