>> after five golden years, lauren decided to leave and so did those close to him, including me, al frank. so nbc had to pick a new producer. now most knowledgeable people, as you might imagine, hoped it would be me, al frank. >> well there was a question of whether "saturday night live" would continue at all. whether it would die. >> press hasn't been overly kind. >> i read that stuff. >> saturday night live is saturday night dead. >> oh, come on. >> from yucks to yacks. >> and my favorite is vile from new york. >> it is funny. >> they were having a hard time. and then came the man to save the show, eddie murphy. ♪ there was buzz about him. you tuned in and there was this explosion of talent in front of your eyes. ♪ >> it really kind of rejuvenated the show.