Eddie Murphy’s ‘Scared Straight’ Sketch: The Perfect Detail You Missed!

The 2025 TV calendar has long since passed the SNL50 anniversary special, but stories about its incredible success continue to emerge. As we approach the conclusion of the guest list for SNL50, these memories will join the collection in our mental scrapbook for this year. One standout moment was likely Eddie Murphy’s performance in the “Scared Straight” sketch, which many consider among the best.

It appears that John Mulaney, a frequent host and experienced writer on Saturday Night Live, seemed to appreciate Eddie Murphy’s performances during the February primetime event. More recently, Mulaney discussed his insights about comedy on the Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend podcast, particularly focusing on the “Scared Straight.” Interestingly, when elaborating on this detail, something I hadn’t considered before, Mulaney mentioned…

Man, I tell you, in that single instant, it seemed as if I was watching an explosion of Saturday Night Live energy! This character, ‘All the Way Ray,’ who’s always giving it his all, had one side of his hair braided while the other stood tall and wild. It felt like they’d tailored a wig just for that moment, because it fit so perfectly with the joke Colin Jost had written, a joke so dumb yet hilarious. The sketch unfolded, and it was as if every department was pulling out all the stops. I couldn’t help but laugh at the sheer absurdity of it – the funniest, most ridiculous joke I’ve seen in a while!

Wow, I never thought about it before, but it’s hilarious how Ray in “Murphy’s All the Way Ray” isn’t fully braided, given his name! It’s such a clever touch, so subtle yet so audacious, it’s brilliant.

From its inception on October 11, 1975, the foundation of Saturday Night Live has always provided an opportunity for a cleverly delivered humorous blunder. In other words, Eddie Murphy’s most hilarious Saturday Night Live lines are a testament to his mastery of execution, which is one reason he was so beloved as a cast member from 1980 to 1984.

Discover the bargain that’s not just a “Scared Straight” sale: Peacock TV! This amazing offer is perfect for fans of Saturday Night Live, and anyone who enjoys NBC, Bravo, and Universsal content. For as low as $7.99 per month, or upgrade to the ad-free Peacock Premium for more convenience, you can stream every new episode of SNL live, and delve into the 50-year archive of hilarious comedy classics. Seize this deal now!

For those who have a Peacock subscription, they can effortlessly enjoy this “Scared Straight” skit from the SNL50 special without any hassle. Since we’re all gathered here, let’s take advantage of the moment and share a hearty chuckle. Here is the sketch that John Mulaney mentioned:

Scared Straight” is essentially an iconic Saturday Night Live sketch that thrives on a simple, humorous concept. However, when the right comedian takes control, it becomes even more hilarious. The combination of Eddie Murphy and Kenan Thompson as inmates, followed by the addition of Will Ferrell, significantly increases the laughter quotient.

I completely agree with Conan O’Brien’s account of Eddie Murphy’s performance at the 50th anniversary event being “mesmerizing.” It’s as if watching a legendary figure like Murphy perform is akin to witnessing magic. Additionally, that entire weekend had an undeniable air of something extraordinary, much like the viral story about Jon Hamm on SNL where a fortunate audience member experienced an unforgettable night.

That’s simply part of the enchantment associated with the unpredictable late-night era of Saturday Night Live. Given John Mulaney and others’ enduring admiration for it, I suspect we’ll continue to witness such magic in the future. Whether through witty sketches or, as demonstrated by Ego Nwodim’s recent interaction with the profane SNL crowd, that prediction seems quite safe to bet on.

Currently, you’re welcome to catch this long-standing American comic staple at 11:35 PM Eastern Time. You can watch it on NBC or Peacock’s live broadcast, just as you have for the past 50 years.

Or in shorter form:

Catch your favorite comedy show tonight at 11:35 PM ET on NBC or Peacock Live! It’s been a tradition for 50 years now.

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2025-04-15 21:07