The Five Shocking Reasons Bill Murray Wants To Host SNL Again After 25 Years

Bill Murray's tenure on Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1977 to 1980 is one of the most celebrated, and often tumultuous, chapters in the show’s legendary history. As of this current date in December 2025, the comedy icon is back in the spotlight, not for a new film, but for candid remarks about the show that launched his career, including a surprising defense of the current cast and a strong hint about a long-awaited return to Studio 8H.

The conversation around Murray’s legacy is perpetually fresh, but recent interviews have provided a unique, updated perspective on his relationship with the show, his former castmates, and the transition from the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" to the next generation of comedic superstars. This is the definitive look at the man who stepped into the biggest shoes in comedy and redefined what an SNL star could be.

Bill Murray: Biography and SNL Profile

The journey of William James Murray, born September 21, 1950, is a masterclass in comedic evolution, starting from his roots in the Chicago improvisational scene and culminating in his status as a cinematic legend. His time on SNL was a pivotal, career-defining moment.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Full Name: William James Murray
• Date of Birth: September 21, 1950
• Place of Birth: Evanston, Illinois, U.S.
• Comedy Roots: The Second City, National Lampoon Radio Hour
• SNL Tenure: 1977–1980 (Seasons 2–5)
• Role on SNL: Repertory Player, Writer
• Joined SNL: Replaced original cast member Chevy Chase in 1977.
• Key Castmates: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Laraine Newman, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris.
• Notable SNL Characters: Todd DiLaMuca (The Nerds), Nick the Lounge Singer, Honker the Homeless Man, The Falconer.
• SNL Recognition: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series (1977).
• First Major Film Success (During SNL): Meatballs (1979).
• Notable Post-SNL Films: Caddyshack (1980), Ghostbusters (1984), Groundhog Day (1993), Lost in Translation (2003), and numerous collaborations with director Wes Anderson.

The Five Shocking Reasons Murray Wants a Studio 8H Return

Despite his status as a Hollywood icon, Bill Murray has only hosted Saturday Night Live once, way back in 1981. In a recent, highly-publicized interview on the Jason and Travis Kelce’s "New Heights" podcast, Murray revealed his strong desire to return, which would mark his first hosting gig in over four decades. His comments, delivered with his signature blend of sincerity and irreverence, reveal five key reasons why a hosting return is now a major possibility.

1. A Public Defense of the Current SNL Cast

Murray used his platform to directly address a common criticism: that the current iteration of SNL is "lousy" or not as good as the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" era. He firmly admonished the critics, arguing that the cast members are still doing excellent work and that the show remains relevant. This defense is a fresh take, demonstrating his continued respect for the show and its current trajectory under Lorne Michaels. Murray's public support is a powerful endorsement that could pave the way for a collaborative return.

2. The Loss of Anonymity and the Desire to Revisit the Source

Reflecting on his early days, Murray has often spoken about how joining SNL instantly evaporated his anonymity. Before he was a national presence, he was a Chicago improv comedian. The transition after replacing the immensely popular Chevy Chase was difficult, and he had to fight to find his footing alongside established stars like Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. A return now, as a celebrated elder statesman, would allow him to revisit the source of his fame on his own terms, having long since mastered the fame that SNL bestowed upon him.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

3. The Unfinished Business of a 25-Year Hosting Hiatus

Murray's last time hosting Saturday Night Live was in 1981, making his hosting hiatus over 40 years. He has openly stated his interest in hosting "this year," indicating a concrete and current desire to break the long streak. For a show that thrives on celebrating its history, bringing back one of its biggest stars after such a long absence would be a massive event, satisfying a curiosity-based intention from fans who want to see him on the iconic stage again.

4. Nostalgia and the Unexpected Bruce Willis Connection

In a recent anecdote, Murray revealed a surprising entity connection to his SNL days: Bruce Willis. He shared a story about Willis, before he was a star, doing "insane" odd jobs around the SNL studio, highlighting the chaotic, star-making environment of the late 70s. These reflections show Murray is actively reminiscing about his time there, suggesting a deep well of nostalgia that could easily be channeled into a fantastic hosting monologue and new sketches.

5. The Legacy of the Second Generation SNL Star

Murray's role in SNL history is unique. He was the first major cast replacement, successfully navigating the pressure of following a breakout star (Chevy Chase) and establishing himself among the legendary original cast. His characters, like the smarmy Todd DiLaMuca in "The Nerds" sketches with Gilda Radner's Lisa Loopner, and the sleazy Nick the Lounge Singer, were different from the physical comedy of Belushi or the rapid-fire impressions of Aykroyd. His return would be a celebration of the "second generation" of SNL talent, proving that the show’s legacy is built on its ability to evolve.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

The Evolution of a Comedic Persona

When Bill Murray joined SNL in Season 2, he introduced a different comedic sensibility. Where the original cast often relied on broad, high-energy characters, Murray perfected a shifty, seedy, and dryly sarcastic persona. This style was crucial for the show's transition after the departure of Chevy Chase.

His work on "Weekend Update" was a masterclass in deadpan delivery, often playing characters who were slightly off-kilter or morally ambiguous. This subtle, nuanced approach to comedy laid the groundwork for his later film career, moving from the broad comedy of Caddyshack and Ghostbusters to the melancholic, subtle performances in films like Lost in Translation.

The success of Murray, alongside the enduring brilliance of his castmates like Dan Aykroyd and Gilda Radner, cemented the show's topical authority and cultural relevance. Murray's Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series further underscores his creative impact, proving he was not just a performer but a key architect of the show's comedic voice during a crucial period of transition.

Ultimately, Bill Murray's desire to host Saturday Night Live again is more than just a celebrity cameo; it's a testament to the show's enduring power and his own evolving relationship with his past. Fans are holding their breath for the official announcement, hoping to see the legendary comedian bring his unique, world-weary charm back to the stage that first made him a star.