Eddie Murphy Moves Into Scripted Tv—what Is "the Chairman" About?

Eddie Murphy is coming to your living room. Again. But this time, it’s not a movie. It’s a TV series. And yes, that is a big deal.

Remember when Eddie ruled Thursday nights?

Way back in the 80s, he was a cast member on Saturday Night Live. Then he blew up into a movie legend. Now, at 63, he’s doing something he hasn’t done in decades: scripted television.

His new show is called The Chairman. It’s coming to Netflix. And the premise is pure Eddie Murphy chaos.

So, what is “The Chairman” about?

Eddie plays a guy who built a massive media empire. Think Oprah, but funnier. Then, he gets shockingly fired from his own company.

What does he do? He goes home. He moves back in with his very loud family. Cue the culture clash between a billionaire and his regular relatives.

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The weirdest part? It’s based on a true story.

The plot is loosely inspired by the real life of media mogul Don Cornelius (the creator of Soul Train). But don’t expect a history lesson. Eddie is going to loosen it up with jokes, wigs, and that trademark laugh.

One funny detail: the show was originally pitched as a drama. Eddie read it and said, “Nah, let’s make it a comedy.” Smart move.

Why this is so fun to talk about.

First, Eddie Murphy has not done a regular TV series since The PJs in 1999. That was a cartoon. This is live-action.

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Second, the man is a shape-shifter. He plays multiple characters in his movies. In The Chairman, he might do the same. Imagine Eddie Murphy playing his own grandma again. Pure gold.

Who else is in the cast?

Netflix isn’t spilling all the beans yet. But we know the show is created by Richard Brennan (Veep, The Office). That is a massive green flag for quirky, sharp humor.

Expect a mix of family sitcom zaniness and corporate satire. Think Arrested Development meets Coming to America.

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A quirky fact to impress your friends.

During the press tour for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Eddie said he wanted to do TV because “movies take too long.” He hates waiting. A TV series lets him shoot fast and be silly every week.

Also, he’s executive producer. That means every joke has his personal stamp. No studio interference.

The biggest reason to be excited.

Eddie Murphy is at a career peak. After winning an Emmy for Saturday Night Live and getting an Oscar nomination for Dolemite Is My Name, he’s on fire.

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The Chairman could be his biggest swing yet. It’s a chance to see him play a cranky, powerful, hysterically inappropriate old man. And we get 30-minute episodes, not a two-hour movie.

When can you watch it?

Netflix hasn’t set a date. But production is already happening. My guess? Late 2025 or early 2026. Mark your calendar.

Until then, watch Trading Places again. Practice your Eddie Murphy impressions. Because The Chairman is going to be a wild ride.