By: Dylan Kemp
“This is the last episode of 2019 but if you’re black this is the first episode since I left back in 1984”
Eddie Murphy’s return to SNL brought the show it’s highest numbers in years. According to Deadline, the “fast official” Nielsen numbers ordered by NBC show that this was the highest-rated and most-watched episode of Saturday Night Live since May 13, 2017, with a 2.5 rating in adults 18-49 and 9.921 million viewers overall.
During his monologue, Murphy brought out fellow legendary comedians like Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, and Kenan Thompson, who is now the longest-tenured cast member in SNL history, having been on the show for 17 seasons. The episode featured Lizzo as the musical guest and saw the return of famous Murphy characters such as Mr. Robinson, Buckwheat, and Gumby.
The previous high was set by Melissa McCarthy during the May 13, 2017 episode with musical guest HAIM. There, SNL drew a 2.7 rating in 18-49, with 10.382 million viewers overall
The previous high for this season was the episode hosted by Will Ferrell on November 23rd. King Princess was the musical guest.
