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Eddie Murphy has been entertaining audiences for over four decades with his stand-up acts, Saturday Night Live performances, and films. Some of the comedian’s most popular work comes from early in his career. And two of his biggest stand-up specials are now available to stream on Netflix. 

Eddie Murphy speaks onstage at Spike TV's "Eddie Murphy: One Night Only" at the Saban Theatre
Eddie Murphy speaks onstage at Spike TV’s “Eddie Murphy: One Night Only” at the Saban Theatre | Christopher Polk/Getty Images

‘Eddie Murphy Delirious’ is on Netflix

A 16-year old Murphy started performing stand-up in 1976, touring comedy clubs all over the country. After appearing as a regular player on SNL in the early ‘80s, he became one of the country’s most famous comedians. 

In 1983, Murphy released Delirious, a stand-up special filmed in Washington D.C.’s DAR Constitution Hall. During the act, the comic does his infamous ice cream bit and talks about his childhood and family. He also jokes about celebrities and politicians, including Michael Jackson and Reagan. 

As funny as Murphy is, it’s safe to say that some material in Delirious can be considered offensive. The comedian jokes about AIDS and homosexuality, something he regrets in hindsight.  

“I deeply regret any pain all this has caused,” Murphy said of his act in 1996. “Just like the rest of the world, I am more educated about AIDS in 1996 than I was in 1981. I think it is unfair to take the words of a misinformed 21-year-old and apply them to an informed 35-year- old man.”

Netflix is also streaming ‘Eddie Murphy Raw’

After the success of Delirious, Murphy released his next comedy special, Raw, in 1987. He had become a Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated film and TV star by then, with popular projects like 48 Hrs, Trading Places, and Beverly Hills Cop under his belt. 

Raw opens with a Thanksgiving sketch scene depicting Murphy’s childhood. The clip features several celebrities including, Tatyana Ali, Samuel L. Jackson, and Damien Wayans. 

In the act, Murphy jokes about his childhood, romantic relationships, and sex. He also tells a story about his comedy mentor, Richard Pryor, and his biggest celebrity critic, Bill Cosby.  

Like Delirious, Raw also features jokes that some may find offensive. When talking to the New York Times recently, Murphy admitted that he also finds some of that old material cringe-worthy. 

“I was a young guy processing a broken heart, you know, kind of an a**hole,” the comedian admitted. “I now have a whole lifetime of experiences to draw upon. There was a time when I was at the center of everything, what I was doing, and how funny I was and how popular…I’m not at the center. Now my kids are and everything revolves around them.”

Eddie Murphy’s next stand-up special will be on Netflix

With the release of his 2019 film, Dolemite Is My Name, Murphy announced he would return to stand-up with a special for Netflix. When talking to Marc Maron for his WTF podcast, the comedian reflected on his time away from the stage and why he decided to come back. 

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“I was only gonna take a break for a year, then all of a sudden six years go by, and I’m sitting on the couch, and I could sit on the couch and not get off it, but I don’t want to the last bunch of sh*t they see me do [be] bullsh*t,” Murphy explained. “The plan was to go do Dolemite, Saturday Night Live, Coming 2 America, and then do stand-up and see how I felt afterward. At least then they’ll know I’m funny.” 

As of now, there is no official premiere date for Murphy’s new stand-up special. But fans can catch him in Coming 2 America, which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. 

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