Season 9.

Cast addition

Oct 22, 1983

Jim Belushi joins the cast

Belushi enters the repertory company with the third episode of the season.

Production event

Eddie Murphy records material around his film schedule

Murphy appears live in only eight episodes while prerecorded sketches keep him present through much of the season.

Production event

Dec 10, 1983

Saturday Night News changes anchors

Brad Hall leaves the anchor position after the December 10 broadcast; cast members and hosts rotate behind the desk for the rest of the season.

Production event

Jan 14, 1984

A fictional character hosts

Father Guido Sarducci, performed by Don Novello, becomes the first fictional character credited as an SNL host.

Cast departure

Apr 14, 1984

Eddie Murphy leaves during the season

Murphy makes his final live cast appearance on February 25; his last prerecorded cast piece airs April 14.

Production event

May 12, 1984

Billy Crystal hosts twice before joining the cast

Crystal hosts on March 17 and returns as one of five credited hosts for the season finale.

Cast departure

May 12, 1984

Four additional repertory players depart

Robin Duke, Brad Hall, Tim Kazurinsky and Joe Piscopo make their final cast appearances in the finale.