This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.wasntthatspecial.com

In many ways, Season Eight (1982-83) is the natural progression from Season Seven. Eddie Murphy continues to grow, eventually taking over the show to the point at which he actually hosts the show while being a cast member.

(This is almost entirely the result of a mix-up in which Nick Nolte, Murphy’s co-star in 48 Hours was supposed to host but pulled out. Nonetheless, the choice of Murphy to host and the fact that he launched the show by declaring “Live From New York, it’s the Eddie Murphy Show” caused some hurt feelings among the other cast members, specifically Joe Piscopo, who wanted to host the show as his Frank Sinatra character.)