‘Saturday Night Live’: Eddie Murphy will return for 40th anniversary special

Did Eddie Murphy just let the cat out of the bag when it comes to his eventual return to “Saturday Night Live“? We’re not entirely sure that it was supposed to be a secret, but Murphy has revealed the news nonetheless.

Speaking in an interview on “NewsOneNow,” the former cast member admitted that he is getting ready to return to the show for what will be his first appearance in 30 years. He left in 1984, and has never returned. There have been all sorts of rumors as a result of that, including feuds and other allegations that have never been confirmed.

So in case you are wondering why Eddie never made his way back to the famous studio in New York, he says that it was just about not finding the right time to do it until now:

“It’s just timing. It just never worked out where the timing was right for me to do [the show again] … It’s part of my life, ‘Saturday Night Live.’ Actually, they are having a 40th anniversary, I think, in two weeks. I’m going to that. That will be the first time I’ve been back since I left.”

Regardless of why he was not a part of the show the past few decades, we’re thrilled to see him back. It would be a shame to see him or any other “SNL” legend still alive not in attendance for this event. The show has had such an incredibly legacy that it cannot be ignored.

What do you want to see on the 40th anniversary special of “Saturday Night Live”? Share your thoughts with a comment, and head over here to preview this weekend’s episode featuring J.K. Simmons as host! Also, sign up right now to get some further TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)