In the lead-up to NBC's three-hour 50th anniversary celebration on February 16, the creative minds behind Saturday Night Live (SNL) have curated a retrospective of one sketch from each of its 50 seasons. Among these memorable performances is Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of James Brown in a hot tub, which marked Season 9 as an unforgettable highlight. This bizarre yet hilarious sketch not only showcased Murphy's comedic genius but also became a fan favorite over the years. Initially skeptical about the concept, Murphy trusted his writers and delivered a performance that has since become part of SNL lore. Fans can revisit this classic moment by tuning into SNL on Saturdays or streaming it on Peacock.

When Eddie Murphy joined SNL in the early '80s, he quickly became known for his dynamic impersonations of various celebrities. One of his most iconic portrayals was that of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul. In the ninth season, Murphy donned a velvet bathrobe adorned with "Hot Tub Man #1" on the back and transformed into a singing, dancing version of Brown. Set around a hot tub, the sketch features Murphy energetically performing a nonsensical song about getting into the hot tub while his band members enthusiastically respond to his questions. The scene culminates with Murphy dramatically stripping off his robe to reveal a gold speedo and eventually electrocuting himself with a microphone—a perfect blend of absurdity and humor.

The sketch initially raised eyebrows when the writers pitched it to Murphy. He recounted in a recent interview how perplexed he was by the idea of James Brown in a hot tub. However, after seeing it come to life, Murphy realized its comedic potential. The sketch's success was further solidified by James Brown's own approval. The soul legend not only enjoyed Murphy's impression but also expressed interest in having him play a serious role in a biopic about his life. Although Murphy did not ultimately take on the role, which went to Chadwick Boseman, Brown's endorsement speaks volumes about the respect Murphy earned through his performances.

Murphy's rendition of James Brown in the hot tub has left an indelible mark on SNL's history. Fans continue to reference and recreate this sketch decades later, proving its enduring appeal. The combination of Murphy's impeccable timing, the writers' creativity, and the sheer unpredictability of the scenario created a timeless piece of comedy. Even today, whenever someone steps into a hot tub, they might find themselves humming Murphy's catchy tune, a testament to the lasting impact of this legendary sketch.